Your Guide To Printed Lanyards
Lanyard Printing Methods Explained: Which One Is Right for You?
If you’re ordering custom lanyards for your business, school, or event, choosing the right print method matters. Each type has its own strengths, and the best one depends on your design, your budget, and how the lanyards will be used.
In this guide, we’ll break down the four main options:
Let’s look at how each one works, along with the pros, cons, and ideal use cases.
Printed Polyester Lanyards
How it works:
Your logo or text is screen printed directly onto flat polyester material using ink and a stencil. It’s a popular, cost-effective method with bold results.
Advantages:
Great for solid logos and text
Clear and vibrant print
Works well with most designs
Good durability
Wide choice of colours and widths
Pantone colour matching available
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for very detailed or photographic designs
Ink can fade over time with heavy use
Not as premium-looking as nylon
Best for:
Staff lanyards, schools, events, general business use
Woven Lanyards
How it works:
Your logo or message is stitched into the lanyard material using thread — it’s not printed, but part of the fabric itself.
Advantages:
Very durable – won’t fade or wear off
Professional, embroidered look
No ink to crack or peel
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for complex logos or small text
Limited to simple, bold designs
Colour options depend on available thread shades
Best for:
Security teams, long-term staff use, schools, rugged environments
Printed Woven Lanyards
How it works:
Your design is screen printed onto tubular (shoelace-style) polyester material. The texture is softer and rounded compared to flat polyester.
Advantages:
Very budget-friendly
Comfortable to wear
Lightweight
Easy to produce in large volumes
Disadvantages:
Not ideal for detailed or fine logos
Slight curve in material can distort print
Lower print resolution than flat polyester or nylon
Best for:
Giveaways, events, conferences, temporary use
Printed Nylon Lanyards
How it works:
Your logo is screen printed onto high-gloss nylon. The smooth surface gives sharper, more detailed results compared to other materials.
Advantages:
Very sharp and clear print
Ideal for detailed logos or small text
High-end appearance
Durable and long-lasting
Pantone matching available
Disadvantages:
More expensive than polyester or tubular
Slightly thicker material may not suit all preferences
Best for:
Corporate events, VIP access, detailed branding, trade shows
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Polyester Print | Woven | Tubular Print | Nylon Print |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print Detail | Good | Low | Fair | Excellent |
| Durability | Good | Excellent | Fair | Excellent |
| Best For | General Use | Rugged Environments | Budget / Giveaways | Premium Branding |
| Small Text / Detail | Fair | Poor | Poor | Excellent |
| Cost | Mid-range | Mid-range | Low | High |
| Finish | Matte / Flat | Woven Texture | Soft / Tubular | Smooth / Glossy |
| Pantone Matching | Yes | Limited by thread | Yes | Yes |
So, Which Method Is Right For You?
Need a reliable, all-around option? Go with screen printed polyester.
Want something tough and built to last? Choose woven lanyards.
Working with a tight budget or large quantity? Pick tubular lanyards.
Looking for premium quality and sharp detail? Opt for printed nylon.
If you’re still not sure which is right for your project, just ask. We’re happy to help you choose the best lanyard type based on your logo, usage, and budget.