A lanyard is a strap worn around the neck that keeps an ID card, pass or key where it can be seen and reached. In most workplaces it is the simplest way to keep photo ID on show through the day. This guide explains what the word means, the parts of a lanyard, the widths and fittings available and why so many lanyards now include a breakaway.

What does lanyard mean?

The word describes a cord or strap used to hold something close to the body. It came into English from an old French word for a strap.

Today the word nearly always means the fabric neck strap that carries a staff badge, a visitor pass or a door access card.

The parts of a lanyard

A lanyard has three main parts:

  • The strap. This is a flat woven band, usually polyester. We also supply recycled RPET, bamboo, antimicrobial and reflective hi-viz straps.
  • The fitting. This is the clip at the end that holds the card, card holder or reel.
  • The safety release. Many styles add a breakaway connector, usually at the back of the neck.

Lanyard widths: 10mm, 15mm, 20mm and 25mm

Our lanyards come in four main widths.

  • 10mm is a narrow, light strap that suits plain colours or a short line of print.
  • 15mm is the width of our pre-printed role lanyards, with room for a word such as Staff or Visitor.
  • 20mm is a common plain width that also takes a logo with a short message.
  • 25mm is the widest option and gives the most space for printed artwork.

A wider strap spreads the weight of a card holder or badge reel across the neck. We also offer a 16mm strap that comes with a badge reel fitted.

Clip types

The fitting at the end of the strap decides what the lanyard can carry. Across our range you will find:

  • Plastic dog clip: light and simple, a good partner for a card in a holder.
  • Metal dog clip: a sturdier version of the same clip for daily wear.
  • Metal trigger clip: a sprung hook that opens with a small lever.
  • Metal lobster clip: a claw-shaped clasp that closes firmly around the card holder.
  • Crocodile clip: a small toothed clip that grips a badge or holder.
  • Badge reel: a retractable cord so the card can be pulled out to a reader and then wound back in.

We also stock styles with dual metal clips plus open-ended styles. To protect the card itself, pair any lanyard with one of our ID card holders.

What is a breakaway lanyard?

A breakaway is a plastic connector built into the strap. It stays closed in normal wear. If the lanyard is pulled hard the connector releases so the lanyard cannot be used to pull or choke the wearer.

That makes breakaway lanyards a sensible choice in schools, hospitals and care settings. The same goes for anywhere a strap could catch on a door handle or a piece of equipment.

Some lanyards carry more than one release point. Our NHS range offers one, two or three breakaways on a single strap. Most of our pre-printed Staff, Visitor and Student lanyards are 15mm wide with a breakaway.

One thing to bear in mind: because a breakaway is designed to part under strain, it works best with a light load such as a card in a holder. A heavy bunch of keys may open it during the day.

Plain, pre-printed or custom printed

Plain lanyards are single colours in packs of 25 and work with any card. The fittings are plastic or metal dog clips plus crocodile clips.

Pre-printed lanyards repeat a role along the strap, such as Staff, Visitor, Contractor, Student, Volunteer or First Aid. They come in packs of 100. Colour and wording together make each role easy to spot across a room.

Custom printed lanyards carry your own logo or artwork in widths from 10mm to 25mm. We print them in two ways:

  • Screen printing gives a one colour print in 14 to 21 days.
  • Dye sublimation reproduces full colour artwork in 15 to 20 working days. An express option takes around 10 to 12 days.

Choosing a lanyard for your site

Start with who will wear it:

  • Employees: staff lanyards in a set colour. A branded design with your logo works well too.
  • Guests: visitor lanyards in a contrasting colour so they stand out on reception and in corridors.
  • Schools and colleges: student lanyards, ideally with a breakaway.
  • Outdoor and site work: reflective hi-viz lanyards that catch the light.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a lanyard and a badge reel?

A lanyard goes around the neck. A badge reel clips to a belt or pocket and lets the card extend on a retractable cord. Some of our lanyards have a reel fitted at the end for the best of both.

Which lanyard width should I choose?

For a plain strap any width works. For printed wording 15mm gives room for a single word such as Staff. For a logo with a message 20mm or 25mm gives you more space.

Does a breakaway lanyard clip back together?

Yes. Once it has released the two halves of the connector push back together so the lanyard can be worn again.

What size card fits a lanyard card holder?

Our lanyard and card holder sets take a CR80 card, which measures 85.6 x 54mm. That is the same size as a bank card.

How long do custom printed lanyards take?

Screen printed lanyards take 14 to 21 days. Dye sublimation takes 15 to 20 working days with an express option of around 10 to 12 days.

Not sure which width, clip or print method suits your cards? Email sales@plastic-id.com or call 0203 744 2333 and we will help you choose from our full range of lanyards.