As a self-proclaimed fashionista, you’re not about to let your ID card cramp your style.
However, you also don’t want to lose it — or run the risk of looking unprofessional in the workplace.
The solution?
Design chic and on-brand lanyards that will help you to express yourself while making sure your ID card is never out of sight.
So, how can you pull off the perfect design that combines both form and function?
Keep on reading this post to find out.
Step One: Choose the Right Material
The first step towards designing the kinds of lanyards that will hold your ID badge without cramping your style?
Focus on choosing the right material.
When you’re making this decision, you should think about durability as well as the overall look. After all, nothing makes you look less put-together than a frayed, ratty lanyard worn around your neck or sticking out of your pocket.
If you’re more interested in a skinnier look that won’t scratch at your neck, then we suggest you go with a corded material. Not only is this one of the thinnest materials, it can also be braided for a chic look.
If you want a material with a more minimalist look when we suggest you go with a woven look. This is also an awesome material if you plan to include text on your lanyard design, and want to make it pop.
If you want material with a little bit of a sheen to it — and one that can stand up to serious wear and tear — then select nylon threads.
If you want the classic look, then go with flat polyester, the most popular kind of material for lanyards. They’re also the most affordable option, but are best suited for solid colors without any text printing on them. If you want the feeling of polyester but want to be able to print words on your lanyards, then go with dye-sublimated polyester.
Step Two: Select the Right Attachment
Next up in the design process?
It’s time to start thinking about the kind of attachment that would look the best with your lanyards. As with the materials, this is all about combining both form and function.
After all, the last thing you want to deal with is a lost ID card or driver’s license — especially before 9:00 AM.
Popular attachments include the classic keyring, which means that you’ll need to clip a hole in your ID card and thread it through.
You can also select a bulldog clip, which means that you won’t need to punch any holes in your card. This option is best suited for those who don’t wear their ID cards often.
The lobster claw is another popular attachment, and also leaves you plenty of room to throw on your keys or even wear multiple ID cards.
If you wear your ID card throughout the day, however, you’ll need an attachment option that’s a little bit more sturdy. It’s likely that the plastic buckle release design will be your best option.
When you hear the “click,” you’ll know that everything is exactly in place.
Another popular attachment option for those who need to wear their ID badges throughout the day?
Try the retractable badge reel, which looks and works a little bit like a tape measure. Simply pull down on your ID card to move it towards wherever it needs to go.
Step Three: Time to Design
Now that you’ve done the more difficult parts of your lanyard design, it’s time to focus on the fun parts — the colors, logos, and words you’d like to choose!
Of course, if you’re in a professional setting, this might limit the kinds of words and pictures you can include in your design. You don’t want your clothing and accessories to make you look unprofessional.
The solution?
Go for a branded look!
Choose your company colors, and to switch it up, have your position/title printed all across the lanyard string. If your company has a mascot or a logo, be sure to include that in your overall design!
Be prepared, however: your coworkers are definitely going to want to steal your look!
Tips on how to Wear Lanyards
Now that you’ve designed your ID card holder, it’s time to think about the best ways to wear them.
We love the idea of clipping them onto your purse or messenger bag, especially if you don’t want to have to remember to clip it on your new outfit every day.
You can even look your lanyard around your wrist and wear it as a bracelet (though this works best with thinner cords.)
If you really want to push the style envelope, you can wrap it around a belt loop for easy access.
Finally, you can also try wearing it the most classic way of all: around your neck.
Need more Outfit Advice?
We hope that, whether you’re heading to work or out to a festival that requires you to have an ID badge, this post has helped you to learn how to design chic lanyards that match any outfit.
Of course, we also know that you might need some assistance in putting the perfect outfit together in the first place!
Don’t panic — we’ve got you covered.
No matter your style preference or the occasion you’re dressing for, we can help you to create a look that’s perfect for you.
Check out our website and blog for more awesome tips on how to express yourself through style.
