Lanyards

Lanyards are widely used wherever cards or badges need to be worn clearly and accessed easily throughout the day. They are a common choice for staff identification, visitor passes, contractor badges, student cards and event accreditation, offering a straightforward way to keep identification visible and close at hand.

With a wide range of styles and uses, lanyards can suit many different working environments and issuing requirements. Some are selected for simple everyday badge wear, while others are chosen for printed branding, department identification or more specific healthcare and workplace applications.

Lanyards for ID cards, badges and passes

Lanyards are used across a wide range of sectors because they provide a simple and effective way to carry identification. In many organisations, they are part of the standard issue for staff, visitors, contractors or temporary personnel. They can also be used alongside card holders and badge accessories where a more complete card-carrying setup is required.

For related products that work alongside lanyards, you can also browse our ID card accessories and ID card holders categories.

Plain lanyards

Plain lanyards are often chosen where a simple, functional product is needed without printed branding or custom text. They are commonly used for workplace identification, schools, visitor management, temporary passes and general badge carrying where practicality is the main priority.

They can also be useful where organisations prefer a clean and straightforward look or where different colours are used as part of an internal issue system.

Printed lanyards

Printed lanyards are a popular option where branding, organisation names or repeated text are required. They can be used for staff identification, events, exhibitions, promotional use and other situations where a more recognisable or branded presentation is preferred.

Printed options can also help distinguish departments, roles or issuing groups more clearly where that is part of the identification setup.

NHS and healthcare lanyards

NHS and healthcare lanyards are commonly used in hospitals, clinics, surgeries and other healthcare environments where visible identification is important. These products can be useful for everyday staff identification and badge wear in healthcare-related settings.

For a more specific healthcare-focused selection, browse our NHS lanyards category.

Lanyards for everyday workplace use

Lanyards are used across offices, warehouses, schools, factories, healthcare settings, visitor reception points and event environments. They are often chosen because they offer a simple way to keep cards and badges visible without the need for constant handling or pocket storage.

Where cards need to be worn clearly throughout the day, lanyards can be one of the most practical identification accessories available. They can also be paired with holders or badge fittings depending on the type of card being used.

Lanyards with holders and related accessories

In many identification setups, lanyards are used alongside holders, reels or other attachment options rather than on their own. This can be especially useful where the card needs additional protection, clearer display or a different presentation method during use.

To complete a wider card setup, browse our ID card accessories range and our ID card holders section. For broader card requirements, you can also view our photo ID card printing page.

Who uses lanyards?

Lanyards are suitable for many different issuing environments, including:

• staff identification in workplaces and public-facing sites
• visitor and contractor pass systems
• schools, colleges and training centres
• events, exhibitions and temporary accreditation
• healthcare and NHS-related identification
• general badge and pass carrying

They are widely used because they suit both permanent and temporary identification needs across many different sectors.

Choosing the right lanyard

When selecting lanyards, it helps to consider:

• whether a plain or printed style is required
• whether the lanyard will be used on its own or with a card holder
• whether the application is general workplace use, events, education or healthcare
• whether a specific colour or style is already needed
• whether a more focused option, such as NHS lanyards, is the better fit

Choosing the right style from the start can make everyday badge and card use more straightforward and better suited to the working environment.

Related categories

• NHS lanyards
• ID card accessories
• ID card holders
• Photo ID card printing

Frequently asked questions

What are lanyards used for?

Lanyards are used to wear and display ID cards, badges and passes in workplaces, schools, healthcare settings, events and visitor environments.

Do I need plain or printed lanyards?

That depends on the application. Plain lanyards are often chosen for general use, while printed lanyards are commonly used where branding or repeated text is required.

Can lanyards be used with card holders?

Yes, many lanyards are used alongside card holders and related accessories. Matching the setup to the type of card being carried is important.

Are NHS lanyards available separately?

Yes. Healthcare-focused options can be found in our NHS lanyards category.

Should I also order holders with my lanyards?

In many cases, a holder can be useful where the card needs extra protection or clearer display. Related options are available in our ID card holders section.