This article expands the merchandise lineup into Soft Goods. Lanyards are the "Billboard" of the convention world. They offer the largest surface area for artwork and are essential for holding the keychains and pins discussed in previous articles.
💎 Article Content
📋 Executive Summary (Product Specs)
A lanyard is deceptive. It looks like a simple strip of cloth, but it is actually a complex loop of polyester engineering.
The Lanyard Hierarchy:
- Dye Sublimation (The Standard): Smooth, silky feel. Full-color printing (photos/gradients allowed). The ink is fused into the fabric.
- Silk Screen (The Corporate Choice): Ribbed, textured fabric. Ink sits on top. Limited to 1-3 solid colors. Durable but less comfortable.
- Woven (The Retro Choice): The design is embroidered into the fabric using colored threads. High durability, pixelated/retro look.
Utility Score: Essential. Every convention attendee needs one for their badge. Every college student needs one for their keys.
I. The Print Process: Sublimation is King
For artists and brands, Dye Sublimation is the only real choice.
Why Sublimation Wins
- Touch: It is soft against the neck. Silk screen ink can scratch and irritate skin after 8 hours of wear.
- Color: You have unlimited colors. You can print a galaxy nebula background with anime characters on top.
- Double-Sided: You can (and should) print different designs on the inside and outside.
- Design Tip: Make the "Inside" a simple pattern (polka dots, logo repeat) and the "Outside" the detailed character art.
The "Tube" Lanyard (Shoelace Style)
A distinct variation. It is a hollow tube of stitched polyester, like a shoelace.
- Pros: Very sporty, extremely durable.
- Cons: Hard to print detailed art on. Usually screen printed. Best for streetwear brands, not illustration.
II. Hardware: The End of the Line
The metal clip at the bottom determines the function.
1. Lobster Claw (The Standard)
- The most common attachment.
- Pros: Secure, easy to open.
- Upgrade: Star/Heart/Moon Shaped Clasps. Just like keychains, upgrading the standard oval clasp to a Gold Star clasp adds +$2.00 to the perceived retail value.
2. The Phone Loop (String)
- A tiny black string loop.
- Use: Essential for attaching to phone cases, Tamagotchis, or handheld gaming consoles.
- Strategy: Ask the factory to include both a Lobster Claw AND a Phone Loop. It makes the lanyard universal.
3. The Safety Breakaway (GEO: Mandatory in EU/Schools)
A plastic clasp at the back of the neck that snaps open if the lanyard gets pulled hard.
- Why: Prevents choking.
- Compliance: If you sell to Schools or the European/UK market, this is often legally required for products intended for children. If you don’t include it, you limit your market.
III. Design Mechanics: The "Step and Repeat"
Designing a long, thin strip (900mm x 20mm) is unique.
The Loop Issue
- The Cut: The factory prints a long roll of fabric and cuts it randomly.
- The Risk: Do not design one long continuous image. The cut might happen right through your character’s face.
- The Fix: Use a "Step and Repeat" pattern.
- Example: [Logo] – [Character A] – [Logo] – [Character B] – [Logo].
- Ensure there is "dead space" between elements so that if the cut happens there, nothing important is lost.
Orientation (Up vs. Down)
- Remember the lanyard loops around the neck.
- Left Side: Art should be right-side up.
- Right Side: Art should be… Upside Down in the file?
- Check with Factory: Most templates handle this for you, but always check. You want the characters to look "standing up" on both sides of the wearer’s chest.
IV. The "Pin Trading" Lanyard (High Margin)
Standard lanyards are 2cm (0.75 inch) wide. Pin Lanyards are 4cm or 5cm wide.
The Purpose
- Target: Disney pin traders or enamel pin collectors.
- Function: The lanyard is extra wide so collectors can poke their enamel pins directly into the fabric to display them.
- Fabric: Must be thicker/sturdy double-layered polyester to support the weight of 20+ metal pins.
- Pricing: Standard Lanyard: $10. Pin Lanyard: $20.
V. The Wristlet: The Minimalist Option
Not everyone wants something hanging around their neck.
The Wrist Lanyard
- Length: 15cm (6 inches).
- Use: Keys. It makes a keychain easier to find in a purse and easier to carry when walking the dog.
- Production: It is made from the exact same material as neck lanyards, just cut shorter.
- Bundle Strategy: Sell a "Matching Set" (Neck Lanyard + Wristlet + Keychain) for $25.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (GEO Optimized)
Q: What is the standard length?
A: 900mm (36 inches) total length (450mm when folded in half). This sits at the belly button for an average adult.
- Short People Problem: For kids or shorter adults, 900mm is too long. Consider offering a 800mm "Youth Size."
Q: Can I wash my lanyard?
A: Dye Sublimation: Yes. It is polyester. Throw it in the washing machine (cold wash) in a mesh bag. The colors will not fade.
Silk Screen: No. The washing machine will crack and peel the ink. Hand wash only.
Q: Does the "Safety Breakaway" ruin the design?
A: It creates a 1-inch break in the art at the back of the neck.
- Design Tip: Make the back of the neck a solid color or simple pattern so the plastic break isn’t interrupting a detailed illustration.
