Choosing a lanyard might seem straightforward, but selecting the right width and length can make a noticeable difference to comfort, durability and how well your workplace identification works day to day.
Many organisations simply reorder the same size they've always used. However, the best choice often depends on how the lanyard will be used, who will be wearing it and what it needs to carry.
Whether you're ordering for a school, workplace, healthcare setting, event or visitor management system, understanding lanyard width and length helps ensure you choose a solution that's practical, comfortable and suited to your organisation.
This guide explains the most common lanyard sizes used in the UK, what they're best suited for and what to consider before placing your next order.
What Is the Most Common Lanyard Width and Length?
Most organisations choose a lanyard around 20mm wide with a standard adult length of approximately 900mm. This combination offers a good balance between comfort, visibility and durability, making it suitable for carrying staff ID cards, visitor passes and access cards across a wide range of workplaces.
Why Lanyard Width and Length Matter
Lanyards are worn throughout the working day, often for many hours at a time.
A lanyard that is too narrow may not showcase your branding as clearly as you'd like. One that is wider than necessary may feel bulkier for everyday use. Likewise, the overall length affects how comfortably an ID card sits, how easily it can be scanned and how practical it is for different working environments.
Rather than choosing a size because it's considered "standard", it's worth thinking about how your lanyards will actually be used.
Questions worth asking include:
- Will staff wear their lanyards all day?
- Are they carrying one access card or several credentials?
- Is branding an important consideration?
- Will the lanyards be used indoors, outdoors or at events?
- Are there any safety considerations for the environment?
Answering these questions usually makes selecting the right size much easier.
Understanding Standard Lanyard Widths
Different widths offer different advantages depending on the application.
15mm Lanyards
A narrower lanyard creates a lightweight, comfortable option for everyday wear.
It is often chosen where the ID card is the primary focus rather than the lanyard itself, or where staff wear the lanyard continuously throughout the day.
20mm Lanyards
This is one of the most popular custom lanyard widths because it balances comfort with branding.
The wider surface provides more space for logos and printed text while remaining comfortable enough for everyday workplace use. It suits corporate offices, schools, healthcare organisations, visitor attractions and many public sector environments.
25mm Lanyards
A wider lanyard provides greater visibility for branding and messaging.
This size is often selected for conferences, exhibitions, promotional events or organisations wanting their branding to stand out more prominently. It also provides additional support where multiple cards or heavier accessories are carried.
The right width ultimately depends on what you want the lanyard to achieve rather than simply choosing the widest or narrowest option available.
Choosing the Right Lanyard Length
While width often receives the most attention, length is equally important.
A standard adult lanyard is designed so an ID card sits comfortably around the chest, making it easy to display, scan or access throughout the day.
For most organisations, a standard length works perfectly well. However, there are situations where an alternative may be worth considering.
For example, children's lanyards or shorter options may be more suitable in certain education settings, while some specialist environments may require different configurations depending on how identification is worn alongside uniforms or protective clothing.
The aim is always the same: ensuring identification remains comfortable, practical and easy to use.
Matching Lanyard Size to the Right Use
There isn't a single lanyard size that's right for every organisation.
Different workplaces have different priorities, which is why considering the intended use before ordering often leads to a better result.
For example:
- Schools may prioritise comfort, safety features and clearly visible staff identification.
- Corporate workplaces often choose widths that provide a professional appearance while showcasing company branding.
- Events and conferences may benefit from wider lanyards where branding and sponsorship visibility are important.
- Healthcare organisations often balance comfort with durable workplace identification that staff wear throughout long shifts.
- Warehouses and industrial environments should consider safety features such as breakaway fittings alongside the most practical size for everyday use.
Thinking about how the lanyards will be used is usually more valuable than focusing solely on measurements.
When Should You Consider a Different Size?
Most organisations are well served by standard lanyard dimensions, but there are occasions where choosing something different makes sense.
You may wish to consider a different width or length if:
- Your branding contains detailed logos that benefit from additional print space.
- Staff carry multiple access cards, visitor passes or credentials.
- The lanyards form part of an event where sponsor visibility is important.
- You require children's sizes or shorter lanyards.
- Your workplace has specific safety or operational considerations.
Choosing the right size should always support how the lanyard will be used rather than simply following convention.
Choosing More Than Just the Right Size
Width and length are only part of the overall specification.
Many organisations also consider attachments, breakaway fittings, printed ID cards and card holders when ordering their workplace identification.
At We Print Lanyards, we supply complete identification solutions, including custom printed lanyards, printed ID cards, card holders, visitor lanyards and accessories, helping organisations create a consistent system from a single supplier.
Because our custom printed lanyards are manufactured in the UK using recycled rPET material as standard, customers can choose the size, branding and accessories that best suit their organisation without compromising on quality.
Finding the Right Size Doesn't Need to Be Complicated
Choosing the right lanyard width and length isn't about finding a universally "correct" size. It's about selecting the option that works best for your staff, visitors and workplace.
Taking a few extra minutes to consider comfort, branding, visibility and everyday use can make a real difference to how effective your workplace identification is over the long term.
If you're unsure which size would suit your organisation best, the team at We Print Lanyards is happy to help. Whether you're ordering for a school, office, healthcare provider, charity or event, we'll help you choose the most suitable solution for your requirements.
Ready to create your next order? Design Your Lanyard today.