If you're ordering custom printed lanyards, one of the first decisions you'll make is whether to choose single-sided or double-sided lanyard printing. At first glance the difference may seem straightforward, but the print option you choose can affect how your branding is seen, how professional your lanyards look and whether they suit the way they'll be worn every day.
Many buyers simply choose the standard option because they're unfamiliar with the alternatives. Others automatically assume double-sided printing is always better. In reality, the right choice depends on who will wear the lanyards, how they're used and what you want them to achieve.
This guide explains the differences between single-sided and double-sided lanyard printing, introduces the different lanyard print types available from We Print Lanyards, and helps you decide which option best suits your organisation.
Why Choosing the Right Print Type Matters
Lanyards are worn in all kinds of environments, from schools and hospitals to offices, conferences and visitor attractions. They help display ID cards, improve workplace identification and reinforce your organisation's branding.
Because lanyards naturally twist as people move around, the amount of branding that remains visible depends on how they're printed. Choosing the right print type means your organisation gets the appearance and functionality you're expecting before production even begins.
Is Double-Sided Lanyard Printing Worth It?
For organisations where branding needs to stay visible from both sides, double-sided lanyard printing is often worth the additional investment. If your lanyards are mainly used for internal staff identification, single-sided printing is usually more than adequate. The best choice depends on how the lanyards will be worn, how often they twist and how important consistent branding is to your organisation.
What Does Single-Sided Lanyard Printing Look Like?
Single-sided printing is the standard option chosen for many workplace identification systems.
With this style, your logo or artwork is printed on one side of the lanyard. As the wearer moves, the reverse side may occasionally face outwards, meaning your branding is not always visible.
At We Print Lanyards, the standard Type A lanyard features a repeating artwork design that runs continuously along the strap. As part of the manufacturing process, the printed artwork naturally passes through the safety breakaway and trigger clip, creating a continuous repeating pattern around the lanyard. This is the standard production option unless otherwise specified.
For many organisations, this provides an excellent balance between appearance, quality and value.
What Does Double-Sided Lanyard Printing Look Like?
Double-sided lanyard printing applies artwork to both sides of the strap.
Because logos remain visible whichever way the lanyard twists, it creates a more consistent appearance when worn throughout the day. This is particularly useful where branding forms part of the customer experience or where delegates, visitors or attendees will frequently see the reverse of the lanyard.
Double-sided printing is commonly chosen for:
- Conferences and exhibitions
- Corporate events
- Universities
- Visitor attractions
- Front-of-house teams
- Customer-facing workplaces
Although there is typically a modest additional cost, many organisations feel the improved presentation makes it worthwhile.
Understanding Type A, Type C and Type E Lanyards
Alongside choosing between single and double-sided printing, We Print Lanyards also offers different production types that determine how your artwork appears across the finished lanyard.
Type A Lanyards
Type A is the standard production method.
Your artwork repeats continuously along the length of the lanyard, with logos and text naturally continuing through the breakaway and trigger clip.
For everyday workplace identification, this remains the most popular option.
Type C Lanyards
Type C provides greater control over how the reverse of the lanyard looks.
Depending on your chosen finish, the reverse can either match the front colour or use a contrasting colour while keeping the printed artwork on the front.
This option is often chosen where branding and presentation are more important.
Type E Lanyards
Type E offers the most refined finish.
Instead of using a continuous repeating pattern, the artwork on the front and reverse is carefully aligned so logos match across both sides, with a tolerance of approximately 10mm. This production method is available on suitable jobs with a minimum order quantity of 25 lanyards.
For premium branding, this creates the cleanest overall appearance.
Which Print Type Is Right for Your Organisation?
The right choice depends on how your lanyards will be used rather than simply choosing the most expensive option.
As a general guide:
- Choose Type A or standard single-sided printing if you're ordering staff ID lanyards, visitor lanyards or workplace identification for everyday use.
- Choose double-sided printing if branding needs to remain visible throughout the day or your lanyards will be worn at conferences, exhibitions or promotional events.
- Choose Type C if you want greater control over the reverse colour while keeping a professional branded finish.
- Choose Type E if presentation is especially important and you want artwork aligned across both sides of the lanyard.
Spending a little time considering how the finished lanyards will actually be worn often leads to a better result than simply selecting the default option.
How We Print Lanyards Can Help
Choosing between single-sided and double-sided lanyard printing doesn't need to be complicated.
Because every organisation is different, the most suitable option depends on your branding, your intended use and the look you're trying to achieve. The team at We Print Lanyards can explain the available print types, review your artwork before production and recommend the option that best suits your order.
Alongside custom printed lanyards, we also manufacture printed ID cards, visitor lanyards, stock lanyards, card holders and complete workplace identification solutions, all produced in-house in Derbyshire using recycled rPET material as standard for custom printed lanyards.
Whether you're ordering for a school, business, healthcare organisation, charity or event, we'll help you choose the print option that gives you the best result.
Ready to get started? Get a Quote today.