Wristbands may seem trivial, but the right material can make check-in easier, boost security, and even influence how guests feel about the event afterward.
The problem is, there isn’t a clear fix: Tyvek, vinyl, and cloth bands all have a role to play. The choice comes down to what you want to get out of the wristbands and the kind of event you’re planning.
And while Tyvek bands are still popular for budget-conscious planners looking for paper wristbands for events, that’s far from the only choice on the market.
Tyvek: The Tried (and True) Bargain Option
It’s no coincidence that planners keep purchasing Tyvek wristbands. They are light, tear-resistant, and once locked, there is no hope of getting them off. They are perfect for single-use events where spending the least amount of money and time for the most convenience.
For all these reasons, they get used for school field trips, community festivals, student clubs, fundraisers, fairs, and live events. Not to mention that they are water-resistant and they feature a tamper-evident adhesive closure. If the weather happens to take a turn, they still will be hanging in there!
If you are on a tight budget and need something to track your big attendance, stick to Tyvek.
Vinyl: The Durability Upgrade
Vinyl wristbands are a step up from Tyvek. They’re more durable, hold up against water, heat, and constant use, and are popular for events that last multiple days, as well as at water parks and vacation resorts.
Compared to a paper band, they’re less likely to crease or fray after multiple days of use. Plus, they can be customized with a logo, color, or printed design to feature a barcode, sequential numbering, or your organization’s brand.
When you have attendees who need to wear the same band throughout an event, vinyl is an upgrade to consider.
Cloth: The Stylish Sweet Spot
Cloth wristbands are increasingly being incorporated into the events and activities that sponsors provide for festival goers, convention attendees, and special guests. They are soft and comfortable against the skin enough that guests will wear them for multiple days, potentially weeks or months after the meet-up ends.
This makes them pass the access test. They are part of the event and sometimes a take-home experience as well.
Custom cloth wristbands are extremely flexible for conveying your logo, event name, brand colors, branding, and brand messaging, whatever you want to make sure that your guests will remember about your experience and brand.
What Bands Should You Consider?
The ideal wristband may not be the most expensive one. Instead, it’s the one that best serves your purpose, the goals of the event, and the guests.
Tyvek is best for budget-friendly single-day use. Vinyl is waterproof, so it is perfect for use over multiple days or for on-water events. Cloth is perfect for onsite costume changes, providing guests with an experience and a souvenir.
When you place your order, think through how long the guest will be wearing the wristband, the vibes of the festival or event, and how you want the guest to feel when they leave. By doing this, you can remove all friction from the check in/check out experiences from when the guest makes their purchase to when they leave post-event.
