Polyester and nylon are the two most common lanyard fabrics, and they look similar at a glance — but they behave quite differently when it comes to printing, finish, and cost. This short guide explains the practical differences so you can choose the right material for your custom lanyards.
Polyester Lanyards: The Versatile Standard
Polyester is the workhorse of the lanyard industry. It's affordable, prints beautifully with both screen printing and dye sublimation, and holds color exceptionally well. The surface has a slight matte texture. Because it's the only fabric compatible with sublimation, polyester is the go-to choice for colorful, detailed, or photographic designs. For roughly 80% of custom lanyard orders, polyester is the right pick.
Nylon Lanyards: The Premium Feel
Nylon has a softer hand and a subtle sheen that many describe as more premium or luxurious. It's smooth to the touch and slightly more water-resistant than polyester. However, nylon does not accept dye sublimation, so multi-color and photographic printing isn't possible — nylon is printed via screen printing only, limiting it to solid spot colors. Nylon also costs a bit more than polyester.
Printing Compatibility
This is the deciding factor for many buyers. Polyester supports both sublimation (unlimited colors) and screen printing. Nylon supports screen printing only. If your design has more than three colors, gradients, or photographs, you must use polyester. If your design is a simple one- to three-color logo and you want a glossier, premium feel, nylon is a great choice.
Cost and Availability
Polyester is the more economical option and is stocked in a wide range of colors. Nylon typically costs 10-20% more and has a slightly more limited color range. For budget-conscious bulk orders, polyester almost always wins on price.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose polyester if: you want full-color or sublimated designs, you're price-sensitive, or you need fast turnaround. Choose nylon if: you want a premium glossy finish, your design is one to three solid colors, and the elevated feel justifies the extra cost — common for luxury brands and high-end corporate gifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sublimate on nylon?
No. Dye sublimation only bonds with polyester fibers. Nylon lanyards are printed via screen printing, limiting them to solid spot colors.
Which is more premium, polyester or nylon?
Nylon has a softer, glossier feel that's often perceived as more premium, but high-quality polyester also looks and feels excellent — especially with vibrant sublimated designs.
Which is cheaper?
Polyester is generally 10-20% cheaper than nylon and comes in more color options.
Which is more durable?
Both are highly durable. Nylon is slightly more water-resistant, while polyester holds printed color better over time.
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