picture of a teenager wearing their lanyard hanging from their pocket

The Surprisingly Storied Life of the Lanyard: From Medieval Straps to Modern Swag

Ah, the lanyard. It may not be the flashiest accessory in your daily wardrobe, but it's certainly one of the most reliable—and it’s packed with history, too! This humble piece of cord, strap, or webbing might seem like a modern-day office or trade-show staple, but its roots go much deeper. In fact, the story of the lanyard dates all the way back to 15th century France. That’s right! Back then, the French called it “lanière,” a handy little strap-on that sailors and soldiers could attach to pistols, swords, or whistles.

But how did lanyards evolve from saving sailors’ essential tools from the deep blue to holding onto our corporate ID badges? Let’s dive in and discover how the lanyard made its unlikely journey through history and into the everyday.

The Nautical Origins

Picture this: you’re on a ship, the waves are high, and you’re trying to keep a firm grip on your bosun's pipe or marlinspike. You need both hands free, but you can’t just tuck away your tools and hope for the best. Enter the lanyard! Sailors fashioned loops with diamond knots to keep their tools close by, hanging from their belts or around their necks. The diamond knot wasn’t just any knot, either—it offered extra grip, perfect for holding onto small tools during slippery situations.

From Sailors to Soldiers

Not only was the lanyard a seafarer’s secret weapon, but it also became a staple for military personnel on land. Cavalry soldiers on horseback—whose need for quick weapon access was just as critical as that of sailors—began using lanyards to secure their pistols and swords. The best part? They were easy to detach when needed and didn’t compromise functionality or style. Talk about a win-win accessory for soldiers!

A Modern Makeover

Flash-forward to today, and the lanyard has gone through quite the glow-up! Now, lanyards are part function, part fashion, and full of customization options. You’ll find them at trade shows, conventions, concerts, hospitals, schools—you name it.

These days, you’ll often see lanyards with ID badges, keycards, or even tiny pouches for holding pens, business cards, and other essentials. They’ve become a trusty sidekick in settings where security matters, from corporate campuses to concerts and hospitals. And while customization options are endless, from screen printing to Jacquard loom weaving, the functionality has evolved too.

Safety First: The Rise of the Breakaway Lanyard

One of the coolest (and safest) features of today’s lanyard is the “breakaway” closure. This little feature ensures that if your lanyard gets pulled or snagged, it will release instead of putting you at risk of choking or getting caught in machinery. They’re a must-have for people working in hospitals, factories, schools, and even gyms.

The Final Frontier: Keychains, gym passes, and… cars?

Not only are lanyards worn to display our IDs and badges, but they’re also keeping our keys from vanishing into gym lockers or the dark recesses of our bags. In places like gyms or sports halls, a lanyard can help keep essentials like locker keys close at hand. They’re practically a teen's way of saying, 'Yep, I have a car now,' as the stylish lanyard attached to their car keys sways proudly from their pocket, making sure everyone notices. 

Long Live the Lanyard!

From medieval France to the modern workplace, the lanyard has survived the test of time because it simply works. It’s practical, it’s secure, and whether on a soldier’s shoulder or an event attendee’s neck, it has always found a place where it’s needed most. So next time you throw on your trusty lanyard at work or slip a locker key onto one, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of history behind that little loop of cord.

 

Click on the link to view our beautiful collection of safety breakaway lanyards

Here’s to the lanyard—the humble hero of everyday life!

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