8 Popular Materials for Custom Wristbands: How to Choose the Right One for Your Event

Wristbands are an excellent source of fun and a very useful resource to make your events unforgettable. Wristbands are a brilliant solution for communicating between different squads of volunteers tasked with the complex hands-on activities that go into making a party, fundraiser, conference, festival, or concert an engineering wonder. However, there are quite a few to pick from and it's difficult to get the feel for which one suits your event. That's why we've put together a list of eight of the most common materials available, and their respective strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the perfect material for custom wristbands for events. 

1. Silicone Wristbands

They are durable and will get you through years of rain events, not to mention the fact that they are comfortable enough to wear all day long during a festival. Also, they are stretchy and may suit nearly all measurements.

Why choose silicone? Perfect for multi-day events (charity walks, festivals, promotional giveaway) The best part? They will also stick around once your event is over and can even be a memento of the festivities or simply act as a medium for raising awareness.

2. Tyvek Wristbands

Although they may look like paper, Tyvek wristbands are much more resilient. These wristbands are made of Tyvek (similar to tear-resistant, waterproof paper), which makes them perfect for a one-day event since it is unlikely that a ticket will be transferred. These are very cheap, easy to use, and light weighted.

Why choose Tyvek? If you just need something basic and functional, they are the right software to manage guest lists for concerts, school events, or any party with a list of attendees. They have an adhesive strip and are easy to get in and out of.

3. Fabric Wristbands

These are common at multi-day festivals, and other large events. Soft ones that do not irritate you can wear them for a longer period. They are eye-catching and can be detailed with e.g. printing or weaving, which makes them an excellent choice for branding.

Why choose fabric? These kinds of wristbands can be robust and feature closings such as plastic or metal clasps making them tamper-proof. They make excellent souvenirs and are perfect for presenting to guests at events they might want to remember.

4. Vinyl Wristbands

Vinyl wristbands are durable. They are constructed with a water-resistant, tear-proof thick plastic material which is great for events where you don't want your wristbands to be easily taken off. Since vinyl wristbands include a snap closure, they are tamper-proof and more secure than paper or even some silicone wristbands.

Why choose vinyl? These wristbands are a brilliant choice for holders of water park events, multi-day festivals, and amusement parks.

5. Plastic Wristbands

Plastic is a great alternative to vinyl and has similar benefits but is more cost-effective as it can be made by machines quickly. With the right paper and print, they can be waterproof and long-lasting — even lasting for several days — making them perfect for events that place high demands on their visitors. These can be made of plastic materials which make them easy to customize with printed text or logos and come in a variety of colors.

Why choose plastic? Perfect for events where something more durable than that Tyvek wristband is required yet less expensive than vinyl.

6. Rubber Wristbands

Nice rubber bands that are little known as silicone wristbands but usually a little stiff. Printed paper wristbands are less durable than silicone bands but make an excellent temporary campaign or even custom product as they are easy to customize and distribute.

Why choose rubber? Rubber Wristbands If you want to be cost-effective in promoting a brand or an event, consider rubber wristbands. Perfect for giveaways or maybe a temporary event.

7. Leather Wristbands

After something a bit more fancy? Leather wristbands are a luxury, durable type of band frequently found at high-end events like fashion shows and as part of VIP merchandise. Leather wristbands are a pinnacle of elegance that can be embossed or engraved.

If you want to wear your wristbands as part of your outfit or give them away as a rhyming present, go for leather.

8. Elastic Wristbands

These wristbands are easily stretched, so they are perfect for active party goers. With a smooth feel and no clasp or closure, they are easy to put on and take off. Made of stretchy elastic with somewhat larger dimensions to ensure they are one-size-fits-all, one wristband is worn throughout sporting occasions or even physical fitness schedules.

Why choose elastic? Elastic wristbands are better suited to events with a lot of movement such as marathons, sports competitions and fitness expos.

The material of your custom wristbands makes them perfect or a disaster for your upcoming event. If you want something more durable and comfortable, silicone or fabric will suit your needs better. Pros: If you have a one-day event, and need something that is both cheap to buy and easy to use (though too stiff for comfort during long-term wear), then your best bet might be Tyvek or plastic wristbands. In any of the materials you select, custom wristbands are a surefire way to control entry, spread awareness, or just provide your attendees with something that will spark reminders for years.