Wristbands are a popular choice for managing crowds, accessibility, and outdoor events. In 2024, the global wristband market shipped 9.0 million units, a YoY increase of 10.6%, thanks to the growing demand. 

Wristbands are popular and come in different materials. You would want to choose the one that suits your needs. Three of the best wristband materials you can choose from include silicone, vinyl, and Tyvek®. 

Picking the right wristband comes down to what your event needs. Some events need wristbands that last a few hours. Others need something that will last for days, even in the sun, water, or outdoors. 

At Wristco, we provide all three types of wristbands. Based on our expertise, we will walk you through each of these popular materials so you can decide what’s right for you.

 

Silicone Wristbands

Silicone wristbands have been popular for years. They are soft, stretchy, and easy to wear. People like them because they feel like a bracelet, not an entry pass. That’s why brands love using them for awareness campaigns, fundraising events, school programs, or multi-day festivals.

Pros:

• Durable: Silicone wristbands can last for months or even years. You can wear them in water, sun, or even during sports.
• Customizable: You can print, deboss, or color-fill them with your event name, logo, or slogan. In other words, they are an excellent tool for branding. 
• Reusable: Many people keep them and wear them again.
• Hypoallergenic: Silicone wristbands are usually safe for sensitive skin. Both children and adults can wear them comfortably. 

Cons:

• Not for Security: People can easily take off and swap silicone wristbands. That means they’re not good for crowd control or admissions.
• More Expensive: They can cost more than Tyvek® wristbands. However, their durability and quality often offset the higher price tag. 

Best Used for: 

A recent study found that 82% of attendees keep their giveaways for at least one month after an event, and 31% keep them for more than a year. 

You can use custom silicone wristbands if you want your guests to keep and reuse them. They work well for fundraising, causes, promotional events, and sports or school spirit. Since people use them as a keepsake, these wristbands can promote your brand long after the event. 

 

Plastic Wristbands

Plastic wristbands are all about control and security. They’re thick, sturdy, and designed to last for up to seven days (sometimes longer). You can't remove them without cutting them, which makes them great for tracking guests or preventing pass-sharing.

Pros:

• Durable: They can last up to a week or more.
• Secure: Plastic wristbands feature a one-time snap closure. You can’t take them off and put them on someone else. 
• Waterproof: They are ideal for pools, beaches, or sweaty conditions.
• Custom Colors: With customized colors, you can easily tell groups apart.

Cons:

• Stiffer: Plastic wristbands are not as soft as their silicone counterparts and might feel more noticeable on your wrist.
• Not Reusable: Once locked, you have to cut off these wristbands to remove them.

Best Used for:

Plastic wristbands can last up to a week or longer, depending on the design. They are perfect for multi-day events or places where you need good security. You can use them for festivals, camps, waterparks, resorts, and pools.

 

Tyvek® Wristbands

Tyvek® wristbands are made from a material that looks like paper, but it’s much tougher and waterproof. These wristbands are an excellent choice for school trips, bars, or big parties, as they can last up to 48 hours. These are the most affordable and fastest to use.

Pros:

• Cost Effective: Tyvek® wristbands are highly cost-effective, making them great for large crowds and single-day use.
• Easy to Put On: They are easy to use. All you need to do is peel and stick.
• Secure: Once the wristband is on, it can’t be reused.
• Water Resistant: Tyvek® wristbands won’t break down in rain or at pools, which makes them suitable for outdoor events.
• Color Choices: Since these wristbands come in different colors, you can use them to organize groups quickly and efficiently.

Cons:

• Not for Long-Term Use: Tyvek® wristbands are best for one or two-day use. After that, they start looking worn.
• Not Reusable: Unlike silicone wristbands, they are meant for one-time use. So, they won’t make a good souvenir. 

Best Used for:

Given their durability and low cost, Tyvek® wristbands are a great choice for one or two-day events with lots of people where you need entry control. They can help you save money with effective crowd control. 

 

Which Is the Best Wristband for Your Event 

All three types of wristbands come with unique pros and cons, but the choice will depend on your requirements. Be sure to consider the following points:  

• Event Length: Use Tyvek® wristbands for part-day or one-day events, plastic wristbands for more than a day, and silicone wristbands for take-home gifts.
• Security: Only plastic and Tyvek® wristbands offer entry-level security.
• Budget: Tyvek® wristbands work if you want to spend less, but they are not suited for multi-day events. Plastic bracelets cost a bit more, but you get better security. However, silicone wristbands are best for branding and long-term use.
• Guest Comfort: As far as guest comfort is concerned, silicone wristbands are the best. Plus, people will keep them as souvenirs long after your event. 

 

Choose the Best Wristband for Your Next Event 

Each wristband material serves a different purpose. Think about the crowd, the length of the event, and what you want people to remember. That’s how you can choose the best wristbands for your next event. 

At Wristco, we offer all three types, each one customizable to fit your event. No matter your budget or goal, we help you pick the best wristbands for your needs. Call 800-261-2070 or reach out online to order customized wristbands. 

 

FAQs

1. What’s the best wristband material for multi-day events?

Plastic wristbands are best for long events. They last up to seven days and do not come off unless cut.

2. How do Tyvek® and silicone compare?

Tyvek® wristbands give low-cost and single-use entry control. Silicone wristbands focus on comfort and keeping as a gift but do not provide entry security.

3. Are plastic wristbands waterproof?

Yes, all plastic wristbands can be worn in water, even for days.

4. Can I write on Tyvek® wristbands?

You can use a marker to write names or group info right on Tyvek® wristbands.

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