Key Takeaways
This article breaks down the main material types of wristbands (festival/fabric, silicone and Tyvek) and helps you choose the best fit for your event or promotion based on durability, cost and purpose.
- Festival (fabric) wristbands offer high durability and security, ideal for multiple-day events.
- Silicone wristbands are excellent for branding, keepsakes and promotional campaigns thanks to their customisable colours and finishes.
- Tyvek wristbands are the most cost-effective solution, perfect for high-volume, single-day events with simple access control.
- Choosing the right wristband depends on how long the event lasts, how durable it needs to be and whether it’s meant to be a wearable memento or single-use item.
Tyvek, festival and silicone are the most common types of wristbands available for events, however, they are all used for different purposes. If you’re unsure what each wristband is best suited for you, this breakdown of each type will help you decide which one will fulfil your needs.
Festival
Festival wristbands are popular for the durability and security they offer. They are made with a fabric that is of the highest standard, and the range of fastenings available means that there is no chance of them falling off. As you can guess from the name, a number of festival and event organisers utilise the fabric or festival wristbands for these very reasons. With our festival wristbands are an ideal size meaning that you can brand it for any kind of festival or event.
Cost vs Durability
Tyvek delivers the lowest cost per unit but with basic wear; fabric (festival) bands cost more but deliver premium durability and multi-day suitability.
Branding & Keepsake Value
Silicone and fabric wristbands offer higher branding impact and become wearable souvenirs, increasing long-term visibility beyond the event day.
Silicone
Silicone wristbands are the perfect type of wristband if you are wanting a wristband that can be used to advertise or promote your product or service. This is because they can be easily printed, engraved and are available in a host of different colours, which also means you can have a design that is specific to your needs. The silicone wristband is also commonly known as the charity wristband; this is because it is most popular with charities who are wanting to spread awareness of their cause. The reason a wristband is chosen for this is because it is more memorable than just a flyer, and it gives people a ‘wearable’ option.
Tyvek
The Tyvek wristband can be classed as the best priced and simple of the wristbands. They fasten through a self-adhesive, tough-to- break seal which can only be taken off if it is cut with scissors. Additionally, Tyvek wristbands are made with a material that is waterproof and is very easy use in terms of functionality. Tyvek wristbands are near perfect for nightclubs, as they reasoning are perfectly sized, cheap and easy customizable. Also, the wristbands can be used as an alternative to stamping a person when they enter – which can be hugely irritating for most people going into clubs as the stamp can be difficult to remove.
Need the Right Wristband for Your Event?
Whether you’re organising a multi-day festival, a charity campaign or a high-volume day event — choose the wristband type that works best and order customisable wristbands to match your budget and branding.
FAQs
How do I choose between fabric, silicone and Tyvek wristbands?
Consider the event duration, budget, desired durability and branding goals. For long wearing and durability pick fabric; for branding and wearability pick silicone; for budget-friendly, single-use scenarios pick Tyvek.
Are silicone wristbands reusable?
Yes — silicone bands are designed to last and often become keepsakes, though their reusability depends on the design and whether reuse is allowed by the event organiser.
Is Tyvek suitable for water-based or outdoor events?
Yes — Tyvek is waterproof and tear-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor or water-adjacent events where cost and volume matter more than long-term wear.
