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The lanyard can be traced back to the late 19th century. It was originally a piece of cord, used to secure a jack-knife, used as a weapon in war. The lanyard was worn on the left shoulder with the end containing the knife tucked into the left breast pocket. In 1920 the lanyard was moved to the right shoulder, simply because of the problem of trying to remove the knife from the pocket underneath the bandolier. In 1933, the knife was removed completely, and the lanyard became a straight cord, worn purely as an ornamental item of dress. The basic lanyard was a simple piece of strong cord, but it was gradually turned into something a bit more decorative, smartened up with colors and styles, ultimately taking its present form.

Contemporary lanyards are constructed from polyester, nylon, or cotton, and are of a flat braided tubing. This flat tubing allows for the placement of names, logos, or any other promotional printing. Custom printed lanyards are extremely popular items, and are relatively inexpensive. Printing techniques vary from a hot stamp to a more costly dye sublimation process. Additionally, printed lanyards are available in seemingly endless patterns, colors, styles, and lengths.

The lanyard is designed to secure small objects, such as badges, keys, cell phones, and other small items. It is fairly common to see ID badges dangling from a lanyard, custom printed with the name of a company, or event. This promotional lanyard is an ideal marketing device to promote the business, or event. In this manner, the lanyard serves as an inexpensive form of advertising, making it functional, as well as profitable.

Beyond its commercial use, commonly misplaced items can be secured using a lanyard. Keys, cell phones, eyeglasses, bottle openers just to name a few. In addition to wearing a lanyard around the neck, it is not unusual to see lanyards attached to the wrist, waist, backpacks, and others.

It is clear that lanyards had their place in history, and have evolved through time. While the original lanyard materials were completely different than the materials of today, the main functions have remained constant. To secure an object prone to misplacement, and display the personality of the artist that created it.