Glossary of Promotional Product Terms

Whether you're an event organizer, healthcare professional, or simply curious about wristbands, this guide will provide you with detailed insights into the various types and features of wristbands available today.

From adjustable straps and admissions bands to cutting-edge NFC technology and eco-friendly biodegradable bands, discover everything you need to know about these versatile identification tools.

Our glossary covers crucial aspects such as branding, asset tracking, and the use of anti-microbial materials for enhanced hygiene. Explore how wristbands serve essential functions across industries and how they can be customized to fit any occasion.

Adhesive Vinyl

Adhesive vinyl is a flexible PVC film with a pressure-sensitive backing used for decals, labels, and signage on smooth surfaces. It is available in various finishes (gloss, matte, translucent) and grades for indoor or outdoor use, often rated for specific lifespans. Proper surface preparation ensures adhesion and durability.

Adjustable Strap

An adjustable strap is a fastening component commonly used in wristbands to allow for customization of fit around the wrist. It typically functions via a sliding buckle, snap, hook-and-loop (Velcro), or other locking mechanism that permits length adjustment to accommodate a range of wrist sizes.

Admissions Band

An admissions band is a type of identification wristband used primarily in event management and access control to signify authorized entry. These bands are typically made from materials such as Tyvek®, vinyl, silicone, or fabric, chosen based on use duration, durability, and water resistance.

Anti-Microbial

Antimicrobial refers to a property or agent that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses. Anti-microbial materials are incorporated into polymers or surface coatings to reduce microbial contamination and mitigate the spread of pathogens through contact transmission.

These properties are achieved using integrated compounds such as silver ions, triclosan, or zinc-based additives, which disrupt vital microbial processes like cell wall synthesis, respiration, or reproduction. Anti-microbial wristbands are commonly used in healthcare, food processing, and high-contact environments to enhance infection control and hygiene compliance.

Asset Tracking Band

An asset tracking band is a wearable identification device embedded with tracking technology such as barcodes, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), or NFC (Near Field Communication) used to monitor, identify, and manage physical assets or inventory in real time.

Bag Tag

A bag tag is an identification accessory attached to luggage or totes, produced from plastic, metal, silicone, or laminated cardstock. Promotional versions can be printed or engraved with branding and contact information. They are commonly used for travel giveaways, corporate events, and membership programs.

Biodegradable Band

A biodegradable band is a type of wristband manufactured from organic or synthetic polymers. These bands are designed to reduce long-term environmental impact compared to conventional materials like vinyl or silicone.

Branding

Branding is the process of creating a distinct identity for a product, service, organization, or individual through the use of visual, verbal, and experiential elements such as logos, colors, slogans, and typography.

BPA-Free

BPA-free indicates that a product is manufactured without bisphenol A, a chemical used historically in some plastics and resins. The designation is common for drinkware, food containers, and baby products due to health concerns associated with BPA. Many promotional drinkware items prominently advertise BPA-free construction.

Bulk Order

A bulk order refers to purchasing larger quantities of a product, often enabling volume discounts and optimized production scheduling. Bulk orders may require longer lead times and adherence to minimum order quantities (MOQs). Freight and fulfillment considerations become more significant at scale.

Can Cooler

A can cooler is an insulating sleeve designed to fit around beverage cans, typically made from neoprene or foam. It reduces heat transfer to keep drinks colder and provides a comfortable grip. Can coolers are widely printed with logos for events, giveaways, and retail promotions.

Canopy Tent

A canopy tent is a portable frame-and-fabric shelter for outdoor events, trade shows, and activations. Standard sizes (e.g., 10x10 ft) support full-color dye-sublimated canopies, optional sidewalls, and accessories like weight bags. These custom displays enhance visibility and provide shade and weather protection.

Custom Badges

Custom badges are personalized identification or decorative emblems produced in metal, plastic, or fabric. Methods include printing, etching, enameling, or embroidery, depending on the substrate. They are used for staff identification, events, clubs, or recognition programs.

Custom Wristband

A custom wristband is a wearable identification or promotional band that has been personalized with specific text, logos, colors, barcodes, or embedded technology to serve a designated functional or marketing purpose.

Here's a quick overview of our core wristband types and materials:

Data Strip

A data strip is an integrated segment or section on a wristband specifically designed to store, display, or encode user-specific information in a standardized format. It is commonly used in applications requiring quick identification, access control, or data reference, such as in healthcare, event management, and security environments.

Debossing

Debossing is a manufacturing technique used to imprint a design, text, or pattern into the surface of a material by creating recessed, sunken areas relative to the surrounding surface. This technique involves pressing a die into the surface of materials using mechanical or hydraulic pressure, forming an indented or engraved design that aligns with the custom artwork provided.

Custom Debossed Wristbands

Disposable Band

A disposable band is a single-use wristband designed for temporary identification, access control, or event management applications. Commonly manufactured from lightweight, tear-resistant materials such as Tyvek®, polyethylene, or vinyl, these bands are secured using adhesive closures or snap locks that prevent reuse once removed.

Die-Cut

Die-cutting uses a steel rule die to cut materials into specific shapes beyond standard rectangles. It is common for stickers, packaging, hang tags, and display components. Accurate dielines and allowances are required to account for cutting tolerances.

Digital Printing

Digital printing uses toner or inkjet technologies to print directly from digital files without plates. It is efficient for short runs, rapid turnaround, and variable data. Substrate compatibility ranges from paper and vinyl to rigid boards with UV systems.

Drinkware

Drinkware refers to a category of promotional products encompassing vessels designed for consuming beverages, including mugs, bottles, tumblers, glasses, and can coolers.

These items are manufactured from materials such as ceramic, stainless steel, glass, plastic (polypropylene, Tritan), or silicone, each offering distinct properties related to durability, thermal performance, and decoration compatibility.

Embossed

Embossed refers to a production process in which raised text, logos, or graphics are physically elevated above the surface of the band. This effect is typically achieved by pressing the material into a custom mold during the curing or casting process, resulting in a three-dimensional design that is both tactile and visible.

Event Wristband

An event wristband is a wearable identification tool typically used to grant access, control crowd entry, and facilitate security at venues such as concerts, festivals, conferences, amusement parks, and private events.

Fabric Band

A fabric band is a type of wristband constructed primarily from woven textile materials such as polyester or nylon. These bands are commonly used for multi-day events, festivals, access control, and promotional purposes due to their durability, comfort, and resistance to water and stretching.

Fit Tracker

A fit tracker, also known as a fitness tracker or activity tracker, is a wearable electronic device designed to monitor and record metrics related to physical activity, health, and fitness.

These devices are commonly integrated into wristbands or smartwatches and utilize a combination of sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, optical heart rate monitors, and GPS modules to collect and interpret real-time physiological and movement data.

Full-Color Print

Full-Color Print (also referred to as CMYK printing or process color printing) is a printing technique that uses four standard ink colors, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (key), to reproduce a full spectrum of colors. This method relies on the subtractive color model, layering semi-transparent ink dots in varying proportions to produce a wide array of visible colors on the printed surface.

Fundraiser Band

A fundraiser band is a wearable item typically made from durable materials used to raise money or awareness for charitable organizations, nonprofit campaigns, or social causes. These bands are often imprinted with slogans, messages, brand names, or logos that align with the mission of the fundraising campaign.

Glow-in-the-Dark

Glow-in-the-dark refers to materials that exhibit photoluminescence, specifically phosphorescence, which enables them to absorb and store ambient light energy and re-emit it slowly over time in the dark.

Gold Stamping

Gold stamping, also known as hot foil stamping or foil embossing, is a printing and finishing technique that uses heat, pressure, and metallic film to apply a gold-colored foil onto a surface. This technique is primarily used for decorative or branding applications, allowing for high-contrast and high-resolution designs that are visually prominent and durable.

Grommets

Grommets are metal-reinforced eyelets installed in banners, fabrics, and tarps to provide durable mounting points. Paired with hems, they prevent tearing and facilitate installation with hooks, ropes, or zip ties. Spacing and placement are specified per application.

Holographic Band

A holographic band is a type of wristband enhanced with a metallic, light-reflective surface that creates a rainbow-like effect through the diffraction of light. The holographic appearance is achieved using a foiled or laminated material that incorporates micro-embossed patterns, diffractive films, or iridescent coatings.

Heat Transfer

Heat transfer uses heat and pressure to apply printed or cut graphics onto substrates such as apparel. Methods include screen-printed transfers, DTF, and CAD-cut vinyl for names/numbers. It accommodates low quantities and variable personalization with consistent results.

Identification Band

An identification band (also referred to as an ID band or identification wristband) is a wearable tag, typically worn around the wrist, that serves to identify the wearer for security, access control, healthcare, or administrative purposes. These bands are widely used in hospitals for patient ID, at events for crowd control, and in industrial or logistic operations to tag personnel.

Imprint Area

The imprint area is the defined region on a product where artwork can be applied, specified by dimensions and orientation. Respecting the imprint area ensures legibility, compliance with product curvature, and manufacturing tolerances. Templates are used to position artwork accurately.

Ink Injection

Ink Injection, also referred to as ink-fill engraving, is a production method used primarily in the manufacturing of molded promotional items. In this process, a design, typically text or a logo, is first debossed (engraved) into the surface using a mold or laser engraving.

Latex-Free

Latex-free refers to materials or products that do not contain natural rubber latex, a substance derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. Latex is a common allergen that can cause adverse health reactions ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis, particularly in individuals with Type 1 latex allergy.

Lead Time

Lead time is the total duration from order approval to shipment or delivery, including sourcing and production. It varies by product, decoration method, and seasonality. Clear communication of lead times helps manage expectations and event timelines.

Luggage Tag Band

A Luggage Tag Band is a type of wristband or strap that serves the dual function of securely attaching to personal items such as luggage or equipment while displaying identifying information.

Lanyard Combo

A Lanyard Combo refers to a hybrid identification solution that combines an integrated lanyard clip, badge holder, or pass attachment. It is primarily used in high-security or multi-access event environments such as conferences, music festivals, and large corporate gatherings.

Custom Nylon Lanyard with Badge Holders

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

MOQ is the smallest quantity required to place an order for a product or price tier. It reflects setup costs, material minimums, and production efficiency. Some items offer lower MOQs via digital printing or on-demand decoration.

Multi-Day Wristband

A Multi-Day Wristband is a purpose-designed identification band constructed from durable, waterproof, and tamper-evident materials, intended for use over multiple consecutive days. These wristbands are widely utilized at multi-day events such as music festivals, trade shows, amusement parks, and conferences to manage recurring access, improve security, and reduce the need for daily revalidation.

NFC Band

An NFC Band is a wearable wristband equipped with an embedded Near Field Communication (NFC) chip that enables secure, short-range, wireless communication between the band and compatible devices. NFC operates at a frequency of 13.56 MHz and typically supports data transmission rates of 106, 212, or 424 kbps over distances of less than 10 centimeters.

Offset Printing

Offset lithography transfers ink from a plate to a rubber blanket and then to the substrate, yielding consistent, high-volume output. It supports Pantone spot colors and fine halftone screens. Setup costs are higher than digital, but the unit cost decreases with volume.

One-Time Closure

A One-Time Closure is a security feature integrated into the design of disposable wristbands to ensure single-use functionality. Once fastened, the closure mechanism cannot be reopened or reused without visibly damaging or destroying the wristband, thereby preventing tampering, sharing, or unauthorized transfer. This feature is commonly used in event access control, hospital patient identification, and secure environments.

Overprint

In the context of wristband production and printing, overprint refers to the technique of applying an additional ink layer on top of an existing printed surface. This is typically used to add secondary information, such as barcodes, serial numbers, or variable data, to pre-printed wristbands.

Pattern Print

Pattern print refers to the application of a repeated graphic or visual motif across the surface of a wristband using a printing process. This method enhances visual distinctiveness and branding by incorporating continuous designs such as logos, symbols, or decorative elements, which can be uniformly distributed or randomized over the band material.

Personalization

In the context of wristbands and wearable identification products, personalization refers to the customization of individual products with user-specific details such as names, identification numbers, barcodes, QR codes, or RFID data. This process is primarily implemented to enhance identification accuracy, track user activity, improve security, or support targeted interaction in events, healthcare, or asset management systems.

Polyester Band

A Polyester Band is a type of wristband constructed from woven or printed polyester fibers, chosen primarily for their durability, tensile strength, and resistance to wear under environmental conditions. These bands are commonly used in event management, access control, and identification applications requiring multi-day use or enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Pre-Production Sample

A pre-production sample is a physical proof produced before mass manufacturing to validate materials, colors, and decoration accuracy. It may be fully functional and representative of the final quality. Approving a PPS mitigates risk and sets production standards.

QR Code Printing

QR code printing reproduces machine-readable codes that link to digital content such as websites, forms, or apps. High contrast, adequate size, and quiet zones are critical for reliable scanning. Testing across devices is recommended before mass production.

RFID Wristband

An RFID wristband is a wearable device embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna, designed to wirelessly transmit data to a nearby reader through radio frequency waves. These wristbands are used in a wide variety of industries, including event management, healthcare, access control, and cashless payments.

Rush Order

A rush order accelerates standard production and/or shipping to meet an early in-hand date. It may involve prioritization fees, limited decoration options, or adjusted artwork deadlines. Stock availability and courier capacity can constrain rush feasibility.

Satin Wristband

A satin wristband is a type of identification or promotional wristband made from satin acetate or satin polyester, characterized by its smooth, glossy surface and soft fabric texture. Designed for comfort and aesthetic appeal, satin wristbands are widely used in events, VIP access, branding campaigns, and retail settings where a more upscale or elegant wristband is preferred.

Sequential Numbering

Sequential numbering is a process by which unique identification numbers are assigned to items in a specific, incremental order, typically increasing by one unit per item. In the context of wristbands, sequential numbering is used primarily for inventory tracking, attendee control, security verification, and quality assurance.

Sewn-In Label

A sewn-in label is a fabric tag stitched into a garment to display brand, size, and care information. Custom labels can be woven or printed and attached at the neck, side seam, or hem. Relabeling elevates brand presence in private-label apparel.

Stickers

Stickers are adhesive-backed graphics or labels produced from vinyl, paper, or polyester substrates with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. They are manufactured through digital printing, screen printing, or offset lithography, and may be finished with lamination, UV coating, or specialty effects such as holographic, die-cut, or kiss-cut configurations.

Swag Pack

A swag pack is a curated kit of branded items assembled for recipients, often used for onboarding, events, or client gifting. Components can include apparel, stationery, drinkware, and tech accessories. Custom packaging and inserts enhance brand storytelling and unboxing.

Tabbed Band

A tabbed band is a type of wristband designed with one or more detachable tabs, often used in environments where the wristband functions as both an identification tool and a voucher, ticket, or coupon. These bands are typically manufactured using durable materials such as Tyvek®, vinyl, or plastic to ensure tear-resistance and water resistance.

Temporary ID

A Temporary ID is a form of short-term personal identification used to verify the identity of an individual over a limited duration. These identifiers are commonly issued in the form of badges or cards and are widely used in settings such as hospitals, event venues, manufacturing plants, and educational institutions.

Thermal Printing

Thermal printing is a digital printing process that produces an image by selectively heating coated thermochromic (thermal) paper when the paper passes over the thermal print head. The heated areas of the print head activate the dye or ink in the media to form characters, symbols, or barcodes.

Tote Bags

Tote bags are reusable carry bags with parallel handles. They are produced from materials like cotton, canvas, jute, or non-woven polypropylene. Decoration methods include screen print, heat transfer, and full-color sublimation (material-dependent). Totes are popular for events and sustainability-focused promotions.

Custom Economy Paradise Jute Tote Bag

Tumbler

A tumbler is a cylindrical drinking vessel typically featuring double-wall insulation and a sealed lid, designed to maintain beverage temperature for extended periods. These vessels are commonly manufactured from stainless steel, plastic, or glass, with vacuum-insulated models providing superior thermal retention by minimizing heat transfer through conduction and convection.

Turnaround Time

Turnaround time is the period from final proof approval to production completion, sometimes excluding transit. It varies by product complexity, decoration method, and capacity. Accurate turnaround estimates help align with event schedules.

Tyvek® Band

A Tyvek® band is a single-use, lightweight wristband made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fibers manufactured using a flash-spun process. The material, branded as Tyvek® by DuPont, combines the properties of paper, fabric, and plastic, offering high tensile strength, resistance to tearing, and water resistance.

UV-Coated

UV-coated refers to a type of surface finishing process in which a printed or manufactured material is coated with a liquid ultraviolet (UV) curable coating that is then hardened via exposure to ultraviolet light.

Waterproof Band

A waterproof band is a type of wristband designed to resist water infiltration, making it suitable for wet environments such as swimming pools, spas, waterparks, and hospitals. These bands are manufactured using materials with low water absorption coefficients. Here’s a quick comparison of how different wristband materials compare.

Yard Signs

Yard signs are rigid outdoor signs typically made from corrugated plastic (coroplast) and displayed with H-stakes. They are printed single- or double-sided and are weather-resistant for short- to medium-term campaigns. Common uses include real estate, political, and event wayfinding