For hot, multi-day events and water parks & pools, cloth wristbands for water parks should resist sun, chlorine and salt. woven wins on durability and anti-fray, sublimated (dye-sub) wins on full-color branding and quick drying, and elastic wins on comfort—especially with RFID/NFC. All three handle sweat, chlorine, and saltwater when you spec one-way locks and UV-stable inks/threads.

Best for: Summer festivals, beach events, water parks & pools, resorts, stadiums.

At-a-Glance: Security: one-way locks • RFID-ready • MOQ 100–250+ • Lead time 5–10 biz days (rush available)

What are the main types of cloth wristbands?

• Woven: Logos and text are stitched into a tight weave (premium, very durable).
  
• Sublimated (dye-sub): Artwork is dyed into the fabric for photo-level color and PMS match.
  
• Elastic: Stretch fabric that conforms to the wrist; popular for comfort and RFID cores.
  
  Explore options: Custom Cloth Wristbands
  

Why do some wristbands survive summer better?

Sunlight (UV), water (chlorine/salt), and sweat are the primary culprits behind wristband degradation. UV light is the most significant factor, as its high energy can break down the polymer chains in the fibers and dyes, causing colors to fade and materials to become brittle. This is known as “photodegradation.” In pools, chlorine acts as a powerful oxidizing agent that can attack molecular bonds, leading to bleaching of colors and weakening of the fabric itself. Similarly, saltwater contains chlorides that can accelerate the corrosion of metal crimps and also leave behind abrasive salt crystals that can damage the fibers over time. Bands that use UV-stable inks/threads, heat-sealed ends, and non-reopenable plastic locks are designed to resist these chemical and physical stressors.

Cost Comparison

When it comes to cost, there is a clear hierarchy among the three types of cloth wristbands, with some variation depending on customization and order volume.

• Elastic wristbands are often the most economical option, particularly at higher volumes, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious events.
• Sublimated (dye-sub) wristbands are a mid-range option. The printing process is efficient and cost-effective, allowing for full-color designs without a significant price premium over woven bands.
• Woven wristbands typically have the highest cost per unit, primarily due to the intricate and time-consuming weaving process. However, this premium is often justified by their superior durability and high-end, textured feel.

RFID integration adds a cost to all three types, with the price being most influenced by the RFID chip’s technology rather than the wristband material itself.

Where do these bands perform best (including water parks)?

• Woven: Water parks, multi-day festivals, high-abrasion queues—lowest fray, long wear.
  
• Sublimated: Sponsor-heavy events, beach series, resorts—best color/branding in bright sun.
  
• Elastic: Family parks, resorts, RFID tap-to-enter flows—soft comfort + quick gate ops.
  
  Bundle credentials: Event Badges & Passes

Beyond Water Parks

While perfect for pools and beaches, these durable cloth wristbands have a wide range of other applications. Their durability and premium feel make them the standard for multi-day events like music festivals and conventions, where attendees wear them for days at a time. Their ability to support RFID/NFC technology makes them ideal for cashless events, sporting venues, and resorts, providing streamlined access control and quick transactions. They are also used for hospital identification, as they are comfortable for long-term wear and can be printed with patient information or scannable codes.

Who should choose which type?

• Ops/security-first teams: Woven with one-way barrel or metal crimp + optional serial/QR.
  
• Sponsorship/brand leads: Sublimated for gradients, tiny type, PMS accuracy.
  
• Guest experience leads: Elastic for comfort, especially with RFID/NFC.
  
  RFID options: RFID Wristbands
  

For a broader seasonal overview, explore the summer events wristband guide.

When is each best across summer conditions?

• All-day sun: Woven or dye-sub with UV-rated colors; test proofs outdoors.
  
• Constant splash/chlorine/salt: Any of the three with heat-sealed ends + non-reopenable locks.
  
• High-throughput gates: Elastic or dye-sub with clear QR/NFC zones for fast scans/taps.
  

How do the materials compare?

• Water (chlorine/salt): Woven—Excellent • Sublimated—Excellent • Elastic—Excellent
  
• UV fade resistance: Woven—High • Sublimated—High (with UV-stable inks) • Elastic—Medium–High
  
• Comfort in heat: Woven—High • Sublimated—Very high • Elastic—Very high
  
• Branding detail: Woven—Good (bold art) • Sublimated—Best (photos/gradients/PMS) • Elastic—Good
  
• Anti-fray/abrasion: Woven—Best • Sublimated—High • Elastic—Medium
  
• RFID/NFC friendly: Woven—High • Sublimated—High • Elastic—Best
  
• Security (non-reopenable lock): Woven—One-way/Crimp • Sublimated—One-way/Crimp • Elastic—Specify non-reopenable
  
• Best uses: Woven—Water parks, multi-day festivals • Sublimated—Sponsor-heavy, resorts, beach series • Elastic—Comfort + RFID tap-to-enter
  

Spec tip: Add serials/QR or day-tabs for anti-counterfeit and faster troubleshooting at gates.

What makes wristbands “water-park ready”?

• Lock choice: Use one-way barrels or metal crimps—avoid re-openable sliders.
  
• Reader placement (RFID): Chest-height readers near splash exits; dry footing at scan points.
  
• Distribution: Pre-size elastic; stage crimpers/scissors for woven/dye-sub lanes.
  

How do I design bands that stay readable in bright sun?

• High-contrast palettes (avoid low-contrast pastels on bright decks).
  
• Repeater logo patterns for at-a-glance visibility.
  
• Reserve clear space for QR or NFC icon near the lock.
  
• Request PMS match and review a proof outdoors.
  

Eco options that still perform

Choose rPET (recycled) or bamboo-blend bands for lower impact without sacrificing comfort or color quality.

See: Eco Friendly Wristbands

Ordering checklist (copy/paste for your team)

• Type: Woven / Sublimated / Elastic
  
• Width: 10–20 mm (15–20 mm ideal for logos)
  
• Lock: One-way barrel or metal crimp (no re-openable sliders for parks)
  
• Security: Serial/QR, day-tabs
  
• Branding: PMS match, high contrast
  
• RFID/NFC: Required? Reader layout confirmed?
  
• Lead Time / MOQ: 5–10 business days, 100–250+ MOQ (rush available)
  

CTA: Get a Quote →

FAQ

Are cloth wristbands OK for water parks and pools?
Yes—spec non-reopenable locks and UV-stable colors; rinse after heavy chlorine/salt exposure.

Do dye-sub bands fade faster than woven?
Quality dye-sub with UV-stable inks holds color well; woven excels for bold, blocky art and anti-fray durability.

Which band is most comfortable for all-day wear?
Elastic and dye-sub feel softest; woven is also comfortable with soft-edge construction.

Can cloth wristbands support RFID/NFC for tap-to-enter and cashless?
Yes—RFID/NFC inlays can be integrated into woven, dye-sub, and elastic bands.

About Arnett Credentials

Established in 2003, Arnett Credentials has had the pleasure of working with amazing clients on all kinds of events. From large, multi-day festivals to touring concerts, we’ve seen and done it all and are ready to be your right hand for your event’s credentials. To learn more or request a quote, contact us at 949.670.2021 or [email protected].

In Conclusion

Choosing the right wristband is crucial for the success of your event, whether you prioritize durability, brand visibility, or guest comfort. For ultimate resilience and security in high-abrasion environments like water parks, woven is the best choice. For vibrant, full-color branding at sponsor-heavy events, sublimated bands excel. And for unparalleled comfort and seamless RFID integration, elastic is the clear winner. By matching the right wristband to your specific needs, you can ensure a smooth, secure, and memorable experience for all. To get started, explore our full range of custom cloth wristbands and find the perfect fit for your next event.