Are wristbands waterproof? This is a common question for event planners searching for wristbands that are suitable for their event, as well as festival-goers who want to make sure their wristband survives for the whole weekend (and beyond if you’re a wristband collector). 

The short answer is - it depends. Typically, the majority of wristbands are waterproof or water-resistant- especially festival wristbands - as it’s likely that they’ll get wet during the event.

During festivals or events, attendees are likely to:

  • Keep the wristband on for showers and washing as the wristband is a requirement for entry or to stay on the premises.
  • Wear the wristband during outdoor events in the typical English weather - you guessed it - rain. Or even snow in some cases.
  • Keep the wristband on for swimming - for all those pool parties or beach club events!
  • Spill liquids on the wristbands - as you’d imagine, this is common at festivals!

Do you need waterproof wristbands or water-resistant wristbands?

Water-resistant and waterproof describe how well a wristband product can handle getting wet. Water-resistant means that your wristband can resist water to some degree and still be functional, but not completely. A wristband may be able to handle a little bit of water or be splashed by the occasional split drink - but constant exposure to water will eventually damage the structural integrity of the band. 

Waterproof means that the wristband can handle getting completely soaked and won't let any water in. You can take a plunge in the pool - take a shower or completely immerse the wristband and it will not lose its integrity. 

So how does the material used affect the water protection levels?

Most Waterproof: Vinyl wristbands 

Vinyl wristbands are generally waterproof. They are made from a synthetic plastic material that is resistant to water, sweat, and other liquids.

We find that Vinyl wristbands are often used for events, concerts, and other activities where participants may be exposed to water or other liquids but also require a secure wristband that can’t be removed easily. 

If you’re looking for a waterproof wristband for medical purposes, vinyl wristbands are a great option as can withstand exposure to water and disinfectants.

It’s always best to check with your wristband supplier with regard to the level of water protection, but they’re generally considered to be more durable than Tyvek wristbands and definitely offer much higher levels of water resistance. 

You can view our range of vinyl wristbands here.

Also waterproof: Silicone wristbands 

We find that silicone wristbands are great for sporting events such as swimming, or any other water-related activities because they can withstand exposure to water without being damaged. They’re completely waterproof but are quite easily removable, so they’re not completely fit for purpose if you’re running an event in which the wristband is used for entry (i.e. a festival). 

In general, though, silicone wristbands are a great choice for people who need a durable and waterproof wristband for their activities.

See our range of silicone wristbands here. 

Water resistant: Tyvek wristbands 

Tyvek wristbands can be described as water-resistant but not fully waterproof! This means that whilst they can be exposed to water and other liquids, they are not designed to repel the water completely. 

Tyvek wristbands are synthetic material that is resistant to water, tears, and other forms of wear and tear, which makes them a popular choice for events and activities where they may be exposed to water or other liquids.

Remember that prolonged exposure to water or immersion in water for long periods of time may cause the adhesive used to seal the wristband to weaken, which can cause the wristband to come loose or fall off - which isn’t ideal if you need secure wristbands for a 3-day festival for example. 

This doesn’t mean they’re not strong wristbands! They’re great for single admission to nightclubs, parties or indoor events in which the wristband isn’t likely to get wet and they can last for a very long time. 

Water resistant: Fabric wristbands 

Due to the porous nature of the material, fabric wristbands are generally not considered waterproof, but they have water-resistant properties. They’re a very popular choice for festivals. 

Our fabric wristbands are generally made of woven or printed cloth materials, which are not inherently water-resistant. This is because they won’t completely fall apart in contact with water, but will soak up water - just like a t-shirt or outer garment would. 

However, they can be fitted with locks that are virtually impossible to tamper with, ensuring that the wristband cannot be transferred amount, opportunistic friends! 

This mix of water resistance and comfort as well as security make cloth wristbands ideal for multi-day passes - they can withstand a bit of dancing in the rain, or showering!

View our range of secure fabric festival wristbands here. 

Which should you choose?

To summarise, if you're just a little bit worried about getting your wristbands wet, then a water-resistant Tyvek wristband or Fabric wristband is probably fit-for-purpose. 

But if you're running events with serious water activities, like swimming or diving, or you need a wristband that can be used time and time again, then you'll want something that's completely waterproof or at least not affected by water. 

We’re happy to guide you through your wristband options - just give us a call on 01892 335 361. 

Waterproof festival wristbands FAQ's

Can you get festival wristbands wet? Yes, you can get festival wristbands wet, but whether they withstand water without any damage depends on the material they're made from. Many festival wristbands are designed to be waterproof because they are expected to be worn at all times throughout the event, including during activities like showering, swimming, or in the rain. These are typically made from materials such as fabric coated with plastic, silicone, or vinyl, which are water-resistant. However, it's advisable to check the specific type of wristband and its materials, as some might absorb water and could become uncomfortable or deteriorate if they are not meant to be water-resistant.

Can I shower with festival wristband? Yes, you can typically shower with a festival wristband. Most festival wristbands are designed to be durable and water-resistant, allowing you to wear them continuously throughout the event, which includes showering. These wristbands are often made from materials like plastic, silicone, or fabric coated with a waterproof layer to ensure they can withstand water.

However, if the wristband is made from a material that isn't explicitly water-resistant, such as untreated fabric or paper, it might absorb water, become uncomfortable, and potentially deteriorate over time. If you're unsure about the material of your wristband, it's a good idea to check with the festival organisers or the wristband's instructions for any specific care guidelines.