Badge holders have only one function. That is to hold and protect name and identification badges. They are constructed generally of semi-rigid vinyl or acetate. Some come with a thumb slot in case the card inserted needs to be removed easily. Others come with a clip to attach the holder to a shirt or jacket pocket.

Plastic identification badge holders and clear badge holders come in all shapes and sizes, though of course the most popular is the rectangular. They can be oriented for the vertically or horizontally hanging badge.  Newer Badge holders can also be made in a myriad of colors or with leather to provide a little sense of style. Proximity holders are slotted to be used with affixing devices.

Using the vinyl panel imprint process, badge holders can even be imprinted with personalized logos or decorations. These logos are a good way to promote a business, and as they are relatively inexpensive, they would make a good incentive gift for employees.

Badge holders can be used by a member of almost any profession, to present a more professional appearance and to protect the name or identification card from damage in sensitive environments. Nurses can use them to keep blood or other contaminants from getting on their name badge; outdoor workers can use the holders to keep their badge secured to their shirt or belt, and to avoid getting it wet when it rains. State and federal government workers, people in the airline industry and those working in secured buildings can also benefit from using badge holders. Another use for badge holders is to promote a business. A business card can easily be placed in the holder and worn on a necklace, through a buttonhole or on a shirt sleeve. It allows for twenty-four hour advertising. Badge holders are also good for protecting a credit card or identification card from being bent or demagnetized

There are many kinds of badge holders. Retractable badge holders are convenient for those whose job requires the swiping of their identification cards through an automated security system or in order to clock into and out of work. Retractable holders come with a wrapped elastic or nylon cord, this allows it to extend thirty inches or more for quick and easy swiping. Magnetic badge holders fold over a jacket or shirt pocket for a neater appearance than some pin or clasp-style holders. And because they rely on magnetism to hold together, there is no damaging of clothes, as would be expected with other kinds of holders. Arm badge holders are great for workers who need to prominently display their name or identification badges but cannot wear a cord around their neck due to dangerous machinery. People who work in warehouses, assembly lines, airports or construction sites are well-suited to use the arm badge holder.

The badge holder is a versatile and nearly unlimited market item. It can be used in almost any industry in one form or another, and is so commonplace that most don’t even think about it. Whether noticed or not, however, they do make a difference.