Guide · Name badges
Magnetic vs pin name badges: which should your team wear?
Magnetic name badges leave no holes, go on and off in a second and are kind to scrubs, knits and delicate fabrics, so they suit teams that wear their badge every day. Pin badges cost a little less and hold through very thick layers, but they leave holes and can snag. Magnets are not suitable for anyone with a pacemaker or other implanted medical device; for them, use a pin or a clip. We make magnetic badges in Winnipeg, Canada.
Magnetic, pin and clip badges compared
| Magnetic | Pin | Clip | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holes in clothing | None | Yes, small holes | None |
| Delicate fabrics (knits, silk, scrubs) | Good | Can snag or pull threads | Fine on an edge or pocket |
| Very thick coats and heavy knits | Can slip; check the fit | Holds well | Needs an edge to clip to |
| Putting it on | Seconds | Slower; easy to prick a finger | Seconds |
| Moving it between uniforms | Easy | New holes each time | Easy |
| Safety | Not for pacemakers or implanted devices; keep from small children | Sharp point | No special concerns |
| Cost | A little more | Lowest | Low |
When magnetic badges are the better choice
- Clinics, dental offices and pharmacies: no holes in scrubs, and quick to swap between uniforms.
- Cafés, restaurants and shops: nothing to snag on aprons, and the badge sits flat through a busy shift.
- Salons and spas: kind to fine knits and blouses.
- Front desks and offices: a clean look on shirts and blazers without damaging them.
- Anyone who changes clothes daily: one badge moves from outfit to outfit in seconds.
When a pin or clip is better
- Anyone with a pacemaker or other implanted medical device. Use a pin or clip, never a magnet.
- Very thick outerwear such as heavy winter coats, where a magnet may not hold securely.
- Workplaces with young children close by, where a small magnet could be swallowed if it comes loose.
- One-off events where a cheaper, single-use badge is fine.
Are magnetic name badges safe?
For most people, yes. Follow these three rules, which we print on every order:
- Not for people with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices.
- Keep away from small children: magnets can be swallowed.
- Keep away from bank cards, phones and other magnetic-sensitive items.
Our magnetic badges
Ours are 72 × 20 mm (2.8 × 0.8 in) with raised lettering, a magnetic back and an optional logo on the left. They start at $12 each ($18 with your logo), in CAD with no duties, dropping to $8 each for 50+. See the name badge size guide for how many letters fit. Every badge is made to order in Winnipeg. We offer local pickup & delivery in Winnipeg, shipping across Canada, and ship the day it’s finished (usually within 1–2 business days).