They’re sold as sunglasses retainers, eyewear lanyards, glasses straps, or glasses chains—made to keep sunglasses close without a pocket.
You’ve seen them in surf shops, tackle stores, gift racks, and airport kiosks: a cord, strap, or chain that hooks onto your sunglasses so they can hang on your chest. People wear one for a plain reason—no more setting sunglasses down and losing track of them.
The name changes by store and aisle. Outdoor gear listings lean on “retainer.” Office aisles lean on “lanyard.” Jewelry displays lean on “chain.” Once you know the common labels, shopping gets simple.
What Are The Things That Hold Sunglasses Around Your Neck Called?
The broad label is sunglasses retainer (or eyewear retainer). It’s a strap, cord, or chain that attaches to the ends of your sunglasses’ temples (the arms) so the glasses can hang from your neck when you’re not wearing them.
Other names you’ll run into:
- Glasses strap / sunglass strap: plain wording for a fabric or neoprene band.
- Eyewear lanyard: “lanyard” means a neck cord used to hold an item. (Lanyard definition)
- Glasses chain: a chain or beaded strand with loops that grip the temple tips.
- Neck cord: a simple cord with silicone ends and a sliding adjuster.
- Floating strap: a foam-filled strap built for water use.
All of these answer the same search: what are the things that hold sunglasses around your neck called? The right pick depends on how snug you want the hold and what your day looks like.
| Name You’ll See | What It Is | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|
| Eyewear retainer | Cord or strap that attaches to both temple tips | General daily wear |
| Glasses strap | Flat woven band or neoprene strap with grippy ends | Active days, steady hold |
| Eyewear lanyard | Neck cord with ends that slide onto temples | Quick on/off |
| Glasses chain | Metal chain or beaded strand with silicone loops | Dress wear |
| Neck cord | Round cord with a length slider bead | Light feel, easy sizing |
| Floating strap | Foam-filled strap that helps sunglasses float | Boating, paddling |
| Croakies-style strap | Thicker woven band with tight woven ends | Outdoor work |
| Adjustable sport retainer | Thin cord with a bead or toggle to tighten behind head | Windy rides, running |
Quick Differences Between Straps, Chains, And Cords
Straps, cords, and chains all hang sunglasses from your neck, yet they behave in different ways. If you’ve ever bought one that slipped off, the difference was almost always at the ends.
Straps Grip And Stay Put
A strap is a flat band, often woven polyester, cotton, or neoprene. The ends grab the temple tips by friction. Once it’s seated, it tends to stay there.
Cords Stay Light And Adjust Fast
A cord can be nylon, silicone-coated wire, leather, or paracord. Many cords use a slider bead to set length. Some can cinch behind your head when you need extra security.
Chains Drape Like Jewelry
A glasses chain is meant to hang with a clean drape. Most use silicone loops that slide over the temple tips. Chains shine with lighter frames, since heavy frames can tug after long wear.
Things That Hold Sunglasses Around Your Neck By Name And Fit
When you shop, the label matters less than the connector. The connector decides whether the strap slips, whether it rubs your cheeks, and how easy it is to swap between pairs.
Slip-On Tube Ends
These are short tubes—rubber, silicone, or woven fabric—that slide onto each temple tip. Push them on far enough that they don’t creep off while the glasses hang.
Loop-And-Coil Ends
This setup is common on chains. A silicone loop slides over the temple tip, then a small coil tightens against the loop. It works for thin wire arms and thicker acetate arms.
Silicone Sleeve Ends With A Slider Ring
Many slim cords use soft sleeves that grip the temple tips. Some include a small ring that tightens as you pull. It’s a handy style if you switch sunglasses often.
Floating Foam Straps
Floating straps use foam or sealed fabric so the strap has buoyancy. If sunglasses drop into water, the strap can keep them near the surface for easier retrieval.
How To Pick The Right One For Your Routine
Picking is easier when you follow a short checklist: match the ends to your frame, pick a material that feels good, then set the length.
Start With The Frame
Temple Tip Fit
Temple tips come in different shapes. Some are thick and curved. Some are thin and straight. The strap end must match that shape.
- Thick plastic arms: woven tube ends or stretch-silicone sleeves.
- Thin wire arms: loop-and-coil ends or a cord with a tightening ring.
- Rubberized sport frames: higher-friction ends so they don’t creep.
Match Material To Your Day
Skin Feel And Cleanup
Material changes comfort. Woven straps dry fast after sweat. Synthetic cords rinse clean after saltwater. Leather looks sharp for street wear, yet it needs gentler care.
If you like the word “lanyard,” you’ll see it on packaging for cords and straps that hang from the neck. (Oxford lanyard entry)
Set Length So The Sunglasses Land Where You Want
Length controls bounce and where the sunglasses sit. A short length keeps them near your collarbone. A longer drop can bump zippers, bag straps, and buttons.
A slider bead is handy if you swap hats, add a hoodie, or share the strap. One pull, done.
Small Details That Save Your Lenses
Look at the hardware near the ends. Smooth caps are gentler on cheeks than bare metal crimps. If the strap has a split ring or clip, check that it can’t scrape the lens when the sunglasses hang. A soft tube that reaches past the temple tip helps, since the tip stays covered.
Swap Speed
If you rotate between two pairs, pick ends that slide on and off without a fight. Silicone sleeves are quick. Tight woven ends hold well, yet they take more time. Some people keep one strap on each pair so there’s no daily swapping.
How To Wear A Retainer So It Doesn’t Annoy You
A good retainer should fade into the background. If it bugs you, the fix is usually a small tweak.
Hang Lenses Facing Out
When lenses face your shirt, grit in fabric can rub coatings. Flip the sunglasses so the lenses face away from your body.
Stop The Bounce
If the sunglasses smack your chest, shorten the strap. If there’s no slider, tie a small knot to reduce the drop.
Avoid Hair Snags
Chains and some woven bands can catch hair near the nape of your neck. A smooth cord is kinder to long hair. If you want a chain, pick rounded links.
Care And Cleaning That Keeps The Grip Strong
Most straps fail when the ends get slick from skin oil or sunscreen. A quick wipe keeps the grip steady.
- Woven straps: rinse with lukewarm water, then air dry.
- Silicone ends: wipe with a damp cloth, then dry.
- Leather cords: wipe dry after wear; dry slowly if wet.
- Metal chains: wipe with a soft cloth; rinse after saltwater.
Common Problems And Fast Fixes
Even a good strap can act up. These quick fixes cover the issues people run into most days.
| Problem | Why It Happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ends slide off the temples | Ends are loose or slick | Clean the ends; switch to smaller ends or loop-and-coil connectors |
| Sunglasses sit crooked on the neck | Ends seated at different depths | Re-seat both ends to the same depth |
| Strap feels scratchy | Metal parts rub skin | Pick soft end caps; rotate so hardware sits behind ears |
| Chain tangles in hair | Small links grab strands | Use larger links or a smooth cord |
| Sunglasses bounce while walking | Drop is too long | Shorten with a slider, a knot, or a shorter size |
| Connector leaves marks on temples | Coil or clip is too tight | Loosen the coil; skip metal clips on coated frames |
| Slider bead slips | Worn bead or slick cord | Choose a locking toggle; add a small knot below the bead |
Search Terms And Labels You’ll See Online
Online listings mix names, so it helps to try a few common terms when you shop.
- sunglasses retainer
- eyewear retainer
- glasses strap
- eyeglass lanyard
- glasses chain
- neck cord for sunglasses
- floating sunglass strap
If you’re hunting for the exact phrase, type what are the things that hold sunglasses around your neck called? and scan results for “retainer,” “lanyard,” “strap,” and “chain.” Those four words cover most listings.
Other Ways To Stow Sunglasses When You Don’t Want A Neck Strap
A retainer isn’t the only option. A hard case protects lenses. A pouch works in a pocket. A visor clip keeps sunglasses in the car. Some people use a shirt-collar holder that grips one temple arm. These work when you stay in one place, yet they don’t follow you into water or onto a trail the way a strap does.
Quick Buy Checklist For A No-Regret Pick
- Match the end type to your temple tips.
- Pick a length that keeps sunglasses above zippers and bag straps.
- Use woven or neoprene for grip, cord for light feel, chain for dress wear.
- Grab a slider if you swap hats or share the strap.
- Skip sharp clips unless your frame is built for them.
When you know the naming, buying gets easier. A chain fits a dressy vibe. A woven retainer strap fits outdoor days. Next time you search for a neck holder, you’ll spot the right listing fast, pick the right ends, and keep your sunglasses close without digging through junk.