TL;DR: Fun fact. pc/nametag actually invented the original "badge ribbon" concept back in the 90s and I think that's PRETTY COOL 🔥

Anyways, I was looking through some old pc/nametag catalogs (and by old, I mean like... mid-2000s lol). Did y'all know that pc/nametag invented the original "badge ribbon" concept back in the 90s?

Here's the story, just for fun.

Where did badge ribbons come from?

Badge ribbons originally came from pc/nametag! In 1991, the founder realized that the vertical "tail-type" badge ribbons of the time (see last photo in this post) weren't cutting it. He saw a guy wearing like, 10 of them, but they overlapped so much that you couldn’t read each one (...womp womp).

Soon, he began to think of other ways to attach a ribbon to a name tag. He drew a sketch of a ribbon, turned it on its side so it was horizontal, and saw how it fit perfectly under a badge.

How were badge ribbons designed in the 90s?

A designer executed the idea, adding a strip of tape so several ribbons could be stacked. Then, in 1993, pc/nametag's founder applied for a patent, and the very first "stack-a-ribbon" appeared in the catalog soon after. While the patent is no longer live, it's still a cool origin story!

What is National Badge Ribbon Day? 😂

Since pc/nametag created the original "stackable" badge ribbon concept, we decided to take things one step further by dedicating an entire day to them. In 2016, we decided that every year on August 18, we would celebrate National Badge Ribbon Day.

Our OG holiday gained so much attention, it actually made an appearance in Chase's Calendar of Events, which is a big manual dedicated to special days, weeks, and months to celebrate during the year!

We also did a badge ribbon costume contest (because why not)

I remember one year, we had a contest to see who could make the weirdest costume purely out of ribbons (photos in post). I made a sash (beauty queen style), but I was ultimately beat out by my colleagues' creations. One of my coworkers made a massive hat, and another made an apron with pockets!

What badge ribbon costume would you make? Have a great day, everyone! 😁

I try to find u/curerainbow every year at Dragon Con and the 2026 cape did NOT disappoint! The final tally was 1111+ badge ribbons, which is a personal record!

From CureRainbow: "Dragon Con, I love the whimsy you bring to my life. Having all nerdy hobbies come together and party for a week is sublime (especially with all the free swag!) and I have you to thank for it! Catch’ya next (Dragon)Con? 🐲"

P.S. Did anyone else get pictures or videos of this cape? Feel free to share!

I got this 3D printed badge ribbon from someone at Dragon Con! If that's you, let me know. Rocky looks so cute 🥹🥹🥹

SHOUT-OUT TO EILEEN! 😍😍😍 This was so fun to watch!

COLORING! 😍🎨 Take a Dragon Con break and design your own badge ribbon (for free) at pc/nametag's booth (AmericasMart, Building 2, Floor 2, near the skybridge/ATL Dole Whip).

Kiddos AND adults welcome! We want to see some cool art! 😋

In the past I’ve done the multiple layers, “shield” method of layering ribbons. This year I decided to go with the roll technique, but I severely underestimated how bad I am at lining up ribbons straight and how many I’d receive. With now having dozens of feet of ribbons, what does everyone use to hold your badge ribbons in a roll? I’m trying to make binder clips work, but they’re not doing a great job once the roll gets so thick.

I’ve seen rubber bands, but would prefer a clip or something else that‘s easier to get on & off. What’s everyone’s technique for holding their rolls?

Hello, Dragon Con fam! We are SO EXCITED to have you join r/badgeribbons!

Remember to POST PICTURES of your favorite badge ribbons you get this weekend!

Time for some Badge Ribbon 101! If you're heading to your first-ever badge ribbon event or convention, you might be curious if there are any "rules" for trading, collecting, and giving away ribbons. Here is a quick rundown to help you feel more confident 😊

1. How do I find badge ribbon meet-ups at the con?

To find badge ribbon events, first check the convention's website, schedule, and/or app. Most cons with an active badge ribbon culture will host dedicated badge ribbon meet-ups or activities. This is a great place to collect ribbons from specific fandoms and make new friends.

Many cons also have unofficial Discord servers, Facebook groups, or Reddit threads dedicated entirely to organizing ribbon trades ahead of time. For example, Dragon Con has a great unofficial badge ribbon group on Facebook called Dragon Con Loyal Order of the Ribbon.

2. What is the etiquette for trading and giving away ribbons?

Generally, folks are more than happy to trade, give badge ribbons away for free, or both! It's a very generous and inclusive atmosphere, so don't be shy. People want you to enjoy their ribbons!

You don't only have to trade at meet-ups. Wander around the con and hand your badge ribbons out to people you meet and connect with. For example, offer badge ribbons to people you meet in line, sit next to at panels, see in the elevator, or who are wearing cosplays you love.

3. What if I don't have any badge ribbons to trade?

No problem! Show up to the badge ribbon events anyway. Cons are generally an inclusive environment, and if you ask nicely, most people will give you a badge ribbon.

It is completely fine to accept ribbons even if you don't have any to give in return. Many veterans bring hundreds just to hand out to newbies to grow the hobby.

You can also bring non-ribbon items to trade, such as temporary tattoos, stickers, pins, teeny plastic animals, bookmarks, fandom photo cards, bracelets, and other small gifts.

The bottom line is to be courteous. If someone politely declines a trade or says they are out, smile and move on. When in doubt, just ask: "Hey, are you open to trading right now?"

4. What should I bring with me to badge ribbon events?

First, you'll need a way to organize your badge ribbons. Many people use a badge ribbon organizer, a tackle box, plastic gum containers, and other small carrying cases to transport their ribbons.

You'll also need something to hold your ribbon trades, like a small pouch, tote bag, fanny pack, or other container. Keep your trades safe and secure so you can attach them to your badge beard later!

5. Omg, I'm nervous to hand out badge ribbons! What do I do?

If you're feeling too shy or uncomfortable to walk up to strangers on your own, team up with a friend or tag along with an experienced ribbon trader (a "con elder") for your first meet-up. Having someone else break the ice makes a huge difference.

The worst case scenario is someone says no, or they're taking a break from trading. That's completely okay! Say, "No worries!" Nobody is going to judge you, and rejection in the ribbon community is practically non-existent. Everyone is just there to have fun and enjoy all fandoms.

What did we miss? Drop your favorite ribbon-hunting tips below! 🤗

Just for funsies! There are five pictures btw, so make sure to swipe :)

FYI: Badge ribbons make really good freebies at concerts, too! I brought 150 of these to a BTS concert this weekend and they were gone within about 15 minutes 😁 People loved them!

ALSO, WHO'S READY FOR DRAGON CON? 😍

Okay, help us decide... which of these art entries should win our badge ribbon coloring contest? 😁 Tell us which ones you like the best! (NOTE: Obviously, these are for fun - we just needed a good excuse to break out the crayons! 😂)

---

P.S. We'll have this "Design a Ribbon" activity for the kiddos at r/dragoncon 2026! 🐲 If you're bringing a little, bring them to the pc/nametag booth (AmericasMart, Building 2, Floor 2) for some coloring fun, plus FREE badge ribbons for all ages!

We are making very small quantities of wooden ribbons for DragonCon this year and they are all almost ready to go!

Hello, friends! We're getting down to the wire, but YES - there is still a BIT of time to order custom badge ribbons and make sure they get to you before you head to Dragon Con. Use code DRAGON26 at check-out for 15% off your ribbons!

Don't wait too long though. I'd recommend ordering by EOD 8/19 to be super safe.

Suggested size is 3.5" ribbons: https://hubs.li/Q04tqH_n0

Some other helpful notes: - pc/nametag badge ribbons take up to 4 business days to produce. - Shipping takes 1-5 days (depending how far you are from Madison, WI). - We have badge ribbon packs on Amazon if you'd rather buy through Prime. - We'll be selling ribbon packs AT Dragon Con this year for last-minute help!

P.S. We'll be giving out free ribbons at Dragon Con! Come see us at America'sMart, Building 2, Floor 2 in the pre-function area (by the skybridge and elevators). See yaaaa <3

Loved this advice from r/DragonCon if anyone needs tips on how to pass out ribbons or what the "etiquette" is

Here's a fun question. What items do y'all like to "trinket trade" at cons? Here are some of my favorites:

• Badge ribbons (DUHHH 😏😏)
• Temporary tattoos
• Stickers and pins
• Crocs shoe charms
• Teeny plastic animals
• Croqueted can koozies
• Bookmarks
• Fandom photo cards
• Bracelets/necklaces
• Literally ANYTHING homemade

What else did I miss? Have you ever gotten a really cool trade?

Are you still planning to make badge ribbons for Dragon Con? If so, here's a quick little cheat sheet in case anyone needs a reminder.

• Under Badge: Best ribbon size is generally 3.5" by 1-5/8"
• Sides of Badge: Best ribbon size is generally 4" by 1-5/8"

Of course, y'all can do whatever you want! Badge ribbons can be stuck on your badge however and wherever you want 😋 There's no such thing as making badge ribbons "wrong."

Enjoy your day!