The Original Chum retainer was created in 1983 by Colorado River guide Mike Taggett and his friends, who sought a simple, comfortable way to keep their expensive sunglasses out of the river. The first prototype was fashioned from shoelaces and foam rubber, but it never made it to market. A few years and several dozen prototypes later, the right design was found, and fellow guides were enlisted to field test Chums and provide feedback.

The resulting product - The Original Chums - now the Original Standard not only worked remarkably well, but it also looked pretty cool. The Chums name now graces a wide variety of never-loose-your-glasses straps and other handy devices that help you Hang On to your stuff.

Early on in the history of the company Mike recognized the importance of eyewear retention and other retention products for the work place. After all, many of our reps, customer service, event coordinators and techs wear lanyards, need badges and have key chains.. In response to requests from all these people Chums created a line of retention products that reflects our heritage.  Chums is a leader in promotional products that help you Hang On to "necessities."

Every cotton and rope retainer and lanyard is home grown in Hurricane, Utah - manufactured in the USA. Although it isn't rocket science, we are very proud of the proprietary machines Chums Research has developed over the years to make Chums' product the most durable and long lasting on the planet.