Getting Down to the Basics
Here at Signature Pins, we talk a lot about what goes into making a set of custom lapel pins, but we don’t often get down to the basics of how to wear them. With that being said, we thought now was as good a time as ever to bring you up to speed on a few things related to lapel pin etiquette. The main things we want to go over are how to wear different styles of lapel pins, the placement of pins and a few basic things you should know about your pin before heading out on the town.
Styles of Custom Lapel Pins
There are different styles of lapel pins, and they all come in different sizes. The most popular sizes for our custom pins fall in the .75” to 1” range, but lapel pins can be as large as 3”. Size is usually accompanied by a specific attachment option for a set of pins. Smaller pins usually have a traditional post (or needle) on the back that comes with a butterfly or rubber clutch to attach the pin firmly in place.
Larger pins sometimes require an additional post and clutch to keep them steady on a lapel. For customers looking for a more classic style pin, or boutonniere (a floral decoration worn on the lapel of a suit or tuxedo jacket), the standard post and clutch can be replaced with a long stem. This style of lapel pin is known as a stick pin.
In either case, the colors and design of your lapel pin should match your tie and pocket square when in full formal attire. Gold and silver designs go well with most different suit colors, but when a pin design incorporates vibrant colors, it can be distracting. Lapel pins are meant to accentuate the look of your formal wear, so make sure to pair them with ties, pocket squares and shirts that compliment the design.
Lapel Pin Placement
Lapel pins always go on the left. Most suits and blazers already have a buttonhole ready for a lapel pin or boutonniere to be inserted. If your jacket does not have a spot for a lapel pin, just make sure to place your pin on the widest part of the left lapel and center it as best you can. The metal post attached to the back of your pin will be sharp enough and small enough to pierce through the fabric of your jacket without damaging the material.
Attaching your pin is easier if done before putting on your jacket, but standing in front of a mirror makes it pretty straightforward. For traditional lapel pins, pierce the fabric with the post, flip the lapel over and attach the clutch to secure the pin in place. For stick pins, there are two ways to wear the pin. You can either pierce the fabric with the stick pin and attach the cap on the back side of the lapel, or you can have the stick pin come back out to the front side of the lapel and cap the tip so that it’s visible on the outside of your lapel. In either case, the look is a matter of personal preference.
Make sure to only wear one lapel pin at a time. Having two or more pins takes away from their effect and creates an overly busy appearance.
Preparation
Lapel pins are an old tradition in political circles, fraternities and sororities, charities and clubs. They are perfect for showing affiliation to an organization or cause when designs incorporate emblems, a coat of arms or even an awareness ribbon design. When it comes to custom designs, lapel pins are a perfect place to show off a little personality. No matter what the case may be, be prepared to talk about the pin.
People will ask about the design and about what it represents. They are a great conversation starter and open up networking opportunities as more people share their own experiences that may have a connection to their own lapel pins. It’s not a matter of life and death, but having a thoughtful answer is a great way to get people talking; share ideas and start networking.
Custom Designs Tell Unique Stories
We believe that a custom lapel pin should be an extension of personality. They come in all kinds of custom shapes, sizes and colors, but the basic etiquette for using them is always the same. Just remember:
- Make sure your tie and/or pocket square matches your lapel pin.
- Always put your lapel pin on the left lapel.
- Only use one lapel pin at a time.
- Know the story behind your pin.
Our Signature Pins team helps people from all walks of life create special designs that tell a unique story. Our goal is for every design to capture a sense of personality and heritage in a quality pin that can be worn with pride. Our careful die striking process makes it easy to recreate emblems and company logos in the design, and we have options for different metal plating and colors that help make a set of pins stand out from the crowd.
If you’re interested in adding a custom look to your formal wear, give us a call today. Tell us your story and our team will set to work on a unique design for you and your team.
FAQs
If your jacket does not have a spot for a lapel pin, just make sure to place your pin on the widest part of the left lapel and center it as best you can. The metal post attached to the back of your pin will be sharp enough and small enough to pierce through the fabric of your jacket without damaging the material.
What is the rule for lapel pins? ›
There's only one golden rule for lapel pins: To wear them approximately where the lapel buttonhole is or would be. That's the upper part of the left lapel. Some double-breasted suits have these buttonholes on both lapels, but lapel pins should always go on the left-hand side.
How do you wear a decorative pin? ›
Affix the pin on the left lapel, touching the outside edge of the buttonhole. If you wear more than one pin, cluster the pins together on one side. An arrangement with an odd number will be more visually appealing as the asymmetry draws the eye in.
How do you position a lapel pin? ›
The correct positioning for a lapel pin is for it to sit on the left side of your chest. The easiest way to remember this is to always follow your heart, in the most literal sense possible. Most suit jackets come with a small buttonhole on the left lapel to indicate where the lapel pin should sit.
What are guidelines for pin placement? ›
In general, pins should be placed as the USGA recommends — at a relatively level area minimum of 12 feet from the fringe of the green and in accordance with the conditions of the day, but not in an unfair position to receive a well ex- ecuted shot. Fairness and variety are the best guides to proper pin placement.
Is it appropriate to wear two lapel pins? ›
Lapel pins are a superb way to show your affiliation with anything close and dear to your heart. Whether it's a company, a country or a sports team, it's perfectly acceptable to wear multiple lapel pins.
Where do you put decorative pins? ›
Decorative pins can go anywhere you want to put them – the sky is the limit. Tote bags, backpacks, and lanyards are popular options for display pins you want to see often. Collectors cases, shadow boxes, and display banners are more popular for precious pins you don't want to damage.
How to wear multiple lapel pins? ›
When wearing multiple lapel pins you want to display them to the left side of your jacket, or shirt just as you would when wearing a single lapel pin. In some instances, you may be required to wear your lapel pin(s) on the right as instructed by certain military organizations.
What is the difference between a pin and a lapel pin? ›
Apart from the difference in names, there's no main difference between enamel pins and lapel pins. If anything, lapel pins and enamel pins are more of the same thing. So whether you call them enamel pins or lapel pins, they are an imaginative way of relaying different messages.
Should I wear a lapel pin and pocket square? ›
The lapel pin complements the tie yet pops against the deep colour of the suit. It doesn't clash with the pocket square as it matches the suit.
The truth is, lapel pins look good. They are intrinsically tied to the story of men's fashion and that's a pretty good reason to consider them. Lapel pins add a distinguishing feature of luxury to suits.
What does the flower lapel pin mean? ›
To the left, to the left. Lapel flower pins are traditionally worn on the left side of the jacket. It's believed that this is a romantic notion; the flower is meant to be placed close to the wearer's heart. This tradition came about since lapel flower pins became popular in the 1800s.
Can you wear a lapel pin on a blouse? ›
While lapel pins can be worn by people in many different ways, the main question we will discuss today is if one can wear them on shirt collars. One can wear them on shirt's collars, but it depends on several things such as outfit, the occasion, the wearer's personality, and the type of lapel pin.
Can civilians wear American flag lapel pin? ›
The federal Flag Code does not smile upon the use of the flag or its image as part of everyday citizens' wearing apparel, including the flag lapel pin—although exceptions are made for military, fire, and police uniforms and the clothing of members of patriotic groups such as the Daughters and Sons of the American ...
Can anyone wear an American flag lapel pin? ›
Military personnel, firefighters, police, and specific other official organizations can wear flag pins as a part of their official uniform.
Are lapel pins too formal? ›
Lapel pins are best worn to formal events, such as weddings and proms. So, when you choose your lapel pin, make sure it's suitable for a formal occasion.
Does TSA allow lapel pins? ›
Traveling with pins on a plane might seem tricky, but knowing the facts can make your journey smooth. First and foremost, it's essential to understand that pins, including enamel pins, decorative pins, lapel pins, and bobby pins, are generally allowed on planes.
