Lapel pins are so much fun. They are the perfect accessory for both men and women. They come in millions of different designs and have a simple, straightforward way of expressing yourself without saying a word. There are pins for every holiday, occasion, cause, and event you can think of. But have you ever wondered where they came from or why and how they became such a staple in fashion? We here at PinMart have! We think of pins all day long, but we are even surprised by these fun facts and trivia about lapel pins.

PinMart's Question Mark Lapel Pin

First, let’s dive into some random fun facts about pins. We will begin with some history and go from there!

•  Pins were not originally used for fashion statements! Did you know that the first pins were made in the Bronze Age? Pins were first used to hold clothing together or to fasten a cloak.
• In Early Medieval times, these fastener-type pins became more elaborate, and even Vikings used pins!
• So, you may be wondering—well, who invented the enamel process that makes pins so colorful and beautiful? It was the Ancient Egyptians! They invented the process using powdered glass in the metal pins and baking them to melt the glass to a smooth finish.
• Pins are a part of American history, which is maybe why we love them so much. Did you know lapel pins were used in the Civil War of 1861? It is true! Pins were made for military units. Wearing a unique pin made it easy to distinguish different units or to see who was in your unit on a battlefield!
• During WWI, people began to wear pins to show support at political events. Going to a rally? Wear a pin! According to the Smithsonian, during this time, people wore pins and sometimes buttons to show their patriotism and to display how they contributed to the war efforts. Women were particularly involved in the war efforts at home by working in factories and in agriculture. This may be the reason why pins and brooches are still a popular accessory for women today.

Emoji Mood 11-Pin Set

Now that we've covered some of the histories of lapel pins let’s have some fun with trivia questions about them! The questions will be listed first, with the answers listed at the end. Try to guess and see how many you get right at the end!

1. What is the most common metal used in manufacturing lapel pins?
2. Where does the word lapel come from?
3. Where do most people wear a pin?
4. What are the most common pin designs?
5. What is the most common reason people collect pins?
6. What is the most commonly used type of pins being made today?
7. What is the Old English word for a pin?
8. Besides wearing pins, what is a popular way to enjoy pins?
9. How does a business use lapel pins?
10. What is the term for a lapel pin collector? 

Answers:

1. While lapel pins can be made from many different metals, the most common is Iron or Zinc Alloy. Other common metals used in manufacturing lapel pins are Copper and Brass. These metals are typically plated with a higher-quality metal, such as gold or nickel, to enhance the value and look of the pin.
2. Lapel is a word derived from the French word “lapelle” which means “little shoulder” in France. It makes sense as most clothing lapels point towards the shoulder.
3. It is most common to formally wear an American Flag pin over your heart on the left side of your lapel. This is not to say you can’t wear a pin elsewhere! Pins can be worn on either side of your lapel, with no lapel – simply pinned on a shirt or sweater, a backpack, or other fun places!
4. While pins come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, the most common designs represent organizations or causes.
5. While many people love the designs, the most popular reason people collect pins is that many are rare and produced in limited editions, and their prices go up over time.
6. Soft enamel pins are by far the most popular type of pins produced today. They are economical and look terrific. They can also have an epoxy coating that makes them smooth to the touch.
7. In Old English, the word ‘peg” meant a sharp piece of metal to attach something to it. While traditional pin posts are still common and very popular, pins can have many different backing types.
8. One of the most popular ways to enjoy pins today is to trade them! Pin Trading is a fun hobby that lets you meet new people and find pins from around the world. From little league baseball tournaments to Disney pins to Olympic pins and so many more pin trading clubs’ popularity doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
9. Businesses, both large and small, use lapel pins as marketing tools. Many companies create custom designs with their branded logos on pins. Why? So people can show them off while wearing them and build brand awareness. When a person wears a pin with a logo on it, it shows an endorsement of the company and may spur conversations about the company and its products.
10. As funny as it sounds, lapel pin collectors are called “Pin Heads!”

 So, How Did You Do?

PinMart's 100% Lapel Pin

At this point, it's easy to see that pins are so much more than tiny, shiny pieces of jewelry! They have been a part of human history that spans ancient times. Their use has evolved over time and as manufacturing processes evolved. They are sometimes useful as fasteners and sometimes fashionable – but always a unique way to express yourself. I bet the next time you see someone wearing a pin, you will take a second look to see what the person is trying to say – without saying a word.

If you want to be a "pin-head, too, now is a terrific time to begin your pin collection. A great place to start is at PinMart. Here are a few of our favorite pins:

American Flag Pin - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

$4.99

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE!  Display your American pride with our best-selling patriotic lapel pin! Take advantage of our Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offer:...… read more

Happy Emoji Pin

$4.99

Send a message of enthusiasm with our Happy Emoji Pin on your gym show, backpack or help get a picture perfect smile with it on...… read more

Good Vibes 4-Pin Set

$11.99

The Good Vibes Pin Set includes our Be Kind Lapel Pin, Too Cool for Negativity Pin, Live A Little Pin and Good Vibes Only Pin. The...… read more