How to Wear Lapel Pins: Style Tips, Ideas, & Placement Guide

Historically, lapel pins were used by members of military regiments, political organizations, or social clubs to indicate affiliation or status. Over time, these pins evolved into a fashionable way to boost an outfit, allowing individuals to showcase their personality, commemorate milestones, or simply stand out from the crowd.

Today, wearing a lapel pin is all about style and self-expression. Whether it's a flower pin to brighten up your suit, a patriotic lapel pin like the American flag pin to show your national pride, or a recognition lapel pin to celebrate an achievement, these small accessories have become an essential part of modern fashion.

Before we get into the best ways to wear lapel pins, let's look at a few popular types you might consider adding to your wardrobe:

• Soft Enamel Pins: These colorful pins are filled with vibrant enamel paint in the recessed areas of the metal. Soft enamel pins are great for adding a pop of color and intricate detail to your outfit.
• Hard Enamel Pins: Renowned for their smooth, polished finish, hard enamel pins provide a more refined and durable appearance. 
• Die Struck No-Enamel Pins: These pins are made by stamping metal to create raised designs, offering a sleek, minimalistic aesthetic. 

Now that you know a bit about what lapel pins are and the different types available, let's dive into how to wear them. Whether you're adding a lapel pin to your suit for a wedding, incorporating a military lapel pin into your daily outfit, or experimenting with custom lapel pins for a personal touch, understanding the proper placement and styling can make all the difference.

How to Wear Lapel Pins (with Style)

Lapel pins are an easy way to add a personal touch to any outfit, but knowing how to wear them properly is the key to tying your look together. Here's a guide on the best practices for styling them in various settings.

Lapel Pin Placement: Where Do Lapel Pins Go?

If you're wondering, "What side do lapel pins go on?" the left lapel is your answer. Lapel pins are traditionally worn on the left lapel, just above the buttonhole of your jacket, blazer, or coat. This placement is not only stylish but also carries a bit of symbolism. The left side is closest to your heart, which is why pins representing causes, affiliations, or achievements are often worn here to symbolize personal importance or dedication.

The placement can vary slightly depending on the type of pin you're wearing:

• For pins with a clutch back, carefully pierce the fabric and secure it from behind.
• If the jacket has a buttonhole, you can insert the pin through the hole and secure it with the pin's backing.
• For stick pins, simply slide the pin's stem through the buttonhole, or use the clutch back for a more secure fit.

Proper pin placement ensures that your pin stays in place and looks intentional, never out of place. Whether you're wearing a military lapel pin for recognition or a flower lapel pin for a pop of color, placement is key to getting the look just right.

How to Wear Lapel Pins in Different Settings

Pins are versatile accessories that can be worn in a variety of settings, from casual outings to formal events. Here's how to incorporate them into your wardrobe for every occasion:

• For Formal Events: Lapel pins elevate formal attire like suits and tuxedos. For black-tie events, a striking design or classic metal pin will complement your look without overwhelming it. 
• For Casual Wear: Pins aren't just for formal occasions. For men and women, lapel pins can be worn on everyday items like jean jackets, backpacks, aprons, or even a shirt collar. The possibilities are endless!
• How to Wear Multiple Lapel Pins: Some individuals enjoy styling multiple pins to create a unique look. You can wear a combination of pins like an award lapel pin, a flag lapel pin, or a flower lapel pin as long as they have complementary designs and colors. The trick is to keep it balanced and not overcrowd the lapel. A good rule of thumb is to keep larger pins on top and smaller pins beneath them for a cohesive look.

Types of Lapel Pins and How to Wear Them

• Patriotic & Flag Pins: If you're looking to showcase your pride or patriotism, American flag lapel pins and patriotic pins are the perfect choice. Whether it's for a national holiday, political event, or community gathering, a flag pin on the left lapel is an impactful yet understated statement. You can also explore other flag pins to represent different nations or states.
• Recognition Pins: Pins are an excellent way to recognize achievements or celebrate milestones. Corporate recognition pins, whether for years of service or company logos, are often worn on the left lapel for daily use. If you're attending a corporate event, consider wearing an award lapel pin to showcase your success. These pins also work well as employee or volunteer recognition during company events.
• Flower Lapel Pins: A flower lapel pin is a great way to add a touch of spring or freshness to any outfit. Whether you're attending a wedding, a garden party, or simply want to add some color to a formal look, a flower lapel pin makes a charming and stylish addition. Choose from various designs, like a rose lapel pin or a more intricate floral enamel pin.
• Awareness Pins: Show your support for important causes with ribbon pins and other awareness pins. Whether it's for breast cancer awareness, mental health causes, or LGBTQ+ pride, these pins are a powerful way to raise awareness, make a statement, and spread solidarity and hope.
• Military Pins: Wear your service with pride. Veterans and active duty personnel can proudly display pins representing their branch or symbolizing their military service as a badge of honor.

Unique Ways to Wear Enamel Pins

Enamel pins are incredibly versatile, and there are so many creative ways to wear them that go beyond the traditional lapel:

• On Hats: Add a few pins to baseball caps, beanies, or sunhats for a stylish, personalized look. 
• Pin Boards & Books: Create a decorative display by pinning your collection to a pin board or pin portfolio books.
• Pant Pockets: Subtly line your pant pockets with small enamel pins for a creative and unique flair.
• On Bags & Backpacks: Attach pins to your tote bags, backpacks, or purses to showcase your style and make your accessories pop.
• As Jewelry: Turn your pins into necklaces or bracelets by attaching them to chains or pins, creating one-of-a-kind statement pieces.
• On Scarves, Shoes, or Sunglasses: Pin your favorite designs on scarves, shoes, or the arms of your sunglasses for a chic and unexpected twist.

At PinMart, we make it easy to elevate your wardrobe with a wide selection of lapel pins and coordinating accessories. Mix and match your look with polished details like tie clips, cufflinks, and even patches. These small additions can transform your outfit, adding a touch of sophistication and personality. For those attending more elegant events, be sure to check out our blog on the best pins for black-tie occasions, where we explore the ideal pins to pair with formal wear and elevate your style even further!

If you're creating pins for a corporate team, organization, event, or a personal cause, PinMart makes it easy to design something meaningful and unique. With a range of sizes, shapes, materials, and finishes to choose from, our experts are here to help bring your vision to life. 

A lapel pin is a timeless accessory that adds personality, pride, or elegance to any outfit. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event with a brooch pin or making a bold statement at work with suit pins, our extensive collection has something for every occasion. Start creating your own unique piece today, or look through our huge selection of stock pins!