Tip: Stand in front of a mirror. Adjust your lapel pin until it feels just right.

Key Takeaways

• Always put your lapel pin on the left side, close to your heart. It should go above the jacket pocket or where the lapel is.

• Use the buttonhole on your jacket's left lapel to hold the pin if you can. If there is no buttonhole, gently push the pin through the fabric. Be careful not to tear the jacket.

• Pick lapel pins that look good with your outfit's color and style. Wear small pins for formal events. Wear bigger or brighter pins for casual days.

• Place your lapel pin at a small upward angle. Make sure the back is tight so it stays on all day.

• Lapel pins show your style and make any outfit special. You can wear them at weddings or just on regular days.

Where Should a Lapel Pin Be Worn

Left Lapel Placement

You might wonder, where should a lapel pin be worn? The answer is simple. Always place your lapel pin on the left lapel of your jacket. This spot sits just above your pocket, close to your heart. People have followed this tradition for a long time. In the past, men wore boutonnieres—small flowers—on the left lapel. They slipped the stem through a tiny buttonhole. This spot became special because it kept the flower near the heart, showing care and respect.

Today, most suit jackets still have a small buttonhole on the left lapel. You can use this hole to secure your lapel pin. It keeps the pin steady and protects your jacket from damage. If you look at modern style guides, you will see that this is the correct positioning for a lapel pin. Some people like to hide the pin behind the lapel for formal events. Others prefer to show it off on the front for a bold look. Both ways work, so you can choose what feels right for you.

Tip: If your jacket has a buttonhole, slide the pin through it. The pin will sit at the top of your lapel, right where it should.

Here's a quick checklist to help you remember:

• Place the lapel pin on the left lapel.

• Keep it above the pocket.

• Use the buttonhole if your jacket has one.

• Make sure it sits over your heart.

You might hear people ask, "Where does a lapel pin go?" or "What side do you wear a lapel pin?" The answer stays the same: left lapel, above the pocket, near the heart.

Placement for Women and Other Garments

Not everyone wears a classic suit jacket. You might wear a blazer, a dress, or even a sweater. So, where do lapel pins go on these outfits? You still want to keep the pin on the left side, close to your heart. If your garment has no lapel or buttonhole, don't worry. You can pin it through the fabric, just above the chest pocket or where a lapel would sit.

Women often have more freedom with placement. You can wear a lapel pin on a dress, blouse, or even a scarf. Just keep it on the left side for tradition. Some jackets for women do not have a buttonhole. In that case, gently push the pin through the fabric. Try not to damage delicate materials. If you wear a cardigan or sweater, pick a spot on the left side, near your shoulder or collarbone.

Here's a table to help you find the best spot:

Note: Always check the fabric before pinning. Some materials can snag or tear easily.

You now know the best placement for any outfit. The tradition started with boutonnieres, but you can make it your own. Try different spots and see what looks best. Lapel pins let you show your style, no matter what you wear.

Types of Lapel Pins

When you look at the different types of lapel pins, you see a world of style and tradition. Each type has its own story and best use. Let's break down the most popular ones you'll find today.

Stick Pins

Stick pins give you a classic look. You see them as a thin metal pin with a decorative top. People love them for their simple design and easy use. You just slide the pin through your lapel and secure it with a small cap at the end. Stick pins work well for both formal and casual outfits. They add a touch of elegance without being too flashy.

You can find stick pins in many shapes—flowers, initials, or even small animals. They make a great choice if you want to try different types of lapel pins for any event.

Boutonnières

Boutonnières bring a fresh and romantic feel. You wear a real or artificial flower on your lapel, usually for weddings or special occasions. The tradition started long ago, and it still feels special today. You place the flower through the buttonhole or pin it above your heart.

Boutonnières stand out at formal events. They show care and attention to detail. If you want to make a statement, this is the type of lapel pin you should try.

Enamel and Badge Pins

Enamel and badge pins have become very popular. You see them everywhere—from corporate events to sports tournaments. These pins use metal and colorful enamel to create bold designs. They last a long time and keep their shine.

Fun Fact: Companies use enamel pins to reward employees. Sports teams trade them at tournaments. Fans wear them at political rallies and conventions.

Here's a quick look at how enamel pins compare to button badges:

You can see why enamel pins are a top pick for lasting style. They work for both special events and everyday wear.

The chart above shows how popular badge pins have become worldwide. The United States leads in imports, while countries like Bangladesh and China ship the most pins. This proves that these types of lapel pins are in high demand for all kinds of occasions.

How to Wear a Lapel Pin

Learning how to wear lapel pins can feel tricky at first, but you'll get the hang of it fast. Let's break it down step by step so you can put on a lapel pin with confidence, no matter what kind of jacket or pin you have.

Using the Buttonhole

Most suit jackets and blazers have a small buttonhole on the left lapel. This spot makes putting on a lapel pin easy and keeps your jacket safe from damage. Here's how you do it:

1. Hold your lapel pin in one hand. Find the buttonhole on your left lapel.

2. Slide the pin's stem through the buttonhole. Make sure the decorative part sits on the outside of your lapel.

3. If your pin has a back or cap, attach it behind the lapel to keep it secure.

4. Adjust the pin so it sits straight and points slightly upward. This angle looks sharp and keeps the pin from drooping.

Tip: If you use a stick pin, let the stem run along the back of the lapel. The cap will stop it from poking you.

You can use this method for stick pins, enamel pins, and even small boutonnieres. The buttonhole gives you a perfect guide for how to wear a lapel pin the classic way.

Without a Buttonhole

Some jackets, sweaters, or dresses don't have a buttonhole. Don't worry! You can still wear a lapel pin and look great. Here's what you do:

• Pick the spot on the left side of your chest, above the pocket or near your collarbone.

• Gently push the pin through the fabric. Try to avoid thick seams or delicate materials.

• Attach the back or cap to hold the pin in place.

• Check in the mirror. Make sure the pin sits flat and doesn't pull on the fabric.

If you want to wear a lapel pin on a sweater or scarf, choose a spot where the fabric is sturdy. Thin or loose knits can stretch or snag. For delicate blouses, test the pin on a hidden spot first.

Note: Always check the fabric before putting on a lapel pin. Some materials can show tiny holes after you remove the pin.

Pinning Technique

You want your lapel pin to stay put all day. The right pinning technique makes a big difference. Here's how to get it right:

• Hold the pin at a slight upward angle. This keeps the design facing forward and stops it from drooping.

• Push the pin through both layers of the lapel if possible. This gives extra support.

• For stick pins, slide the stem through the fabric and secure the end cap. For enamel or badge pins, press the post through and snap on the back.

• If you use a boutonnière, tuck the stem into the buttonhole and pin it from behind for extra hold.

Pro Tip: If your pin feels loose, add a small piece of felt behind the lapel. This trick helps the pin grip better and protects your jacket.

You can use these steps for all types of lapel pins. Practice makes perfect. Soon, you'll feel comfortable putting on a lapel pin for any event.

Quick Checklist for Wearing Lapel Pins:

• Choose the left lapel or left side of your outfit.

• Use the buttonhole if you have one.

• Pin at a slight upward angle.

• Secure the back or cap.

• Check your look in the mirror.

Wearing lapel pins adds personality to your outfit. You can try different styles and placements until you find what works for you. Now you know how to wear lapel pins with style and confidence!

How to Wear Lapel Pins with Style

Matching Outfits

Styling a lapel pin starts with your outfit. You want your look to feel put together, not random. Try these steps when you match your pin to your clothes:

1. Pick a lapel pin that fits your outfit's color scheme. If you wear a navy suit, a silver or blush pin looks sharp.

2. Place your pin on the left lapel, near the buttonhole. You can also try the collar of a shirt or the chest area of a sweater.

3. Secure the pin so it stays in place all day.

4. Match your pin to other accessories. If you wear a blue tie, choose a pin with a hint of blue. This trick works for pocket squares and buttons too.

5. Adjust the size and design for the event. Small, classic pins work for formal events. Bold or playful pins fit casual days.

Example: At a wedding, a groom's navy suit with a blush lapel pin matched the bridesmaids' dresses. It looked elegant and coordinated.

Choosing Size and Color

Choosing a lapel pin can feel fun. You get to show your style. For formal events, go for subtle pins. They add class without stealing the show. At casual events, you can wear lapel pins casually and pick bold colors or fun shapes.

• Medium pins (1 to 1.5 inches) work for most outfits. They look good and don't overpower your look.

• Large pins make a statement. Use them if you want to stand out.

• Color matters. Pink pins show support for causes like breast cancer. Gold or silver pins look timeless. Colorful enamel pins add energy.

Styling a lapel pin means thinking about your message. Do you want to show pride, support a cause, or just add flair? Pick a pin that matches your mood and the event.

Formal and Casual Etiquette

Lapel pin etiquette helps you look polished. For formal events, choose small, elegant pins. Place them on the left lapel, close to your heart. If you wear a flag pin, keep it upright and near the heart. For casual days, you can try button pins or metal pins with fun designs.

You can wear lapel pins casually on sweaters, shirts, or even bags. Just keep the pin secure and upright. Remember, choosing a lapel pin that fits the event and your style always makes you look your best.

You now know how to wear a lapel pin with confidence. Try different styles and placements to show your personality. People have used lapel pins for centuries to stand out, celebrate, and build unity. Here are some ways you can use them:

• Add a pop of color to your suit for special events.

• Show team spirit or support a cause.

• Pin one on a bag or hat for a creative touch.

Give it a try at your next event and see how it transforms your look!

FAQ

How do I keep my lapel pin from falling off?

You can secure your lapel pin by making sure the back or cap is tight. For extra hold, add a small piece of felt behind the fabric. This trick helps the pin grip better and protects your jacket.

Can I wear more than one lapel pin at a time?

Yes, you can! Just keep them small and space them out. Two pins look stylish if they match your outfit. Try not to crowd them together. You want each pin to stand out.

Are lapel pins only for formal events?

No, you can wear lapel pins any day. They look great at weddings, work, or even with a sweater. Here's a quick guide:

Will a lapel pin damage my clothes?

Most lapel pins are safe for sturdy fabrics. Thin or delicate materials can snag or show tiny holes. Always test the pin on a hidden spot first. If you worry about damage, use a pin with a smooth back.