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July 17, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Lapel Pin Uses and Applications

Thought you knew all about pins?. Here is the ultimate guide and Boost your knowledge in understanding Lapel pin uses and applications.

The Greeks created the first lapel pin in the 13th century B.C. and evolved into the lapel pins we have today. Whether it’s to complement your suit to awarding students, there are many different reasons why we sport lapel pins.

But what’s the etiquette surrounding lapel pins? If you’re unsure, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know.      

What Is a Lapel Pin?

Before answering “how to wear a lapel pin?”, it’s important to know what a lapel is.

The lapel is the edged part on both sides of your suit jacket, just under the collar. It’s folded back on either side of the front opening of your chest pocket.  

Most lapels have a buttonhole, either left open or stitched shut, on the upper part of the left-hand side. If you’re unsure where to place suit lapel pins, follow this traditional lapel pin etiquette.  

Lapel pins are often decorative but they can relate to your organization or causes. They come in an array of shapes and sizes which you can wear with anything from employee uniforms to your team’s kit.

Lapel pin uses and applications.

The Various Types of Lapel Pin Attachments

It’s important to note that the backside of a lapel pin can be as significant as the front. There are many types, for example:

Stick Pin

The most common type of attachment is a stick pin, a thin needle with a collar that advances up and down to either attach or release the pin.

Military or Butterfly Clutch

These have been the standard lapel pin for years. It’s lightweight and the backside has a sharp point attached to it. Note that when you squeeze the butterfly clutch, the pin is released.

Magnetic Clasp  

Two small disc magnets in the pin’s backside and the front attachment holds the pin in place. This is a popular choice for those who don’t want to put holes in the material.  

Different Types of Lapel Pin

Now we know where to place a lapel pin, it’s important to consider the various lapel pins. For example:

Education Pins

This type of lapel pin is beneficial for schools and universities. You can use these to award students for excelling in a particular subject.

Schools and universities can customize them so they display the institution’s logo, the student’s name, and the relevant academic field.

Not only do well-designed education pins look fantastic on school blazers, but they motivate students to work harder. Further, any student-led campaign can use education pins to raise awareness with their multi-colored patterns and colors.

Military Pins

Show support for your branch or for the U.S. Armed Forces by wearing a military lapel pin.

It shows your patriotism and if you’ve served, lapel pins let you connect with veterans and other military members. Also, seeing another person with a similar military lapel pin connects you on a personal level.  

Police Pins

Law enforcement lapel pins are an effective way to combine pride and protection associated with the job while establishing your identity.

Lapel pins also raise awareness about your police department when displaying key information. As a result, your community will feel safe knowing the precinct number and location of their local police department.

Custom-made police pins make great freebies at school events. As these pins copy real badges, it excites students when they receive them. You can also reward overachieving students by making them unofficial junior deputies.

Sports Pins

Lapel pins are a superb way to celebrate professional or school sports team, uniting players and fans. They enhance oneness and team spirit which will encourage players to work together to win.  

It's also an affordable method of getting pins for baseball, football, and basketball teams. The player can collaborate and brainstorm the design by adding their team logo and slogans.

Further, lapel pins can be an award for anyone who's connected to a sport that will encourage participation. Not only does it boost confidence but it gives them a moment that they can hold onto for life.  

Employee Pins

Lapel pins that display your company’s logo raise brand awareness, a crucial part of advertising. Wearing employee pins will also attract customers to see what types of products or services you offer.

As every business is unique, you can have lapel pins in an array of colors, sizes, and designs depending on your brand identity and needs. Customized pins also boost your employee’s morale if you use them as an award for their hard work.

When employers show their appreciation to employees, they will be more motivated to perform better and will be more loyal to your brand.

Organization Pins

Organizations like charities can also reap the benefits of custom-made lapel pins.

For instance, you could offer different pins to reflect each donation level by ordering gold, silver, and bronze pins. The exclusivity of these lapel pins will raise awareness for your cause and encourage others to donate.

That's Our Guide On Lapel Pins

Whether you’re a member of an organization or law enforcement, lapel pins are a fantastic way of raising awareness and unifying the team.

You can use lapel pins to award their students for outstanding work or to revel in team spirit when playing sports. Or wear your company’s lapel pin to improve employee productivity and establish your brand identity.     

Are you interested in getting lapel pins for your branch or educational institution? If so, we'd love to chat. Contact us here for more information.

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