Where to put a lapel pin is a harder question than you might expect. Keep reading and learn the different ways to wear lapel pins.
You may have seen the recent unveiling of an impressive new lapel pin across the pond. This peacock-like lapel pin was designed by the Queen’s jeweler to celebrate her 70th year on the throne.
Lapel pins are often used to mark special occasions. Custom pins like the ones above can be sold or given out to commemorate an event. Many people collect lapel pins to wear to formal and semi-formal events, but they are also popular with artists and creatively minded people.
If lapel pins mark unfamiliar territory for you, you might wonder where to put a lapel pin. How do you know that you’re wearing your lapel pin the right way?
We’re here to help. Read on as we talk about traditional and not-so-traditional ways to wear your lapel pins.
First of All, What Is a Lapel?
If you have one on hand, pull out your suit jacket or blazer. Make sure that it has all of the proper folds and seams that it should so that we can help you to identify the lapel. (Spoiler alert: there are actually two.)
Look at the two pieces of outward-folding fabric on the front of the jacket or blazer. They should start above the buttons of the jacket and stop below the collar. Those are the lapels.
How Can You Identify a Lapel Pin?
What about lapel pins, themselves? What are they?
There are several different types of pins that you can use as lapel pins. Broadly speaking, a lapel pin is any type of pin that you use to decorate your lapel. However, there are a few types that you’re most likely to see, and those include:
- traditional suit lapel pins: these pins have a decorative metal or enamel front and a pin that goes directly through the lapel; they are secured with a butterfly clasp, rubber pin back, or magnetic pin back
- boutonnieres: these pins are made from (typically) real flowers that still have their stem and are pinned to the lapel using a straight pin or safety pin
- stick pins: these pins have a metal or enamel decoration located at the top of a thin metal stem (or stick); the stick goes through the front of the lapel and pokes out of the front of the lapel and can be secured with a small metal fastener
- brooches: brooches are coming back in style in a big way and feature large decorative fronts with a hinged backing that goes through the lapel
As you can see, there is a lot of fun to be had with lapel pins. When you are ready to figure out the type of pin you want to make then you can begin learning about the type of lapel pin material and lapel pin style type you want to make for your lapel pin. Now, we’re going to tell you how to incorporate lapel pins into your repertoire.
Where to Put a Lapel Pin
Locating the lapels of your suit jacket or blazer won’t tell you quite where to put your lapel pin. See, there is a very specific way to do it, and you don’t want to place your lapel pin just anywhere on one of the lapels.
You will always wear lapel pins on the left lapel (your left when wearing the jacket, not when looking at the jacket). The lapel pin goes on the top portion of the lapel, about an inch below where the collar begins.
Nowadays, however, lapel pins aren’t just for formal wear. As we mentioned earlier, they’re becoming popular with artists and creative dressers who collect and even design unique and modern enamel lapel pins. You can use these pins to update an old jacket, add visual interest to a backpack, or accessorize your favorite shirt.
No matter the occasion or the outfit, there’s a lapel pin to match. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and add your favorite pins to anything from a suit jacket to a purse or bucket hat.
When to Wear Lapel Pins
When should you wear lapel pins? There are several appropriate occasions to sport a lapel pin, including casual and formal settings. Let’s look at a few examples of when a lapel pin is the right accessory of choice.
Formal Events
Special lapel pins like boutonnieres are often reserved for special occasions. For example, many people first wear a boutonniere when attending prom. In this case, the boutonniere often matches your date’s attire or corsage.
You can also wear lapel pins to galas, weddings, formal fundraisers, and more.
Work Events
It is not uncommon for work teams or company representatives to wear lapel pins to work events. This can include anything from internal events like team-building days to marketing events like tradeshows.
In these settings, lapel pins are often provided by the company in order to identify the company you work for or an outstanding achievement. Corporate lapel pins are a great way to boost brand recognition, build internal brand identity, and show employees recognition for a job well done.
Casual Settings
Lapel pins also make an appropriate accessory in casual settings like informal events or outings. You can even incorporate them into your daily wear by using them to add flair to otherwise boring staples like backpacks.
Artistic lapel pins are perfect for any casual setting because they express something about the wearer and make a great conversation starter. You can even try your hand at designing your own.
What Will You Do With Your Lapel Pin?
Now that you know where to put a lapel pin, it’s time to start thinking outside of the box. What creative ways will you use lapel pins to accessorize or express yourself? What types of custom lapel pins will you design for your next big event?
As always, Metal Promo is the number one custom pin and coin maker that you can rely on from the comfort of home. Let us know what kind of projects you have in mind and we’ll offer you a free quote. We guarantee the best lapel pins and more.
