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Lapel Pin Guide
The ultimate guide on Lapel Pins and why you should add them into your daily suit attire.
What is a lapel pin?
A lapel pin is a small pin worn on the lapel of a jacket. Lapel pins serve no functional purpose to a gentleman’s outfit rather it adds a decorative touch to the overall look.
What's a lapel?
A lapel is the part on each side of a coat or jacket immediately below the collar which is folded back on either side of the front opening.
The majority of lapels have a buttonhole (and you’ve guessed it) this is where your lapel pin goes.
What are the different types of lapel pins?
Boutonnière
Before lapel pins were lapel pins, there were (and still are) boutonnieres. A boutonniere is a real flower that sits in the buttonhole, these are usually used at weddings and prom (the good days, when life was easier).
FLORAL LAPEL PINS
The successor to the boutonnieres, These pins look like flowers but are actually made of materials like polyester, satin and wool. Nowadays, these are among the most popular lapel pins you will see on any given day. They can come in the form of a pin or as a stick pin.
Stick LAPEL PINS
The body of these pins are made of metal and are long and thin. The lapel sits at the top of the pin, whereas the needle and the cap (which are used to add and remove the pin on the jacket) usually sits at the bottom of the pin.
You will usually see these types of lapel pins with an object on the top (i.e. an airplane, an anchor, etc) however floral lapel pins can also be stick lapel pins.
MINI PINS
These types of lapel pins (also known as enamel pins) are made from metal and are more subtle than any of the aforementioned pins. Instead of having a stick pointing down which threads through the lapel, they have a short pin which pierces directly through the material and is secured with a butterfly clasp.
Where do I place a lapel pin?
Place the lapel pin approximately where the lapel buttonhole is (on the upper part of the left lapel) or where it should be (unfortunately, some suits don’t come with a lapel buttonhole).
How do I wear a lapel pin?
Depending on the type of lapel pin you use, depends on the method you need to use to wear the lapel pin.
how to wear a floral or stick lapel pin
- Remove the bottom cap of the lapel pin, you will see the needle
- Pierce the needle through the top of the lapel on your jacket.
- Bring the needle down and pierce it through the bottom of your lapel.
- Put the cap back on (and Wallah! You’ve added a lapel pin to your outfit)
how to wear a mini pin or enamel pin
- Remove the back piece of the lapel pin (or enamel pin)
- Push the needle through the lapel pin buttonhole
- Reattach the backing to the lapel pin (your lapel pin skills are increasing grasshopper)
which lapel pin should i choose?
This is more of a question of your personality and how much of your personality you want to showcase (or not showcase).
when to wear floral lapel pins
Want something that will separate you from the crowd? Want an icebreaker? Or maybe you just want compliments (you know you do), These lapel pins are for you. They are highly noticeable and will catch eyes. They can come in any color.
when to wear stick lapel pins
Equally as dapper as the floral lapel pins, these pins will also get you compliments but they aren’t as noticeable since they usually come in a few colors (gold, silver, bronze).
If you want to crush the dapper competition around you but not garner too much attention, these lapel pins are for you.
when to wear mini pins
A great lapel pin choice for those who don’t want too much attention but still want to add spice to their outfit. The size of these lapel pins make them a bit harder to notice, especially from a distance.
what lapel pin looks good with a black suit
Go for either brighter color lapel pins (like pink, blue, green) or neutral color lapel pin (like white, grey, beige).
Brighter color lapel pins will add a vibrant touch to your outfit. Neutral color lapel pins will add an elegant touch to the overall look.
what lapel pin looks good with a grey suit
Go for either brighter color lapel pins (like red, green, orange) or dark color lapel pins (like burgundy, black, navy).
Like the black suit, brighter colors will add a nice pop to your outfit. Darker color lapel pins will contrast nicely against the lighter suit color.
what lapel pin looks good with a navy suit
Because navy suits are so versatile, you could use any of the above combinations to don with a navy suit. However, if we had to put it in an order of preference, it would go something like:
- Brighter Color Lapel Pins
- Neutral Color Lapel Pins
- Darker Color Lapel Pins
The 3 best lapel pins in 2022
These are our top 5 best selling lapel pins so far in 2022. They go well with most of the basic suit standards (i.e. black suit, navy suit).
when should i wear a lapel pin?
Lapel pins use to be only worn to special events, like weddings or networking events.
Key phrase is “use to”. Nowadays, you can wear a lapel pin to any event that you dress up to.
Personally, I wear lapel pins to : weddings, work, work-related events, happy hours, networking events, Chipotle (don’t hate), etc. I receive compliments left and right at these places when I wear them.
What type of lapel pin should I wear?
It really depends on the event you are going to, here are our recommendations
Work - The safe answer is to go with mini or stick lapel pins. However, if you play by your own rules (like I do) then add some Floral Lapel Pins into your work wardrobe. You’ll stand out at work, just make sure it’s not for the wrong reason (Noberto, the dapper aficionado who takes 1.5 hour lunches every day).
Weddings - It’s a celebration! Go with any of the above, preferably Floral.
Networking Events - Depends on your goal at these types of events. If you are trying to be noticed and make connections, go with a floral or a stick lapel pin - people will gravitate toward you. If you are trying to just low-key mingle, opt for the mini lapel pin.
Church - Any of the above works really well.
Graduations - Any of the above works really well.
College - Depends on the type of college event.
Mock interviews - Mini Pins
Meeting Employers - Mini Pins
SGA - All of the Above
College Presentations - Floral or Stick
What can I wear the lapel pin with?
Depending on your style, you could wear a lapel pin with no men accessories and look dapper or a few men accessories and look extremely dapper.
15 Responses
willt49
July 01, 2024
Great blog! Lapel pins are such a stylish addition to any outfit. I especially love the variety, from classic boutonnieres to modern floral and stick pins. The detailed guide on placement and wearing them is very helpful. Looking forward to adding some of these to my collection!
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