The Ultimate Lapel Pin Guide
As vintage trends gain popularity, lapel pins are making a comeback, perfectly complementing modern suits. But how exactly do you wear them? Learning the correct styling etiquette and the different types of lapel pins will make all the difference in adding a spark to your wardrobe repertoire. As experts in men's accessories, we've created the ultimate lapel pin guide for you.
What Is a Lapel Pin?
A lapel pin is a small, stylish accessory you can wear on the lapel of your suit jacket — and correct lapel pin placement is essential. The lapel is the fabric that folds over near your collar, and it's the perfect spot for a pin to add personality or flair to your look. Lapel pins come in various materials like metal, fabric, or even real flowers and attach with a metal pin that slides through the fabric of your jacket, secured by a small metal cap. This subtle detail can significantly impact your overall appearance.
Pairing lapel pins with accessories like a bow tie or cufflinks can tie your outfit together. Lapel pins and pocket squares often pair well together. The right combination should add depth to your look without overwhelming it.
4 Types of Lapel Pins
How you attach a lapel pin depends on its type, with each style having different requirements.
Flower Lapel Pins
Flower lapel pins are the most popular style. A flower on a suit can add class and elegance to your outfit. People wear them at weddings, racing events, and formal dinners. These pins consist of fabric flowers that adorn your suit lapel, attached to a long pin that slides through the hole of your jacket lapel. Standard fabrics for flower lapel pins include cotton, linen, and velvet.
Metal Lapel Pins
Metal lapel pins involve metal emblems attached to a long metal pin. They are great for showing off your style and come in many quirky motifs. Animals, sports-themed emblems and landmarks are common symbols on these lapel pins, so emblem lapel pins make a superb accessory if you want to communicate something specific about yourself.
Boutonnieres
A boutonniere is a lapel pin that uses a living flower. The most common place you'll find a boutonniere is on the lapel of a groom's suit. These pins are exclusive to the florist industry, and their availability depends on the season. Boutonnieres only last a few days at most, so they are reserved for esteemed events.
Badges & Button Pins
Badges, or button pins, differ from other styles because they don't involve a long metal stick pin. Instead, they are attached to a small metal pin that protrudes from behind the emblem. Like emblem pins, badges are a fun way to display your character. They can have animals, sports, landmarks, or travel motifs.
Lapel Pin Etiquette
Traditionally, a lapel pin's wearer should ensure the pin is securely hidden. However, in more modern fashion circles, placing the bottom of the pin at the front of the lapel is becoming increasingly common. This is considered a more contemporary and edgier look. As fashion keeps evolving, there are no distinct rules about how you adjust your lapel pin; your personal taste plays a significant role.
When to Wear a Lapel Pin
Lapel pins are closely associated with formality. Men rarely wear them casually, as they clearly distinguish between casual and formal attire.
Buying a new suit for every occasion is impractical, and having separate suits for work and play can be costly. That's where accessories, like lapel pins, elevate your look.
For example, if you want to refresh your wedding suit, a lapel pin can add character without costing much. Similarly, a bold pin like a jockey lapel pin can turn heads and make a statement at the races.
While lapel pins are uncommon in most workplaces, they can be a great way to bring personality to your midweek outfits. A subtle metal pin shows attention to detail and adds a touch of character to your look.
How to Choose the Right Lapel Pin for Different Suits
Okay, so you've decided to wear a lapel pin, but now what? How do you determine what pin will look good with which suit? We've taken the guesswork out of the equation for you.
What Lapel Pin Looks Good With a Black Suit?
For a black suit, choose either bright or neutral-coloured lapel pins. Bright colours like pink, blue, or green will add a lively pop to your outfit, while neutral tones like white, grey, or beige create a more understated, sophisticated look. Both options work well depending on whether you want to make a bold statement or keep things classy and refined.
Recommended pins:
- Floral pins in bright or neutral colours
- Subtle metallic pins
- Classic, minimalistic designs
What Lapel Pin Looks Good With a Grey Suit?
With a grey suit, you can choose bright colours like red, green, or orange or darker tones like burgundy, black, or navy. Brighter colours add vibrancy and personality, while darker shades create a formal and refined look. Both types contrast nicely against the cool tones of grey.
Recommended pins:
- Bold-colored floral lapel pins
- Classic, dark-toned pins
- Textured designs like woven or beaded pins
What Lapel Pin Looks Good With a Navy Suit?
Navy suits are incredibly versatile, so you can experiment with a wide range of lapel pins. Brighter-coloured pins will add a striking contrast, neutral-coloured pins offer a balanced, elegant look, and darker pins provide a more understated option. Each of these choices will complement the richness of a navy suit.
Recommended pins:
- Vibrant floral or geometric pins
- Simple metallic pins
- Classic, dark-toned pins for a sleek contrast
What Lapel Pin Looks Good With a Beige Suit?
For a beige suit, both vibrant and neutral lapel pins work well. Brighter colours like coral, turquoise, or even yellow add a lively pop, creating a cheerful yet sophisticated look. If you prefer something subtler, neutral colours like ivory, grey, or light brown will complement the beige suit perfectly, adding an elegant and understated touch to your ensemble.
Recommended pins:
- Vibrant floral lapel pins (coral, turquoise, yellow)
- Neutral metal pins (gold, silver)
- Pastel-coloured pins (light pink, lavender)
- Geometric or patterned pins (beige, grey)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct way to wear a lapel pin?
The correct way to wear a lapel pin is on the left side of your jacket, specifically on the lapel buttonhole, with the pin's point facing downward and the pin itself securely fastened.
What does a lapel pin signify?
A lapel pin signifies style, personal taste, or sometimes a specific affiliation, achievement, or honour. It often adds a subtle flair to a suit or blazer.
When should a man wear a lapel pin?
A man should wear a lapel pin for formal or semi-formal occasions, such as weddings, business events, or when adding a polished finishing touch to a tailored suit.
How do you arrange lapel pins?
To arrange lapel pins, gently insert the pin into the buttonhole, ensuring it's positioned neatly and securely. The pin's decorative part should face outward for a balanced, professional look.
