What are Lapel Pins Used For?
Have you ever wondered what lapel pins are used for? Unlike cufflinks and tie bars, lapel pins don't have a practical function but add a stylish touch to your suit. They sit on the lapel of your jacket, serving a purely decorative purpose. In other words, they elevate your look and make you stand out. Let's look more in-depth at using lapel pins to upgrade your suits.
What Are Lapel Pins?
Lapel pins are small, stylish accessories you can wear on the lapel of your suit jacket. The lapel is the folded fabric near your collar, making it the perfect spot for a pin that adds personality or flair.
Lapel pins come in metal or fabric and as flower lapel pins. They attach with a metal pin that slides through the fabric that you can secure with a small metal cap. This subtle detail can upgrade your overall look.
Pairing a lapel pin with accessories like a bow tie, cufflinks, or a stylish tie bar can make an outfit even more polished. Lapel pins and pocket squares also work well together, adding depth without overwhelming your style.
What Is a Lapel Pin Used for?
You can wear a lapel pin on your suit or jacket to add style, show affiliation, or mark an achievement.
It can even be a conversation starter. Picture yourself at a party, and you're wearing a unique pin. Someone may approach you and say, "Hey, I like your pin! Where did you get it?" Just like that, you two have broken the ice.
It's incredible how a small pin can spark conversations and help you connect with new people.
Why Do People Wear Lapel Pins?
This question is synonymous with asking people why they bother to wear ties to work or why people bother to follow fashion generally. The truth is, lapel pins look good. They are intrinsically tied to the story of men's fashion, and that's a good reason to consider them.
But remember, the correct lapel pin placement is essential. Lapel pins sit on the left side of your jacket's lapel, and most jackets generally include a special buttonhole explicitly designed for a pin. Whether you go for a metal pin or style a floral lapel pin will depend on your ensemble's theme and other accessories.
When to Wear a Lapel Pin
Dress codes generally don't require wearing a lapel pin, unlike ties, which are usually necessary for any formal or black tie event. But that's why many men wear them; they add that level of detail that many venues don't expect of you.
Let's look at a few instances when you can wear a lapel pin.
Weddings
Lapel pins, specifically flower lapels, are perfect for weddings. However, the type of pin you wear depends on whether you're a guest or part of the bridal party. A living floral arrangement is typical if you're the groom or a groomsman wearing a boutonniere. You mainly see these at weddings because of their extravagance, and they're only appropriate for bridal party members.
If you're attending a wedding in a black suit, add a lapel pin for a polished touch. Choose floral pins in bright or neutral colours, subtle metallic pins, or minimalistic designs.
You can go for more bright colours for a grey or beige suit. Consider bold-coloured floral lapel pins or classic, dark-toned pins. Pick animal lapel pins or patterned pins if you have a more daring style. These will give your suits an extra touch of formality without overdoing it — you don't want to take attention away from the groom!
Races
Racing events are the perfect place to unleash your most flamboyant lapel pins. This will be the mark of extravagance that the races demand. You can get creative with textures and patterns and wear the most eye-catching lapel pin in your repertoire.
Jockey lapel pins and racehorse lapel pins are excellent options for racing. They come in various designs, from elegant to statement pieces.
Corporate Events
Corporate settings have a more reserved dress code but require high professionalism. Due to their smaller size, floral lapel pins aren't recommended for the office. Still, metal lapel pins are perfectly acceptable due to their smaller size. Metal pins are an excellent choice for revealing individual quirks about yourself. If you're a sports fan, wear a tennis racquet lapel pin or golf club lapel pin. If you love dogs, opt for an English bulldog lapel pin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of a lapel pin?
When worn on a suit or jacket, a lapel pin adds style, represents affiliations, or signifies achievements.
When should you wear a lapel pin?
You can wear a lapel pin to formal events, weddings, and business meetings or to show support for a cause or organisation.
What do people do with lapel pins?
People wear, collect, trade, or display lapel pins to express their style, affiliations, or achievements.
What do people wear lapel pins to indicate?
Lapel pins indicate membership, accomplishments, or political support or add a stylish accent to an outfit.
