Where Should a Lapel Pin be Worn?

Lapel pins are synonymous with class and formality. They have a reputation for possessing old-world appeal. Still, as vintage fashions routinely come back into the modern sphere, they are undergoing widespread revival. Today, lapel pins come in all sorts of artistic, elegant and contemporary styles, so if you want an accessory that will enhance your level of detail, a smart lapel pin is a superb way to go. The first thing you have to consider, though, before you decide to march proudly out the door, is where your lapel pin should be worn.

Many men wear lapel pins to add a formal punch to their ubiquitous suit arrangements. Knowing the ins and outs of wearing lapel pins is essential. Where should lapel pins be worn? 

 

If you've ever bought a suit before, you'll notice they come with a buttonhole on the left lapel. This buttonhole is where you place your lapel pin. Glide the stick pin through the slit and leave the flower or emblem sitting at the top. Once the pin has been guided through the buttonhole, secure it by putting on the metal cap at the bottom of the pin. Easy.

 

 

 

If you don't have a buttonhole to guide you, the best way to remember the correct side of your chest is to follow your heart in the most literal sense possible. Your lapel pin should sit on the left side of your chest where your heart is.

 

Types of Lapel Pins

Now, let's look at the types of lapel pins available. Choosing the correct type of lapel pin for your suit will ensure you do the most justice to your style. Some lapel pins are more formal than others, so knowing what styles suit specific occasions is essential. 

 

Boutonniere

Boutonnieres are a genuinely elegant lapel pin style. They are living flowers ideally suited to weddings. You'll commonly spot the groom and/or groomsmen wearing boutonnieres at a wedding to signify romantic elegance. This type of lapel pin is suited for bridal parties rather than wedding guests as it encapsulates a sense of extravagance. 

 

 

Flower Lapel

Flower lapels are the most common pins you'll spot at social engagements. Lapel flowers for suits are unique, striking, and diverse enough to suit your tastes. These fabric flowers commonly come in cotton, satin, silk, velvet, and linen. Satin or silk lapel flowers are a sumptuous choice for formal events such as weddings and balls. In contrast, cottons are a great option if you're heading to the races or want to spruce up your evening rotation.

 

 

Metal Lapel Pin

Metal lapel pins are precisely as described. They entail emblems made of metal materials attached to long stick pins. These metal lapel pins are ideal for making subtly elegant statements because they're not as large as their floral counterparts. For this reason, they're superb for wearing to casual outings as well as esteemed engagements. Because of their unique emblem range, metal lapel pins are ideal for bringing out your inner quirkiness. They come in animal, sports and travel-themed motifs, which will appeal to your charismatic tastes.

 

 

Button Pin

Button pins, or badges, are a more subtle variety of the metal lapel pin. Instead of being attached to a long stick pin, they involve a small pin that protrudes from the back of the emblem. They're quirky, small and compact. 

 

 

 

How to Put on a Lapel Pin

Putting on a lapel pin should be a fairly straightforward endeavour. Lapel pins are most commonly attached to a stick pin that slides through the buttonhole of your lapel. Remove the cap at the bottom of the stick pin, then gently slide the bottom of the pin through the buttonhole. Leave the flower or emblem at the top of the buttonhole, where it will be visible. Once the lapel pin is in place, return the cap to the bottom of the lapel pin so it sits securely. 

 

When it comes to lapel pin etiquette, you can choose whether the pin should be visible or hidden.

More traditional tastes would steer you towards keeping the pin invisible at the back of the lapel. However, you want to make an edgier, more youthful statement. In that case, securing your stick pin at the front of your lapel is perfectly acceptable. There are no distinct rules about wearing your lapel pin, so it comes down to personal preference. Are you a traditionalist or a rebel?  

 

With this knowledge, you can proudly wear your lapel pins. If you're a newcomer to lapel pins, you can confidently wear your first one. Now you know where a lapel pin should be worn.