How to Wear a Lapel Pin on a Shirt or Suit

Lapel pins are more than just decorative accessories. They can be a subtle style statement, a way to showcase your brand, or even a keepsake that holds personal meaning. Many people search for answers to questions like how to wear a lapel pin on a shirt, where do you place a lapel pin, or what side do lapel pins go on. This guide will walk you through everything from placement to styling, so you can wear your pins with confidence.

How to Wear a Lapel Pin on a Shirt

Wearing a lapel pin on a shirt is a stylish choice, especially if you are not wearing a jacket. The correct placement is on the upper left chest, above the heart. This keeps the pin visible without interfering with the shirt’s collar or buttons.

Pins should never be placed directly on the collar or neckline of a shirt. Instead, they should sit flat on the body of the shirt, similar to the location of a chest pocket. If you’re going for a minimal look, choose small enamel pins or logo pins that blend with your outfit’s colors. For bolder statements, larger designs can stand out while still looking polished.

Where Do You Place a Lapel Pin?

The general rule is simple: a lapel pin is placed on the left side of your chest. This is the case whether you are wearing a shirt, a blazer, or a full suit. The reason for the left-side tradition dates back to when pins were used to hold flowers, known as boutonnieres, over the heart.

Today, the same tradition continues with enamel pins, corporate pins, and decorative accessories. If you are wearing multiple pins, arrange them neatly rather than scattering them randomly. For a clean look, one or two pins at a time is ideal.

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Where to Place Lapel Pin on a Suit

When it comes to suits, lapel pins are placed on the left lapel. Most formal jackets have a small buttonhole at the top left lapel, sometimes referred to as a boutonniere hole. If your suit has one, that is the perfect place to attach your lapel pin.

If there is no buttonhole, simply place the pin directly through the lapel fabric. Aim for the upper portion of the lapel so the pin sits close to your chest and remains visible without drawing attention away from your tie or shirt.

What Side Do Lapel Pins Go On?

A common question is what side do lapel pins go on. The traditional and correct side is the left. This is consistent across both formal and casual settings. Whether you are attending a wedding, a corporate event, or simply wearing a jacket casually, the left side placement shows you understand the etiquette of wearing a pin.

Some people experiment with the right side for a unique look, but this is not standard. If you want to stay true to tradition, always wear your lapel pin on the left.

How to Put on a Lapel Pin

Putting on a lapel pin is easy once you know the steps. Here’s how:

Insert the pin needle through the fabric of your shirt or lapel.
Guide it back out so the design sits flat on the outside.
Secure the pin from the inside with the provided backing, such as a butterfly clutch or screw-on clasp.
Adjust the position so the pin sits upright and straight.

If your pin is heavy, consider using locking pin backs. These prevent the pin from slipping or rotating during wear, which is especially useful for larger enamel pins or custom designs.

Suit Lapel Pin Styles

There are many different styles of suit lapel pins, each with its own purpose and personality:

Enamel pins: Ideal for personal collections, corporate branding, or promotional giveaways.
Boutonniere pins: Fabric flower pins often used at weddings.
Metal pins: Simple designs for subtle, professional looks.
Novelty pins: Fun, quirky designs for casual outfits and events.

For versatility, enamel pins remain the most popular option. They allow you to showcase detailed designs, logos, and even unique artwork.

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Tips for Wearing Lapel Pins Confidently

If you’re new to wearing lapel pins, a few styling tips can help:

Stick to one pin at a time for formal events. Too many pins can look cluttered.
Match the pin’s color with your outfit. For example, silver or gold finishes pair well with formal suits, while colorful enamel designs work best in casual settings.
Use pins to showcase your interests. Many people wear pins to represent causes, hobbies, or organizations.
Keep your pin secure with a quality clasp to avoid losing it during the day.
For shirts, keep pins small and subtle. For suits, you can go bolder without overwhelming your look.

When to Wear Lapel Pins

Lapel pins can be worn in many different settings:

Business meetings: Company logo pins make a professional impression.
Weddings: Flower pins or enamel designs can complement your outfit.
Casual outings: Fun designs or novelty pins add personality to your look.
Events and trade shows: Custom pins are perfect for branding and giveaways.

Because lapel pins are so versatile, they can move between formal and casual settings with ease.

Final Thoughts on How to Wear a Lapel Pin On A Shirt Or Suit

So, how do you wear a lapel pin? The answer depends on your outfit, but the rules are simple. On a shirt, place the pin on the left chest. On a suit, use the buttonhole on the left lapel or pin directly through the fabric. Lapel pins almost always go on the left side, continuing the long-standing tradition.

From enamel pins and safety pins to novelty styles, lapel pins are a subtle yet powerful accessory. They add personality, highlight your brand, or complete a formal outfit.

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