How to Wear a Suit Lapel Pin and Be a Stylish Gentleman

lapel pin

There’s no denying it, vintage men’s fashion has made a comeback on catwalks around the country. The good news is you don’t have to be part of fashion week to incorporate this iconic style into your wardrobe, it’s as simple as adding in a suit lapel pin.

A well-placed lapel pin is a simple and classic way to take your like from “dude” to “gent” if you know how to wear it.

How to Wear a Suit Lapel Pin and Be a Stylish Gentleman

Unfortunately, the art of a well-worn suit jacket is quickly fading and not many men know how to properly wear a lapel pin without looking like a Christmas ornament or their grandfather. Fear not, we’re here to help.

Below we’ve broken down the when, where and how to wear a lapel pin so you can turn heads without the walking cane.

What is a Lapel Pin?

If you’re not familiar with the art of men’s fashion, you may be scratching your head wondering what a lapel pin even is. A lapel pin serves the purpose of taking that “Old World” look up a notch.

Whether wearing one for a wedding or simply to show your personality in your next board meeting, a lapel pin is a cornerstone of menswear.

Ideally, a lapel pin is rather small and is worn on the lapel of a jacket. The range of lapel pins is pretty wide, making it easy to find one that fits your unique style.

It’s important to remember that lapel pins typically are worn to be decorative, not to represent any type of organization.

Both the front and back of lapel pins can vary in size and style. You may find that there is an assortment of pins and clasps that hold the lapel pin in place. In some cases, the back of the pin can be just as stylish as the front of it.

Different Types of Lapel Pins

Over the years a wide assortment of lapel pins has been released, helping men find the perfect fit for their lapel jacket.
Some of the different types of lapel pins are as follows:

The Badge Lapel Pin:

Not to be confused with a pin for a specific society or organization (though at times military or political pins may be worn on the lapel), a badge lapel pin sometimes referred to as an “enamel pin”, is a more subtle pin.

Badge pins are typically small in size, yet can still make a statement with their playful designs.

Personalised Lapel Pin:

Custom made lapel pins are a great way to show off your character. These pins can vary from a shape that represents a specific hobby, to one simply displaying your initials. These pins can be both classic and personal.

Flower Lapel Pin:

Also referred to as boutonnieres, a flower lapel pin is typically worn during weddings or dances alongside a tuxedo.

These lapel pins can vary in size and color but are typically paired along with a certain theme.

Knowing Which Lapel Pin to Wear for Your Occasion

While it can be a benefit to menswear that there are so many options for lapel pins, many men find it confusing to know which type of lapel pin to wear on which occasion.

While it’s true that you should always wear a lapel pin that suits your personal style, it’s important to remember that each style is suited for a different type of occasion.

Weddings: Weddings are one of the most common reasons to wear a lapel pin. In most cases, this occasion calls for a boutonniere lapel pin or a floral lapel pin.

A floral lapel pin is similar to a boutonniere, however, they are typically smaller and can be made from a material like cotton, paper, silk or linen.

Meetings: For meetings, it may be best to stay away from the more playful lapel pins and lean towards something more classic.

This may include a monogram lapel pin, long stem lapel pins (typically done as geometric shapes, feathers, or arrows), of a simple collar pin.

Casual Get-Togethers: When simply getting together with friends, feel free to let loose. A personalized lapel pin, vintage lapel pin, or badge lapel pin should do the trick.

Remember, the lapel pin is a casual and understated opportunity to get a little cheeky.

How to Best Wear a Lapel Pin

Once you know which lapel pin to wear for which occasion, you’ll want to be sure you are wearing them correctly. This will also directly correspond with where you plan to wear your lapel pin.

If wearing for a wedding you may choose to go with a simple carnation. However, in most cases, it’s best to make sure the pin is coordinated with the rest of the bridal party or theme.

If wearing the lapel pin for a business occasion, you may want to add some extra flair by coordinating the lapel pin with the type of cufflinks you plan on wearing, or vice-versa. Also, be sure that the color pattern of your pin stays within a gold, silver, or metallic range.

When simply wearing your lapel pin as an everyday style, keep in mind the pin is designed to enhance your outfit, so you may want to avoid wearing too many at one time. Try sticking to one or two.

Now that you know the basics about lapel pins, we recommend seeking out more info on where to start your collection.

Want to Learn More About Fashion?

There’s more to fashion than a well-placed suit lapel pin. Knowing the ins and outs of fashion can help express your personal style and make a powerful first impression. If you’re looking for a place to start, try reading up on the 15 Wardrobe Items Every Man Must Have in His Closet.

Looking for a more relaxed style? Learn about How the T-shirt Became a Fashion Statement. You don’t need to be a runway model to have some basic fashion knowledge that can help get you where you want to be.

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