Lapel pins are the smallest accessory a man can wear on a jacket, and one of the most effective. A well-chosen pin adds personality to a suit without the commitment of a bold tie or a large brooch. This guide covers where to place a lapel pin, which styles suit which occasions, and how to combine one with the rest of your outfit.
What is a lapel pin?
A lapel pin is a small decorative pin, usually 1 to 3 cm across, worn on the lapel of a suit or blazer. It is fastened with a post and a clutch back (a butterfly clasp or rubber stopper) behind the lapel. Lapel pins can be purely decorative or carry meaning: an emblem, an organisation, an achievement or a personal symbol.
Where to wear lapel pins
The left lapel
Lapel pins go on the left lapel, over the heart. This is the traditional position for flags, badges and boutonnières.
Through or beside the buttonhole
If your jacket has a lapel buttonhole, place the pin through it or just beside it. That is the neatest position and it avoids adding a new hole.
At the right height
If there is no buttonhole, place the pin a few centimetres below the notch of the lapel, roughly level with where a pocket square peeks out below.
Parallel to the lapel edge
Angle the pin so it follows the line of the lapel rather than sitting perfectly horizontal. It looks more natural.
Types of lapel pins
| Style | Look | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Animal motifs | Lions, deer, eagles, horses | Office, evenings, personal signature |
| Shields and crests | Heraldic, formal | Business, formal events |
| Crystal pins | Sparkling, festive | Weddings, parties |
| Floral pins | Soft, elegant | Weddings, day events |
| Symbolic pins | Caduceus, crowns, bows | Professionals, themed events |
| Corporate logo pins | Branded | Company events, staff, awards |
Choosing lapel pins by occasion
Office and business
Small, metal and understated. A shield, crest or animal motif in a single metal tone. The black and gold shield lapel pin suits formal business wear.
Weddings
Crystal and floral pins add a festive touch. The black and crystal bow lapel pin works beautifully with dinner suits and receptions.
Evening events
This is the place for statement motifs. The golden lion lapel pin is bold, confident and easy to wear.
Everyday personal style
Choose a motif that means something to you. The black deer lapel pin is subtle enough for daily wear.
Professional symbols
Doctors and healthcare professionals often wear a caduceus pin at conferences and events. See the gold and black caduceus lapel pin.
Lapel pin vs brooch
Lapel pins and brooches are worn in the same place, but they play different roles.
- Size: lapel pins are small (1 to 3 cm); brooches are larger and more decorative.
- Fastening: lapel pins use a post and clutch; brooches use a hinged pin and clasp.
- Tone: lapel pins are discreet and suit business; brooches make a statement and suit events.
If you want something bolder, read our guides to wearing a brooch for blazer styling and choosing a designer brooch for men.
Styling rules for lapel pins
- One pin at a time. A single pin looks deliberate; several look like a noticeboard.
- Match your metals. Gold-tone pin with gold-tone cufflinks, blazer buttons and watch.
- Don’t compete with the pocket square. Keep a clear gap between pin and pocket. See our tie and pocket square guide.
- Balance statement pieces. A bold pin pairs best with a calm tie.
Lapel pins for corporate gifting and teams
Lapel pins are popular for staff recognition, long-service awards, conferences and team uniforms because they are affordable, lightweight and easy to ship. For bulk orders, apply for a Tievera Business account or visit our corporate gifting page.
How to put on a lapel pin
- Remove the clutch back.
- Push the post through the lapel from the front, ideally through the buttonhole.
- Replace the clutch firmly on the back of the lapel.
- Check that the pin sits straight and follows the lapel line.
Shop lapel pins at Tievera
Explore animal motifs, shields and crests, crystal pins, bows and symbolic designs in the Tievera lapel pins collection for men, starting from ₹199.
Frequently asked questions
Which side do lapel pins go on?
The left lapel, over the heart, ideally through or beside the lapel buttonhole.
Can I wear a lapel pin with a tie?
Yes. Lapel pins and ties work well together. Match the pin’s metal to your tie bar or cufflinks.
Are lapel pins professional?
Yes, when they are small and understated. Crests, shields and simple animal motifs in metal suit any business setting.
What is the difference between a lapel pin and a brooch?
A lapel pin is small and fastens with a post and clutch. A brooch is larger, more decorative and fastens with a hinged pin and clasp.
