Lapel pins are a fun way to add personality and interest to a boring old suit. Whether you wear lapel pins often or are just beginning to experiment with them, you can craft a polished look that stands out from the crowd. By choosing a lapel pin and putting it on properly, you can wear a lapel pin with confidence.
There’s only one golden rule for lapel pins: To wear them approximately where the lapel buttonhole is or would be. That’s the upper part of the left lapel.
Some double-breasted suits have these buttonholes on both lapels, but lapel pins should always go on the left-hand side.
Lapel pins offer a lot of potential for daring experimentation but remember to keep this to the pin and not their placement.
What can I wear a lapel pin with?
You can wear a lapel pin with almost anything. Traditionally with blazers and suit jackets, but also coats, a tuxedo or directly on your sweater or shirt (for example Remembrance Day poppies). Just don’t forget that you’ll be piercing the fabric of your clothing, which can leave permanent holes or marks on certain delicate items.
You can combine your lapel pin with other accessories, such as pocket squares or a tie clip. This adds an extra layer of complexity to your outfit in terms of coordinating your pieces so they complement each other, and none of them overwhelm the others.
When should you wear a lapel pin?
Nowadays this is entirely up to you. Whereas some events mandate a lapel pin or boutonniere, either from tradition or a dress code, there are almost no events where you can’t wear a lapel pin.
Pay attention to the type of event, however, before choosing which pin you’ll wear.
Boutonnieres and flower pins are generally more formal and flashy, but even when dressed down they’re best suited for social events. If you want to accessorize in the workplace, consider a more discreet, metallic pin that still catches the eye but is less… flowery.
What lapel pin looks good with a suit or tuxedo? WITH A BLACK SUIT OR TUXEDO?
No matter what colour tie or pocket square you choose, these lapel pins look smashing with your black suit.
Remember to match metals - gold-tone lapel pin with a gold watch and silver-tone with a silver timepiece.