What Is a Lapel Pin?
So, what exactly is a lapel pin? Simply put, it’s a small decorative accessory designed to be worn on the lapel of a suit, blazer, or coat. The name comes from its placement — lapel — the folded flap of fabric on the front of your jacket. But it’s not limited to formal wear; lapel pins today are used for style, recognition, and even personal branding.
A lot of people confuse lapel pins with enamel pins, or assume they’re the same thing. They’re related, but not identical — if you’re curious about the differences, we’ve broken it down here: lapel pin vs enamel pin.
Lapel pins are designed to sit neatly without overpowering your outfit, which is why they’re usually small — around 1–2 cm. If you’ve got a wireless earbud case nearby, imagine something smaller than that. That’s the typical lapel pin size.
Types of Lapel Pins
Not all lapel pins are created equal. They come in different styles, materials, and finishes, and each has its own personality. Some of the most common include:
Stick Pins – Elegant and slim, often chosen for weddings, award ceremonies, and upscale dinners.
Enamel Pins – Bright and colorful, perfect for corporate events, trade shows, or creative industries. Both soft enamel and hard enamel are popular choices. Sometimes people just call them “cloisonne lapel pins.”
Die-Struck Pins – Timeless and formal, often used for corporate awards, brand recognition, or official events.
Custom-Shaped Pins – Stand out with unique shapes, great for personal branding, product launches, or one-of-a-kind events.
When & How to Wear a Lapel Pin
Most of the time, there aren’t strict rules — you can explore different use of lapel pins, whether that’s on your jacket, your bag, or even your shoes if that’s your style.
That said, certain situations call for a bit more care:
- If you’re wearing one with a suit, you might wonder 👉what side does a lapel pin go on.
- If it’s a US flag lapel pin, then 👉 following the proper lapel pin etiquette matters.
And yes, you can wear multiple lapel pins at once — just match the colors so they complement each other, and the effect can be stylish rather than cluttered.
Where to Buy Lapel Pins in Bulk
Usually, making your own lapel pins starts with submitting your design and requirements online. From there, the factory handles the production, finishing, and delivery — all you need to do is wait for the final product.
We’ve helped customers around the world bring their designs to life — from one-off commemorative pins to bulk corporate orders. Along the way, people appreciate us for a few simple reasons: the pricing is competitive, orders move quickly, we keep you updated during production, and we’re always here if you need support afterward.
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