Lapel Pin Guide
A Simple Guide for First-Time Buyers & Brands
Lapel pins may look small, but they carry a lot of meaning. They can represent achievements, celebrate identity, show support for a cause, or simply add character to your outfit.
What Is a Lapel Pin?
The name of lapel pin 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.
Small (usually 1–2 cm)
Decorative
Attached to clothing, mainly the lapel of a jacket
Used for style, recognition, branding, or symbolism
Tips: Although the name comes from “lapel,” modern lapel pins aren’t limited to suits. People attach them to bags, hats, lanyards, backpacks, and even shoes.
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.
Common Types of Lapel Pins
Lapel pins come in several styles, and each one serves a different purpose or aesthetic.
The most colorful and customizable category.
Great for:
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Corporate branding
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Trade shows
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Events
Both soft enamel and hard enamel are popular choices.
Timeless, clean, and professional.
Typical uses:
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Corporate recognition
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Achievement awards
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Official ceremonies
Die-struck pins have no color—just polished or textured metal—so they look very premium.
Custom-Shaped Lapel Pins
Designed to match your brand, product, or mascot.
Perfect for:
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Promotions
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Brand identity
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Limited-edition merchandise
Anything unique or eye-catching works great here.
1. Recognition & Awards
Used to acknowledge achievements and celebrate contributions—employee milestones、school honors、volunteer appreciation、leadership roles
2. Branding & Promotion
Ideal for increasing brand visibility—trade shows、company merch、staff identity、customer loyalty gifts.
3. Cause Awareness
Often worn to support a movement—charity events、health awareness、environmental campaigns、memorial gatherings.
4. Military & Service
Common in formal recognition—unit identity、service awards、mission accomplishments、veteran or retirement honors.
5. Fashion & Personal Expression
Popular for styling and personal identity—weddings、festivals、reunions、special events.
How to Wear a Lapel Pin
There aren’t many rules, but here are the basics:
Standard placement: left lapel
Through the lapel buttonhole if your jacket has one
If not, simply pin through the fabric
Multiple pins? Yes—you can wear two or more as long as the colors complement each other
Casual outfits: anywhere you like (bags, hats, shirts)
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Ready to Make Your Own Lapel Pins?
Lapel pins have made a steady comeback. From fashion outfits to corporate events, people use them to show identity, support causes, or simply add personality to what they wear.
Many people now create their own lapel pins — either as a DIY project or by turning digital artwork into professional metal pins. It’s easier than ever to bring a design to life.
If you’re ready to produce custom lapel pins in bulk, we can help turn any idea into high-quality pins — fast production, competitive pricing, no mold fee, and full protection of your artwork.