How To Wear A Lapel Pin With Your Suit

Ready to rock a lapel pin to your next formal event?

Lapel pins are symbols worn on people’s clothing to represent identity, occupation, and honor. And recently they’ve made a comeback.

Today, lapel pins are not only worn to show the affiliation of the wearer, but they're worn as a fashion statement too.

However, it’s easy to end up looking amateurish and try-hard with the wrong look. If you’re interested in wearing lapel pins but you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Keep reading for our tips on choosing the right lapel pin for your suit.

First thing’s first: lapel pins should always be worn on the left-hand side of your suit, no exceptions. Worn on the right-hand side, a lapel pin will just look strange and unnatural.

So, to start things off, always choose a pin that you'll be happy wearing on your left-hand side.

Lapel pins are best worn to formal events, such as weddings and proms. So, when you choose your lapel pin, make sure it’s suitable for a formal occasion.

Pictured: Lapel Pin Floral Eggshell / Floral Burgundy

It may be tempting to try wearing several suit lapel pins in one go, but for a sophisticated and smart look you should only opt for one lapel pin at a time. Select one pin to ensure that the focus remains on you, and not your overcrowded suit.

Unless you’re in a special club, such as a military organization, wearing several lapel pins together can be messy and confusing.

For a strong and cohesive look, match the shade of your lapel pin with your other accessories. If you’re wearing a metal lapel pin, team it with uniform metals on your belt buckle, cufflinks, and watch.

The overall look will be one that’s polished and elegant. For example, if you’re wearing a gold-toned lapel pin you should team it with gold-toned accessories. If you’re going for silver, wear silver accessories with it.

You can also wear other accessories with your lapel pin, like pocket squares or a tie clip. This adds an extra layer of interest to your look. Make sure you choose pieces that complement each other, making sure that none overwhelm.

Pictured: Lapel Pin Wildflower Crimson

It may seem obvious, but you should always make sure the lapel pin size suits your tuxedo or suit. An overly big or teeny lapel pin can look strange, so it’s important to select an option that’s proportional to your outfit.

Remember, your pin should enhance your overall image, but it shouldn’t be the main focus of your outfit. If it seems too big or flashy, it probably is.

Another way to boost the sophistication of your look is to stick to tonal colors when choosing a lapel pin. This will improve the texture of your appearance.

If you’re feeling confident, why not select colors that match with your outfit?

If you’re wearing a blue suit, you may decide to select a purple or green lapel pin. On the other hand, a red or orange pin could also look fancy.

If you go for a classic gray or black suit, neutral shades like beige, gray, and black ooze class and glamor. Plus, choosing pins in these hues means your pin will always match your outfit, no matter what colors you go for.

But if your tie or pocket squares are already a bold color, your lapel pin should be more subtle to avoid a tacky and out-there look.

Pictured: Lapel Pin Bow Tie Burgundy

That’s not to say you shouldn’t experiment with your style of lapel pin though. Why not try a bright, colorful, or patterned lapel pin? Floral lapel pins and other eye-catching types work better with a neutral colored shirt.

If you make sure your lapel pin isn’t clashing with any other shades you might be wearing, a bright and bold lapel pin should look great. If you have a basic knowledge of color theory, you should be fine.

Alternatively, pastel or saturated pins stand out but can also be quite discreet too. Plus, they work well with other accessories and are usually more playful than bolder pins.

For example, why not team a light green lapel pin with a sleek midnight blue suit? If there’s a hint of metal in the pin, even better. Lighter shades should also always work well with your necktie or pocket square.

Pictured: Lapel Pin Royal Crest

A finely chosen lapel pin is a wonderful way to add some personality to a suit or a shirt. Take our tips on board so you can select a lapel pin that complements your overall look and leaves you looking your best. Before you know it, choosing a stylish lapel pin will become second nature.

When you head to a formal occasion, a lapel pin helps you stand out from the crowd in a sea of black and gray suits.

For a huge range of fashionable lapel pins, check out our online shop. Our diverse collection includes flower lapel pins, bow tie lapel pins, and metal lapel pins.