If you’re looking for a fun, trendy way to accessorize any outfit without spending a lot of money, enamel pins are the way to go! Over the past few years, these little pins have been having a bit of a moment, with many artists drafting incredibly unique and stylish designs for just about any taste. Enamel pins are great in that they are versatile, and can be placed on anything from your favorite denim jacket to your go-to tote bag. If you’re not sure how to wear enamel pins, no problem! Here’s a quick guide on how to wear them based on fastener and clothing types.

A Quick Guide to Enamel Pin Fastener Types

Before we jump into how to wear enamel pins on specific types of clothing, it’s important to first know which type of fastener back your enamel pin has so that you can wear it correctly.

Rubber Cap Backs

A lot of enamel pins will have a simple rubber cap that goes on the back of the pin once you’ve put it through your fabric. The rubber caps often come in different colors, so you can match them to the clothing item that you’re wearing. To wear a pin with this type of fastener, simply push the pin through your clothing and then cap the back with the rubber.

Butterfly Clasps

Also known as military clasps, these types of clasps are extremely common and work similarly to rubber cap backs. For the clasp to work, there are two little wings that get pushed in when you want to remove it from the pin. The only way for these to come off is if the enamel pin is too heavy, or it gets snagged on something, otherwise they are very secure.

Magnetic Backs

As the name suggests, these enamel pins have a small magnet on the back instead of a rubber cap or metal clasp. These are great for people who are sensitive to metal fasteners, but they are not as secure as other back types. If you brush up against something, the enamel pin may come off. To wear an enamel pin with this back, simply hold the pin against the fabric and place the magnet on the other side to secure it.

Safety Pins

While not as common as other types of fasteners, they are a secure option that make it near impossible for an enamel pin to fall off as long as the safety pin doesn’t get bent or warped out of shape. To wear this type of enamel pin, simply open the safety pin, thread it through the fabric, and then close the safety pin clasp.

Locking Pin Back

These are much more secure than other types of fasteners in this list, but that also means that they are quite a bit more complicated. To wear an enamel pin with this back, thread the pin through your fabric, then slide the pin back onto the post of the lock until it locks. To remove, pull both parts of the clasp in opposite directions to release the post’s internal locking mechanism.

Now that you know a little bit more about enamel pin fasteners, let’s jump into how to wear them on different types of clothing!

Getting Creative With Enamel Pins & Your Clothing

One of the great things about enamel pins is that they can be worn on just about any type of clothing, whether it’s a denim jacket, a tote bag, or even your shoes! Here are some ideas on how to wear enamel pins on different types of clothing:

Jackets/Coats

Enamel pins look great on jackets and coats, whether you choose to put them on the lapel, collar, or down near the bottom hem. If you have a denim jacket, you can also create your own unique design by adding enamel pins all over the back!

T-Shirts

Enamel pins can also be worn on t-shirts and tank tops! Again, you can either put them on the lapel or collar, or down near the bottom hem. You can also create a unique design by adding enamel pins to the straps of a tank top.

Dresses

Enamel pins can even be worn on dresses! They look especially great on sundresses and other types of casual dresses. You can either put them on the straps, around the waistline, or down near the bottom hem.

Skirts

Enamel pins also look great on skirts! You can either put them on the waistband, around the hem, or down near the bottom of the skirt.

Pants

Enamel pins can even be worn on pants! Again, you can either put them on the waistband, around the hem, or down near the bottom of the pant leg.

Shoes

Enamel pins can also be worn on shoes! They look especially great on sneakers and other types of casual shoes. You can either put them on the laces, around the ankle, or down near the toe of the shoe.

Hats/Beanies

Enamel pins can also be worn on hats and beanies! They look especially great on baseball caps and other types of casual hats. You can either put them on the brim of the hat or on the top of the beanie.

Tote Bags

Enamel pins can also be worn on tote bags! This is a great way to show off your personality and style, and you can also use them to personalize a tote bag that you already have. You can either put them on the handles of the tote bag or down near the bottom.

Backpacks

Enamel pins can also be worn on backpacks! This is a great way to show off your personality and style, and you can also use them to personalize a backpack that you already have. You can either put them on the straps of the backpack or down near the bottom.

Just remember that if you’re going to be wearing an enamel pin to a ceremonial or traditional event, then you’ll want to wear it on the left lapel of your clothing, and match the design of it to the material of your other accessories (watch, belt, cufflinks). Other than this, don’t wear an enamel pin that is oversized, only wear one, and only wear it if it’s neutral in its messaging or matches the tone/theme of the event you’re going to.

Now that you know how to wear enamel pins, get creative and start adding them to your clothing and accessories! And don’t forget, if you’re ever unsure of how to wear a particular enamel pin, you can always ask a friend or family member for help.