Posted Jan 30, 2023
Do you have more than one lapel pin that you like to wear at the same time?
That’s no problem! It’s very common and when done right, can look great.
For example, some people may wear decorative lapel pins such as a flower pin while also wearing a patriotic lapel pin and a promotional pin.
But, wearing multiple lapel pins can easily go from stylish to cluttered if not thoughtfully arranged. Without proper placement or coordination, they might clash with your outfit or give off an unbalanced appearance.
But don’t worry, we put together a guide on how to wear multiple lapel pins while keeping your look polished.
Table of Contents
Let’s begin with the basics.
A lapel pin is a small accessory worn on the lapel of a jacket or coat. These pins can symbolize achievements, causes, affiliations, or even serve as a stylish fashion statement.
Over time, they’ve evolved from being simple decorative items to versatile accessories with a variety of uses.
Lapel pins are more than just decorative accessories—they’re a versatile way to showcase achievements, enhance workplace culture, and express your personal style.
By wearing multiple pins, you can make a bold statement that captures your personality, tells your story, and sparks conversations wherever you go.
If you are the fortunate recipient of multiple achievements or anniversary pins, it’s a great opportunity to showcase your many accomplishments by way of a lapel pin!
Finished a marathon? Hit a milestone year at work? Words won’t be needed to describe how great you are, let your lapel pins do the talking.
If you are in management and looking for ways to recognize your top producers or wish to commemorate an employee for record years of service, a custom lapel pin could be the solution.
Awarding an individual with a lapel pin for their achievements time after time makes people feel valuable to their organization. It also allows them an opportunity to do some self-bragging when wearing their achievement pins.
Outside of awards and recognition in the workforce, if you are a fashionista you may enjoy wearing multiple lapel pins to give your style a lift.
You may consider matching the metal, color, or design of your lapel pin(s) to your outfit. Match it to your other jewelry or accessories such as your necklace, earrings, watch, belt buckle, cuff links, or ring(s).
Nothing bonds people like a common interest. Pins allow you to display all the different communities you are a part of from
You can find friends in crowds or at least spark some conversation with just a glimpse.
The number of pins you wear is entirely up to you. That being said there are a few things to keep in mind.
Sometimes less is more. You may find that 3-4 pins speak louder than 10 as a small number of well-chosen pins creates a clearer and more impactful message.
No matter how many you decide to add you’ll want to ensure there is enough space between pins to avoid overlapping or rubbing pins. This not only looks better aesthetically but also protects their enamel finishes and your fabric.
Wearing multiple lapel pins is an art that requires balance, precision, and attention to detail.
Whether you’re showcasing achievements, expressing your style, or representing affiliations, the placement and arrangement of your pins can make a big impact on your overall look.
When arranging your lapel pins, placement is key to a balanced look.
Position the first pin just below the knot of your tie and about an inch from the edge of your lapel. If not wearing a tie, then you would estimate.
The second lapel pin should be placed next to the first pin. The third pin should be placed below the first and the fourth pin below the second.
Looking to get creative with some of your pin placements? There are many other ways to wear your pins.
Wearing multiple pins can go from cute to cluttered quickly when not done right. Here are a few tips on wearing multiple pins.
First off you want to make sure all of your pins are straight and not upside down. The right type of pin back can ensure your pin stays in place.
In the case of wearing a patriotic pin, such as an American Flag pin if your flag is upside down it could come across as negative or offensive to others, especially to others who are also patriotic. To avoid this embarrassing situation, you would want to make sure your American Flag lapel pin is securely fastened to your pin backing.
When wearing multiple lapel pins you want to display them to the left side of your jacket, or shirt just as you would when wearing a single lapel pin. In some instances, you may be required to wear your lapel pin(s) on the right as instructed by certain military organizations.
While some say wearing on the left puts your pins closer to your heart, business etiquette coaches also recommend wearing your lapel pin(s) on the left so you can proudly display them and they won’t be covered when you are greeting others with a handshake.
In cases where you have more than two or three pins, you may want to wear a jacket to showcase multiple pins. Depending on the weight of your pins a jacket may be a firmer material than a shirt or blouse.
Some fabrics carry the weight of a pin better than others. For example, a thick sweater will display multiple pins better than a thin shirt or collared shirt.
Before setting out for the day be sure to test your pins. Pin your fabric before you leave the house so you know if your material is a good candidate to support multiple pins.
This can also give you a chance to see them all together to ensure a balanced look. If it doesn’t work try swapping one out at a time until you find the perfect mix.
In the end, the outfit may just call for one pin if there is already a lot going on and it looks a bit crowded.
Don’t feel limited to just one pin type. There are tons of different lapel pins to choose from and mixing it up can add dynamic to your display.
Soft enamel lapel pins are budget-friendly and versatile, making them a popular choice for vibrant and intricate designs. These pins have raised metal edges that add texture, creating a visually dynamic look.
Cloisonné lapel pins, often referred to as hard enamel pins, have a polished, smooth surface and a sophisticated finish. They undergo a unique manufacturing process involving polishing and baking at high temperatures, giving them a jewelry-like appearance.
Perfect for formal events, corporate gatherings, or celebrations, Cloisonné pins exude an upscale elegance with their rich colors and durable design.
Die struck lapel pins are a timeless choice, known for their metallic appearance and textured details. Made from materials like brass, copper, or iron, these pins feature raised smooth areas and recessed textured backgrounds.
With no paint or colors used in their design, they are ideal for minimalist styles or designs. Die struck pins offer a classic look at an affordable price point, making them a practical yet stylish option.
For highly detailed designs, offset printed lapel pins are unmatched. This type of pin allows for intricate details, gradients, and even photographic images to be reproduced with precision.
Made from high-resolution digital artwork, these pins are lightweight, smooth, and protected with a clear epoxy coating. Whether you’re including fine text, an image, or a complex logo, offset printed pins offer unparalleled flexibility and design freedom.
At the end of the day, there are no strict rules on how to wear your multiple lapel pins (unless you’re in the military) so feel free to have fun with it!
Ready to enhance your style or recognize achievements with custom lapel pins? Our high-quality custom lapel pins are perfect for creating the perfect pin stack.
From free, fast shopping to unlimited revision, we make it easy for you to create the perfect pin. Check out the different options we have and our price discounts when ordering large quantities.
Ready to place your next order of achievement, recognition, or cause-related lapel pins? Contact us online or call our Oviedo, Florida office at call sms 407-702-7555 to get a free quote.
How Can a Lapel Pin Be Used to Show Appreciation to Your Employees? Employees are a company’s most valuable asset. Duh. Sure, anyone in business knows that…or should. But here’s the thing, although we all realize employees should be appreciated doesn’t mean we’re all aware of the opportunities to reward, in small and significant […]
Lapel Pins Have Been a Part of the Law Enforcement Culture for a Long Time. The use of police lapel pins in law enforcement can be traced back to the first known use by the New York City Police Department in 1905. All officers were issued a brass pin that was worn on their lapel […]
Scott, you are amazing! The pins arrived on Monday, my brother was able to pick up and arrive with the package. Thank you & your team!
Ebony Thomas
Thank you so much! This has been such an easy process. Scott, you have been extremely helpful and fast through this project. Thanks again!
Travis Boyett (DMH)
Thank you for all your help. I’m already recommending you to everyone I know!
Dahianna
Hi Scott — just wanted you to know that I really LOVE the pins! They are even better than I had imagined them to look. Thank you so much!
Anita McCullough, Director
