Which Lapel Should I Wear a Pin On?

Adding a lapel pin to your suit jacket is an easy way to add tasteful flair to your outfit. Whether you choose a stick pin, butterfly clasp, or a pin with a screwed-on backing, lapel pins can make the difference between a drab ensemble and a head-turning look. To help you make sure your lapel in is worn properly, follow this guide to find out which lapel your pin should be worn on.

Always On The Left

Lapel pins are always worn on the left lapel of your suit jacket or blazer. The pin should be inserted through the jacket’s lapel buttonhole if one is present. Not all suits have lapel buttonholes, so if you don’t see this hole on your jacket, simply insert the pin in the area where the buttonhole would be located. Some other guidelines to keep in mind are:

• The pin should be worn above the wearer’s heart.
• If you’re wearing a pin and a pocket square, don’t let the pocket square cover your pin.
• If your suit doesn’t have a lapel buttonhole and you don’t want to pierce it to wear a pin, consider using a pin with a magnetic backing.
• Try to match the color of your pin to other accents on your outfit such as cufflinks, your watch, belt buckle, or any rings you might wear.
• Under most circumstances, you should not wear more than one lapel pin.