Lapel Pins – Wikipedia

Lapel pin, also called “pin badge” in Europe, is a small metal with a back attachement wearing on the lapel. Some custom lapel pins  are just decorative, but others are used to show achievement or class, such as employee recognition awards, or membership in an organization such as Masonic and other professional associations. The proper placement of a lapel pin can vary based on your clothing, gender and what the pin itself represents.

On a Jacket

People wearing suits or jackets should place the pin on their lapel. Traditionally, lapel pins are worn on the left, near the heart. This is especially important if the lapel pin symbolizes something important to the wearer, such as a national flag. However, it is not a serious faux pas to wear a lapel pin on the right lapel.

Certain organizations, especially military organizations, have strict codes instructing the wearer to wear the lapel pin on the right or left lapel.

On a Tie

Men who are not wearing a jacket but are wearing a tie can wear their pin toward the middle of the tie. However, if a man is wearing a jacket and tie, it is most appropriate to wear the pin on the left lapel.

On a Shirt

Men wearing shirts without a tie or a jacket and women wearing shirts without a jacket traditionally wear lapel pins on the left side of the shirt, near the heart.

Wearing Multiple Pins

It’s perfectly acceptable to wear more than one lapel pin if one of the pins is decorative and another is either promotional– a pin that advertises a product or company–patriotic, or symbolizes a cause, such as a yellow ribbon for troop support or a red ribbon for AIDS charities.

It’s also acceptable to wear multiple pins if the pins are part of a set that may show advancement in an organization. Military organizations often promote the wearing of multiple pins, but strict regulations specify where the pins should be placed in reference to each other.

Attaching the Pin

Most pins feature a metal face, with a fairly short point and a detachable backing. You need to take off the backing, push the pin into your lapel (or tie or shirt) until the point comes through the other side, and reattach the backing.

The pin should sit upright on your lapel, tie or blouse. Make sure it is not upside down or at a strange angle. Make sure the pin is tightly clasped on the back so it doesn’t rotate when you move. This seems trivial, but certain symbolic pins that are upside down may actually be offensive, as an upside down symbol often represents a negative sentiment.

After 911 terrorist attack, the most  popular custom lapel pins, American flag lapel pins were commonly seen on the lapels of members congress, news anchorpersons and everyday Americans. As this style flag pins is a replica of the American flag, there are some protocols that should be followed when wearing the customized pin to ensure that you do not disrespect the national flag or those who have served under it.

1. Wear the American flag pin on the correct area. The pin should be worn on the left side of your body as this is where your heart is located. The pin will protect our heart as a small metal shield, somebody said.
2. Position the U.S. flag pin properly. The pin should be worn roughly 1 to 2 inches directly above your heart. If you are wearing a suit coat or a jacket with a lapel, the pin should be positioned on the lapel so that it is clearly visible.
3. Turn the American flag pin in the right direction. The pin should be right-side up and straight up and down. If you notice the pin crooked at any time, you should correct it so that the flag is “flying” sideways.