Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Metal lapel pins for suits – also called lapel badges – are a small detail with a big impact. Worn on the lapel of a jacket, coat or uniform, they carry the brand logo or company symbol, or simply add a decorative accent. Fashion brands use them as part of the collection, while companies and organisations use them as an element of corporate wear. In this article we look at the types of metal pins available, the finishes and techniques used and how a design is prepared for custom production.
What metal lapel pins are
A metal pin is a small flat or relief metal element with a pin fastening on the back. It passes through the fabric – usually through the lapel buttonhole or directly through the cloth – and is secured at the back with a clutch. The front can be smooth, in relief, engraved, enamelled or cut to a contour.
Traditionally pins are worn on the left lapel of a men's jacket, but today they are also used on women's suits, coats, hats, bags and uniforms.
Where they are used
- fashion collections – the pin is part of the look of the suit or jacket and strengthens brand recognition;
- corporate wear – staff in banks, hotels, airlines and retail chains wear a pin with the company logo;
- uniforms – indicating department, position or affiliation;
- events and conferences – badges for participants, speakers and organisers;
- gifts and souvenirs – anniversaries, awards, club and sports badges.
Shapes and design
The freedom of shape is almost unlimited. The most common are:
- round and oval pins – classic and versatile;
- square and rectangular – convenient for text logos;
- cut to the contour of the logo – the most recognisable option;
- a handwritten script joined into one piece;
- three-dimensional designs with multi-level relief;
- completely individual shapes to your design.
The typical size of a lapel pin is between 15 and 25 mm. Smaller sizes look discreet and elegant, while larger ones are used when the pin needs to be visible from a distance.
Metals and plated finishes
Pins are most often made of zinc alloy (for complex and relief shapes) or brass and copper (for flat, stamped designs with very fine details). After shaping, a plated finish is applied. Popular options include:
- gold and light gold;
- nickel and silver tone;
- black nickel;
- gunmetal;
- black oxide;
- rose gold;
- antique and aged effects.
The finish can be polished to a mirror shine, satin or matt. If the suit has metal buttons, the pin should be in the same tone so the set looks coherent.
Coloured enamel and decorative techniques
Colour is added with enamel, which fills the recessed areas between the metal outlines. The most widely used are:
Soft enamel
The enamel sits slightly below the level of the metal lines, so the relief can be felt with a finger. This is a more economical option with an expressive, "deep" look.
Hard enamel
The enamel is filled to the level of the metal and the surface is polished smooth. The result is a jewellery-like look and high scratch resistance.
Other techniques
Laser engraving, offset printing for fine gradients, sandblasting for a matt background and setting decorative stones expand the possibilities even further.
Types of back fastening
The fastening determines how comfortable and secure the pin is:
- rubber clutch – economical and easy to fit;
- metal butterfly clutch – the classic option for lapel pins, holds more securely;
- locking clutch – for uniforms and valuable pins that must not get lost;
- magnetic back – does not pierce the fabric, suitable for delicate materials;
- safety pin (brooch) – for larger designs and womenswear.
For suits in fine wool we recommend a thin pin and a clutch that does not strain the fabric, so no visible marks remain.
How to wear a lapel pin
If the pin is part of a fashion collection, the brand should advise the customer on how to wear it. The established rules are simple:
- the pin goes on the left lapel, roughly at heart height;
- if the lapel has a buttonhole, the pin passes through it – so the fabric is not pierced;
- the pin is aligned parallel to the lapel edge or horizontally, depending on its shape;
- usually one pin is worn per lapel, so the look is not cluttered;
- the metal tone is coordinated with the watch, cufflinks or belt buckle.
For corporate uniforms it is useful to describe the position and way of wearing the pin in the internal dress code. That way all employees look the same and the logo is always clearly visible.
The logic is slightly different for women's suits. There the pin is often used as a brooch and can be placed higher on the lapel, on the collar or even on a hat, depending on the cut and style of the collection.
How to prepare the design
A good pin starts with a well-adapted design. A few practical tips:
- send the logo in vector format – AI, EPS, PDF or SVG;
- simplify very fine details – at 20 mm, lines under 0.3 mm are hard to reproduce;
- specify the colours in Pantone;
- decide whether the metal will show as an outline between the colours;
- choose the size and type of clutch according to the garment.
If you are not sure how the logo will look at a small scale, our team will suggest an adaptation and make a sample.
Ordering process
- Inquiry – you send the logo, desired size, finish and quantity.
- Consultation and design – we confirm the technique and prepare a visual.
- Sample – we make a fast sample for approval.
- Production – the run starts after confirmation.
- Delivery – we deliver across the European Union.
Minimum quantities depend on the article and technique – send an inquiry for specific information.
Metal lapel pins for suits from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian company from Sofia with over 30 years of experience manufacturing and wholesaling accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags. We make metal pins to the client's design and logo, coordinated in style with the other metal details – buttons, plates and other metal accessories. See related products in the metal logo plates and accessories categories, as well as our services.
For a quote, write to info@polkom.com or call +359 876 76 60 50 (also WhatsApp and Viber).
