The Ultimate Guide to Lapel Pins: Exploring Different Styles

Introduction

Lapel pins may seem like tiny accessories, but they carry significant weight in terms of personal expression, branding, and commemorative value. Whether you’re attending a corporate event, representing a cause, or simply want to add a dash of flair to your suit, lapel pins are the unsung heroes of fashion and identity. However, with so many different styles of lapel pins available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fear not! This guide dives deep into the fascinating world of lapel pins, exploring their various styles, how they’re made, and what makes them so special.

Lapel Pins 101: A Brief Overview

Before we embark on a detailed exploration of lapel pin styles, let’s start with the basics. A lapel pin is a small pin worn on the lapel of a jacket, typically on the left side. These pins can serve various purposes: they may indicate membership in an organization, represent support for a cause, commemorate an event, or simply add a stylish touch to one’s outfit.

Now, onto the fun part: discovering the styles of lapel pins that exist and how each can uniquely contribute to your wardrobe or personal branding.

Table of Contents

Die struck lapel pins are the quintessential option when it comes to elegance and sophistication. They are created by striking a metal sheet with a custom die, leaving behind a design that has raised and recessed areas.

Think of die-struck pins as the ‘black-tie’ of lapel pins. They’re understated but packed with charm. The raised areas are usually polished to a brilliant shine, while the recessed parts can be textured to add depth and contrast. While these pins often come without color, their simplicity allows the metal itself to shine through—whether that’s gold, silver, or bronze.

Perfect for: Recognizing achievements, such as employee awards or anniversary markers, or representing membership in an exclusive club.

How They’re Made:

1. A custom die is created to match the desired design.
2. The metal is struck to create the design’s outline.
3. Raised areas are polished, and recessed areas are sandblasted for contrast.

Die-struck lapel pins have a timeless quality about them, which makes them a popular choice for corporate branding and recognition awards.

If die-struck pins are your formal go-to, soft enamel lapel pins are your casual Friday accessory. These pins feature raised metal borders that separate recessed areas filled with enamel paint, giving them vibrant pops of color. The texture, where the raised metal sits higher than the color fill, adds a tactile dimension to the pin.

Soft enamel lapel pins can be highly customizable. You can choose from a variety of colors and even add special effects like glitter or glow-in-the-dark elements (because why not?). Whether you’re creating pins to show off a company logo or support a cause, soft enamel is an excellent choice for making a bold, colorful statement.

Perfect for: Sports teams, event memorabilia, or showcasing artistic designs.

How They’re Made:

1. Similar to die-struck pins, a custom die is used to create raised outlines.
2. Enamel paint is applied to recessed areas.
3. The pin is baked to harden the enamel, giving it that long-lasting durability.

Soft enamel lapel pins strike the perfect balance between professional and playful, making them a favorite for creative endeavors.

Hard enamel lapel pins, also known as Cloisonné pins, take things up a notch in terms of durability and sophistication. While they may look similar to soft enamel pins at first glance, the process of making them differs significantly. The enamel on hard enamel pins is applied in multiple layers and then polished smooth, ensuring that the surface is flush with the raised metal edges.

The result? A sleek, polished pin that feels luxurious to the touch. The process also makes these pins highly durable, able to withstand years of wear without losing their sheen. While they are more expensive than soft enamel pins, their high-quality finish makes them a worthwhile investment for any occasion that calls for a bit of extra elegance.

Perfect for: High-end corporate giveaways, commemorative events, or any occasion where durability and quality matter.

How They’re Made:

1. Enamel is layered in the recessed areas until it is level with the raised metal.
2. The pin is polished to a smooth, glossy finish.
3. It is then baked at high temperatures to harden the enamel.

Hard enamel lapel pins are for those who demand quality and aren’t afraid to pay for it. They combine visual appeal with a durable finish, making them a premium choice in the lapel pin world.

Die-cast lapel pins bring the wow factor with their three-dimensional designs. Unlike die-struck or enamel pins, which primarily have two levels (raised and recessed), die-cast pins are designed to capture intricate details and varying levels of depth.

This style is perfect for designs that require complex shapes, like animals, vehicles, or architectural structures. Die-cast lapel pins can also be polished and plated in different metals for an extra touch of class.

Perfect for: Commemorating historical events, producing replicas of statues or icons, or showcasing complex, artistic designs.

How They’re Made:

1. A rubber mold is created to hold the design.
2. Molten metal is poured into the mold under high pressure.
3. Once the metal cools, it’s polished and plated in a finish like gold or silver.

Die-cast lapel pins offer a dynamic alternative for those who want to elevate their design beyond the flatness of traditional pins.

For those who want to capture intricate artwork, photos, or detailed logos on a lapel pin, offset printed pins are the way to go. These pins don’t rely on metal lines or enamel; instead, they use printing technology to transfer the design directly onto the pin’s surface.

This means you can include as many colors, gradients, and fine details as you like. After printing, a protective epoxy coating is added to ensure the design stays in pristine condition.

Perfect for: Pins with highly detailed artwork, such as company logos, portraits, or complex color schemes.

How They’re Made:

1. The design is printed onto a flat surface.
2. The print is sealed with an epoxy coating for protection.
3. The pin is then plated or polished, depending on the desired finish.

Offset printed lapel pins offer versatility and clarity that other styles can’t match, especially when you’re dealing with detailed designs.

Who says a lapel pin has to be round or square? Custom shape lapel pins allow you to break free from traditional geometric confines. Whether it’s in the shape of your logo, an iconic item related to your cause, or something entirely out-of-the-box, custom shape lapel pins give you ultimate creative freedom.

With today’s manufacturing technology, creating a pin in nearly any shape is possible, whether you’re designing a pin for a marathon in the shape of a shoe or a coffee shop pin shaped like a coffee cup.

Perfect for: Unique branding opportunities, or any event where creativity and innovation are front and center.

How They’re Made:

1. A custom mold is created to match the desired shape.
2. Metal is poured into the mold or stamped to form the shape.
3. The pin is polished, and finishing touches are added.

Custom shape lapel pins are a favorite among creatives, allowing for bold, unconventional designs that stand out from the crowd.

With all these styles, how do you choose the right one? Start by considering the purpose of your pin. Are you looking for something vibrant and fun? Soft enamel may be the way to go. Need a premium, polished look? Opt for hard enamel or die-struck. If your design calls for intricate details or 3D elements, die-cast pins will get the job done. And if you need to showcase a complex logo or artwork, offset printed pins are the best bet.

Understanding the different lapel pin styles allows you to make an informed decision based on your needs. Whether it’s for a corporate event, fundraiser, or personal collection, there’s a lapel pin style out there that’s just right for you.

Lapel pins might be small, but their impact can be enormous. From corporate branding to personal expression, they offer a subtle yet effective way to communicate a message, commemorate an occasion, or showcase creativity. By exploring the different styles of lapel pins—from die struck and soft enamel to die-cast and custom shapes—you can select the perfect pin for your needs, all while standing out from the crowd.

So the next time you’re picking out a pin for your event or personal collection, take a moment to consider the craftsmanship and thought that goes into these tiny yet mighty accessories. They’re more than just decoration—they’re a statement.