Lapel Pin for Men: How to Wear It, When to Wear It, and Which Style to Choose

A well-chosen lapel pin can do more for an outfit than most people realise. It sits quietly on the left side of a blazer or suit jacket, but it carries weight. It tells people you paid attention to the details, whether you are dressing for a wedding, a formal dinner, or a workday where you want to feel more put together.

Here is everything you need to know about lapel pins, from placement to styling to choosing the right one.

How Do You Wear a Lapel Pin the Right Way?

The question "how do you wear a lapel pin" comes up often, and the answer is simpler than it looks.

A lapel pin goes on the left side of your jacket, right through the buttonhole on the lapel. Slide the pin through from the front and secure it with the clutch at the back. The pin stays on top, the clasp stays hidden.

If your jacket does not have a visible buttonhole, position the pin on the upper left side of your chest and pin it directly through the fabric. Keep it close to the lapel's edge so it sits naturally along the line of the jacket.

One pin at a time is the general rule. Keep it clean and let a single pin do its work.

Which Side Does a Lapel Pin Go On?

The left side, always. The pin sits on the left lapel because that is where the buttonhole traditionally falls on men's jackets. Even on jackets without a visible buttonhole, the convention stays the same. Stick to the left, and you are on solid ground.

What Makes a Lapel Pin for a Blazer Different from One for a Suit?

A lapel pin for blazer styling and a lapel pin for suit wear are not fundamentally different, but the styling choices around them shift.

With a suit, the look is more pulled together. A tailored two-piece in a solid colour pairs well with a refined, understated pin. Think clean lines, metal finishes, or subtle enamel work. The pin should complement the formality without competing with it.

With a blazer, you have more room to play. Blazers pair with chinos or even jeans, and a lapel pin with a nature motif, an animal design, or a pop of colour through enamel can add personality without feeling out of place. AZGA's Elephant Lapel Pin, handcrafted in brass with 22kt gold plating, works beautifully on a navy blazer for a festive evening or a weekend brunch.

Can You Wear a Lapel Pin with a Kurta?

Yes, and it looks wonderful when done well.

The question "can you wear a lapel pin with a kurta" comes up more and more as Indian menswear blends traditional and contemporary styling. Pin it to the pocket area or the upper chest of a kurta for a modern finishing touch. Pair it with a Nehru jacket, and the effect is even more polished.

For kurta styling, go with slightly bolder designs. The fabric and silhouette of a kurta can absorb a larger pin without looking overdone. AZGA's Anthurium Lapel Pin, inspired by Jaipur's garden motifs, adds the right kind of edge to a festive kurta set. Handcrafted by artisans in Jaipur, made in brass with 22kt gold plating and finished with hand-applied enamel.

When Should You Wear a Lapel Pin?

A lapel pin works across a wide range of occasions. Here are some of the most natural fits.

Weddings and festive celebrations. Whether you are the groom or a guest, a handcrafted pin adds a considered touch that photographs well. During Indian wedding season, a lapel pin paired with a bandhgala (a high-collared formal Indian jacket) or sherwani creates an ensemble with real presence.

Business and corporate settings. A lapel pin signals attention to detail at work. Choose something understated; a clean metal finish or a small semi-precious stone adds personality to a suit without drawing too much attention.

Festive gatherings. Diwali celebrations, anniversary parties, festive dinners. A lapel pin can be the finishing touch that sets your outfit apart.

Everyday style. You do not need a special occasion. If you wear blazers regularly, a small pin can become part of your everyday signature.

How to Pick the Right Lapel Pin for You

Choosing a lapel pin comes down to three things: the occasion, the outfit, and your personal style.

Match the scale to the setting

For formal events, smaller and more refined pins work best. For casual or festive wear, you can go slightly larger or more decorative.

Consider the colour

Enamel pins in cobalt, black, or deep red tend to pair well with navy, charcoal, and grey suits. Gold-plated pins bring warmth to darker fabrics and add a polished contrast to lighter ones.

Think about what the design says about you

AZGA's collection spans nature-inspired pieces like the Parrot Lapel Pin and the Leaf Lapel Pin in Cobalt and Black, and playful designs like the Bullet Bike Lapel Pin. Each one is handcrafted by skilled artisans in Jaipur, made in brass with 22kt gold plating and enamel detailing.

Consider it as a gift

A handcrafted lapel pin makes a thoughtful gift for a groom, a father, or a colleague. Because each AZGA piece is made in small batches, the gift carries a sense of care that mass-produced accessories cannot.

How to Care for Your Lapel Pin

Keep the pin away from water and moisture, as prolonged exposure can affect the plating. Store each pin separately, ideally in the box it comes in. Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints. Enamel and stone elements are delicate, so handle with care and avoid drops.

Why Handcrafted Lapel Pins Feel Different

You can feel the difference between a factory-produced pin and one made by hand. AZGA's lapel pins are crafted by artisan clusters in Jaipur, a city with centuries of heritage in jewellery-making, enamelling, and metalwork. Each piece goes through multiple stages of hand-finishing, from shaping and plating to the careful application of enamel.

When you wear a handcrafted pin, you are wearing something connected to a place, a tradition, and the hands that made it.

AZGA's lapel pin collection offers over 30 styles, with designs that suit both formal and personal occasions. Browse the full range and find the piece that fits your style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do you wear a lapel pin on a suit without a buttonhole? 

Pin it directly through the fabric on the left side of your chest, roughly where a buttonhole would be. Position it along the lapel's edge and secure the clutch at the back.

Q. Which side does a lapel pin go on? 

The left side, always. The left lapel is where the buttonhole traditionally sits on men's jackets, and that convention holds even when the hole is not visible.

Q. Can you wear a lapel pin with a kurta or Nehru jacket? 

Pin it near the pocket or upper chest area of the kurta, or on the lapel of a Nehru jacket. Bolder, nature-inspired designs complement the relaxed drape of ethnic wear especially well.

Q. Is a lapel pin a good gift for men? 

A handcrafted lapel pin is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give. It is personal, useful, and lasting. Ideal for grooms, groomsmen, fathers, or anyone who appreciates considered style.

Q. How do I clean a gold-plated lapel pin? 

Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints. Avoid water, harsh chemicals, and abrasive materials. Store each pin in its box to prevent scratches.