Lapel Pin Safety

A lapel pin can be a great finishing touch on any formal ensemble, provided that it is fastened and worn safely. Nothing spoils an evening like a snag from an improperly secured pin.

Proper Fastening

A lapel pin should be fastened while the jacket is still on the hanger. To correctly pin it to a lapel, first pierce the lapel with the point of the pin. Most pins have a clutch or fastener, which should be attached to the pin on the inside of the lapel. If it does not have a clutch, thread the pin back through the lapel so that it pierces from both the outside and the inside of the lapel, then guide the tip of the pin into the area between the inner and outer surfaces of the lapel. This ensures that the point of the pin is not exposed to the wearer or anyone the wearer might embrace.

Sterilization

As an added precaution, it is always wise to sterilize the point of your lapel pin with alcohol or a disinfectant. Should the clutch or straight pin come unfastened and prick someone, it would be reassuring to know that there is no risk of infection.

Clutches and Fasteners

The most common fastener is the butterfly clutch, also known as the military clutch. It is essentially a flat cap for the point of the pin, with a raised center featuring flat pinch-points on either side. Other fasteners use magnets to cap the pin, while others use a screw cap or a safety-pin design.

References

• Pins Unlimited: Attatchments - Custom Lapel Pins