As a 15 years+ lapel pins manufacturer, I share the ultimate guide with you guys, no matter if you are new to lapel pins or an experienced one, this article is valuable to you.
In this article, you will learn lapel pin types, plating colors, pin backs, package options, how to choose proper pins for your projects, and everything.
1. Quick Guide – How to Choose the Right Lapel Pin
If you only want a quick solution for your upcoming products, this part is sufficient. I will tell you the answer directly.
Best Pins For Corporate Branding
For corporate branding, lapel pins need to look professional, consistent, and easy to remember to reinforce the brand. 1”-1.5” Soft enamel pins and die-struck pins work best.
Soft enamel pins are the most popular because they are cheap and can match your company logo well.
Die-struck pins are a good alternative when you just want gold pins, or silver pins. The kind of lapel pins is simple and elegant. We do sandblasting recessed metal and shiny raised metal to make a big contrast.
Both lapel pins are popular in awards pins or anniversary pins.
Best Pins Badges For Events & Giveaways
The kind of lapel pins are handed out, worn casually, or for promotion. For this reason, soft enamel pins and printed pins are the best options because they are cost-effective and pins can be colorful.
Just one tip: do not make it too small. A clean design, readable from a distance, works best. Packaging should also stay simple. In most cases, an individual oppbag or a basic backing card keeps costs under control.
A nice design or a simple quote works best. Nowadays, young people like wearing it daily.
Best Enamel Pins For Collectors & Premium Designs
According to our manufacturing experiences, Brands and Etsy sellers are the targeted buyers. Hard enamel pins are the top choice here because of their smooth, polished surface and excellent color durability. They look and feel closer to fine jewelry than a standard pin.
The kind of pin will bring back many returning customers.
Best Pins On A Budget
When your budget is tight, consider soft enamel pins or die-struck pins. By reducing size, limiting colors, and avoiding special effects, it’s possible to keep costs low without making the pin look poorly made.
Many budget issues come from overcomplicated designs. Extra colors, frequent artwork changes, and unnecessary cut-outs all add hidden costs.
A clean design with a standard metal finish and simple backing often looks better and costs less in the end.
2. What Is a Lapel Pin?
A lapel pin is a small size decorative accessory made of metal, which is designed to be worn on clothing, most commonly on the lapel of a jacket or backpack.
They are commonly used for fashion accessories, wearing an attitude, gifts, souvenir and more.
3. Common Uses of Lapel Pins
Lapel pins are used in many different ways. According to our manufacturing records, I listed the main uses.
Corporate Branding
Companies turn their logo into lapel pins, matching the color or shape. They are used for gifts and giveaways. It is a small and cheap gift idea.
Employee Recognition and Awards
Organizations often create custom pins to mark achievements such as years of service, outstanding performance, or participation in special programs. These pins work well because they are personal and wearable.
Events and Organizations
Lapel pins serve both functional and symbolic purposes. At conferences, fundraisers, and conventions, pins help identify attendees, staff members, or supporters. They are also commonly used by clubs, associations, and nonprofits to show membership or support for a cause.
Fashion and Personal Style
More and more pin retailers and illustrators started to turn their original designs to lapel pins. People wear them on jackets, hats, bags, or even dresses to express personality or highlight interests.
Collectibles and Keepsakes
Many pins are created for limited releases, anniversaries, or special events, making them meaningful long after the event has passed. Collectors value lapel pins not only for their design, but also for the story or moment they represent.
4. Types of Lapel Pins (Pros, Cons & Best Uses)
In this part, let me introduce the popular pins to you, based on crafts.
Soft Enamel Lapel Pins
Soft enamel lapel pins are one of the most commonly used pin types. They are made by Iron stamping or die casting, then filling the recessed areas with enamel. The raised metal lines remain visible, giving the pin texture and definition.
It is the most popular lapel pin because of its moderate price and colorful appearance.
Hard Enamel (Cloisonné) Lapel Pins
Hard enamel lapel pins are known for their smooth, polished surface. After the enamel is filled, the pin is fired and polished so the enamel and metal sit on the same level. The result is a clean, flat finish that feels similar to fine jewelry.
Die Struck Lapel Pins
Die struck lapel pins are all-metal pins without enamel color. The design is created through raised and recessed metal, then finished with polishing or antique plating.
The limitation of die struck pins is the lack of color. Designs must rely on shape and texture alone.
Offset Printed / Screen Printed Lapel Pins
Printed lapel pins are used when a design requires fine detail, gradients, or photographic elements. The artwork is printed directly onto the metal surface and sealed with a protective epoxy coating.
3D Cast Lapel Pins
The 3D pin is made of zinc alloy die casting. so the pins can be with many layers and angles.
Photo Etched Lapel Pins
Photo-etched lapel pins are made by chemically etching the design into a thin metal plate. The recessed areas are then filled with enamel or printed color. Cost is the same as soft enamel pins.
5. Lapel Pin Materials Explained
Most time, there are 5 materials:
Iron and zinc alloy can make all of the above types of pins.
Iron is for 2D and regular designs, zinc alloy is for 3D and pins with cutouts.
Stainless steel and aluminum are mainly for printed pins.
Brass is seldom used because of its high price.
6. Metal Plating & Finish Options
Please read this article: plating color options.
7. Lapel Pin Size Guide
Lapel pin sizes are usually measured in inches/MM across the widest point. While there is no single “correct” size, ONLY proper size for your design.
Popular sizes are from 0.5” to 2”. According to our orders, it seems the European customers like small pins from 0.5” to 1.5”. The US customers like big sizes from 1.25” to 2”. Haha, really different culture.
8. Lapel Pin Design Tips (Avoid Common Mistakes)
I would like to share my experiences, coming from millions of lapel pins projects.
8a. Design is too complicated
Lapel pins have limited space, and trying to include too many things like texts, logos, colors.
8b. Choose a proper plating color.
Let me tell you a real case, a customer like black metal pins, with red enamel. which leads to the small texts are NOT very clear to read. If you want the small texts prominent and easy to read, choose a simple metal color gold or silver. and texts a little more bigger.
8c. Keep a proper size.
If you have limit budget, please keep the size small and design simple, you will save a lot.
9. Special Lapel Pin Features & Add-Ons
Cut-out designs: Cut out means a hollow space inside lapel pins. they are usually for company logo or initial lapel pins.
Danglers, spinners & sliders: A dangler is a separate piece attached to the main pin, often used for slogans, dates, or secondary symbols. Spinners rotate around a central point, while sliders move back and forth within a cut channel.
Glitter, translucent & glow-in-the-dark enamel: Glitter enamel adds sparkle and texture, making it popular for festive designs or youth-oriented themes. Translucent enamel allows the metal beneath to show through. Glow-in-the-dark enamel absorbs light and emits a soft glow in low-light environments.
10. Lapel Pin Attachment Options
Please read this article.
How To Keep Pins From Falling Off
11. Packaging Options for Lapel Pins
- Poly bags: standard package.
- Acrylic cases: it needs extra $0.2/pc, and will generate extra cost for shipping.
- Velvet pouches & boxes: Gifts idea package.
- Custom backing cards: Popular for retail.
12. How Much Do Custom Lapel Pins Cost?
In a word, there is NO standard lapel pin cost. Price range: $0.29-$1.59.
The main factors are the complexity of pin design, size, add-on, package options, and quantity. And you need to pay tariffs when you purchase internationally.
It needs to set up the mold for a new design. So when you order lapel pins, you need to pay mold fee and product cost. Mold fee is one time cost, you do not need to pay it again when you reorder.
Clear artwork, reasonable size, limited colors, and standard finishes usually produce the best balance between appearance and price.
You can tell us about your budget, and we will offer you the best solutions fit for your needs.
13: How to Order Custom Lapel Pins
Step-by-step ordering process
Step 1: FREE quote.
The process usually begins with artwork submission. This does not need to be a perfect design file. A logo, sketch, or reference image is enough to start.
Step 2: Approve artwork.
This proof shows how the design will be translated into a lapel pin, including metal lines, enamel colors, size, and attachment. This step is critical. It is the last chance to adjust details before production begins.
Step 3: Make deposit
You make deposits, we start production and do fully QC checking before packing
Step 4: We arrange shipment.
After the order is done, we will send it out immediately.
NOTE: Planning ahead is important, especially for events or deadlines. Rush orders are sometimes possible, but they often come with higher costs and risks.
14. Common Mistakes When Ordering Lapel Pins
Most problems with lapel pin orders don’t come from manufacturing defects. They come from decisions made before production even begins. These mistakes are easy to avoid.
Choosing the wrong pin type
A design that looks great as a printed pin may not translate well into enamel. In this case, the supplier’s advise works better.
Over-complicated designs
Too many small details, thin lines, or tiny text often look fine on a screen but fail in metal. Simplified designs almost always produce cleaner, more professional results.
Wrong size or backing
Pins that are too small can make logos unreadable, while oversized pins can feel awkward when worn. Size also affects cost and comfort.
Ignoring production proofs
You need to confirm the production artwork very carefully. Artwork represents products. Once production starts, these errors cannot be fixed without additional cost.
Another common oversight is failing to plan for timelines.
Custom lapel pins are not instant products. Mold creation, production, quality checks, and shipping all take time. Plan ahead ensures a good result.
15. Why Work With a Lapel Pin Manufacturer Instead of a Middleman?
When you order custom lapel pins. Working directly with a lapel pin manufacturer offers several practical advantages.
One of the biggest advantages is quality control.
A manufacturer oversees every step of production, from mold creation to finishing and packaging. they offer flexible service.
Cost is another key benefit.
Ordering from the direct factory will be much cheaper than middleman.
Communication Efficiency
Communication efficiency improves when working directly with the source. They answer your questions and provide solutions quickly.
If you want to custom lapel pins, fill the form in below, and you will be replied to quickly.
16. Lapel Pins FAQs
a. What is the most popular type of lapel pin?
Soft enamel lapel pins are generally the most popular.
b. Are hard enamel pins better than soft enamel?
NO, both are good quality.
c. What size lapel pin should I choose?
Popular pin sizes are from 0.5” -2”, it depends on your pin design and preference.
d. How long does it take to make custom lapel pins?
12-18 days.
e. Where can I get custom lapel pins made?
We can help you.
