Company
October 16, 2023
When people see a lapel pin on a jacket or uniform, they think of the accolades and awards the recipient has won. The pin acts as a beacon informing others of events or commemorative experiences in someone’s honor that the attendants will never forget. However, people tend to ignore- or simply do not know! – that the lapel pin is a versatile accessory and not all are created equal. In order to enlighten people, who wonder what are lapel pins? Here are 5 things you didn’t know about lapel pins:
Or should we say, fit for a king on a budget? The type of accessory you see most commonly is probably a soft enamel pin. It is a more affordable pin, but full of the durability and vibrancy one expects when denoting an occasion, interest, or team. Because it has such a colorful, 3-dimensional appearance it is the most widely used and popular type of lapel pin.
Hard enamel pins are similar to soft enamel pins, but distinctively separate. They have the same die-cast, color-filled creation, but the tempering makes the difference. For the enamel to be hard, it is heated to increase its strength after the cooling process. This ultimately creates a crisp, smooth finish that is unbeatable for any sturdy pin that needs minute details.
Last month we talked about the difference between diecast and diestruck pins. What we left out about the creation process is that there is another way to design lapel pins. If you ever wondered how that accessory captured a loved one’s features or a children’s team’s logo so correctly, it was probably a Photodome! This process reproduces a photograph perfectly to be worn on any jacket or shirt. The best part is it is one of the quickest turnarounds of any pin creation because it does not have the raised lines of enamel pins and most designs have stock templates.
Although pin comes from the Old English word for “peg,” today’s creations do not necessarily need the pointed bit of metal to affix it. Although a pin with a butterfly clutch is still the most traditional method of wearing one, other ways have become common. Safety pins, magnets, and screws now hold this accessory in place. Other, less expected, means take the pin off the lapel and put them on your cufflinks, tie clip, or keychain!
Lapel pins are not just for accessorizing or supporting a team anymore. Many people partake in a hobby or passion that they call “pin trading.” Often used for team sports, people trade and collect pins that are large, colorful, and unique. They do not care if the team wins or loses, the goal is to have the rare, beautiful pins.There you have it! A little pin education from your friends at PinProsPlus. If you have any more questions or want to design and make lapel pins of your own, feel free to contact us! Find lapel pins for sale that can be customized to suit your needs.
