A Guide to Lapel Pins: Types and Popular Award Pins

Lapel pins have long been a favorite for recognizing achievements, showcasing affiliations, and adding a touch of personality to outfits. These small yet powerful accessories come in a variety of types, each with its own unique style and purpose. In this guide, we will explore the different types of lapel pins, highlight popular award pins, and answer the top five common questions related to lapel pins.

Types of Lapel Pins

Enamel Pins

Soft Enamel Pins: Soft enamel pins are characterized by their textured surface, where the design is slightly recessed and the metal lines are raised. These pins are popular for promotional events, team recognition, and branding, offering vibrant colors and a durable finish.

Hard Enamel Pins: Hard enamel pins, also known as cloisonnè pins, offer a smooth, polished surface. The enamel is filled and polished flat, making it even with the metal borders. These pins are often used for higher-end awards and special recognitions due to their refined and elegant appearance.

Die Struck Pins

Antique Die Struck Pins: These pins feature a classic, vintage look created by striking a metal sheet with a custom die. The resulting raised design is perfect for service awards and commemorating significant milestones.

High Polish Die Struck Pins: For a more modern and shiny appearance, high polish die struck pins are an excellent choice. The polished metal gives these pins a bright, reflective surface, ideal for commemorating achievements and contemporary events.

Blank Pins

Offset Printed Pins

Full Color Offset Printed Pins: Offset printed pins are ideal for designs that require full-color artwork, including gradients and complex details. These pins are commonly used for event merchandise, sports tournaments, and corporate branding.

Epoxy Coated Pins: To protect the printed design, epoxy-coated pins are covered with a clear, glossy dome. This coating not only enhances the visual appeal of the pin but also protects it from scratches and wear.

3D Molded Pins

Single-Level 3D Molded Pins: These pins offer a three-dimensional design with a single level of depth, perfect for creating detailed representations of objects, mascots, or logos.

Multi-Level 3D Molded Pins: For more intricate designs, multi-level 3D molded pins provide varying levels of depth within the same pin, adding a dynamic and visually striking element to the pin's design.

Button Pins

Button pins are round and simple, often used for promotional giveaways, political campaigns, and social causes. They are lightweight, cost-effective, and can be customized with any design or message.

Magnetic Button Pins: Magnetic button pins are an alternative to traditional button pins, attaching to clothing without the need for a pin back. These pins are easy to wear and remove without damaging fabric, making them a popular choice for various events.

Popular Award Pins

Award pins are a popular way to recognize and reward achievements across different fields. Here are some of the most commonly used award pins:

Academic Achievement Pins

Honor Roll Pins: These pins are awarded to students who achieve high academic standards. They often feature symbols of knowledge, such as books or scrolls, and are worn proudly by students.

Perfect Attendance Pins: Recognizing students who maintain perfect attendance throughout the school year, these pins encourage dedication and responsibility. Designs typically include clocks, calendars, or stars.

Sports Achievement Pins

MVP Pins: Most Valuable Player (MVP) pins are awarded to athletes who demonstrate outstanding performance and leadership. These pins often feature symbols of athleticism, such as trophies, medals, or sports equipment.

Championship Pins: Championship pins are awarded to teams or individuals who win a championship event. These highly detailed pins serve as a lasting reminder of the victory.

Volunteer and Service Award Pins

Volunteer Appreciation Pins: custom designed pins designed to recognize the contributions of volunteers. These pins often feature hearts, helping hands, or other symbols of service and generosity.

Years of Service Pins: These pins are given to individuals who have dedicated a significant amount of time to an organization. They are typically awarded in increments, such as 5, 10, or 20 years of service.

Flag Pins

Flag pins are small, wearable emblems that display national pride or affiliation with a particular country or cause. These pins are often worn during patriotic events, ceremonies, or international gatherings to symbolize unity and respect. Flag pins can also serve as meaningful gifts or collectibles, making them popular among people who enjoy showcasing their heritage or support for specific causes.

Music Pins

Music pins are a creative and fun way to celebrate musical achievements, whether it's in a school band, orchestra, or choir. These pins can feature various instruments, musical notes, or symbols, making them a unique and personal award for young musicians. They serve as a wearable reminder of their dedication and talent, encouraging them to continue pursuing their passion for music. Music pins also make for great keepsakes, allowing students to proudly display their accomplishments for years to come.

Corporate Award Pins

Sales Achievement Pins: Awarded to employees who meet or exceed sales targets, these pins often feature dollar signs, graphs, or symbols of financial success.

Leadership Pins: Recognizing leadership qualities, these pins are awarded to managers, team leaders, and executives who demonstrate exceptional guidance and vision within their organization.

Top 5 Common Questions About Lapel Pins

Lapel pins are a popular choice for recognition and branding, but many people have questions about their design, use, and care. Here are the top five common questions related to lapel pins, along with detailed answers:

1. What is the difference between soft enamel and hard enamel pins?

The main difference between soft enamel and hard enamel pins is the finish. Soft enamel pins have a textured surface with recessed enamel areas and raised metal lines, giving them a slightly dimensional look. Hard enamel pins, on the other hand, are smooth and polished flat, with the enamel and metal being even. Hard enamel pins tend to have a more refined and durable finish, making them ideal for high-end recognition and awards.

2. How are custom lapel pins made?

Custom lapel pins are made through a multi-step process. First, a custom design is created and a mold is made based on that design. The mold is then used to strike the design onto a metal sheet, creating the base of the pin. Enamel or other colorings are added to the design, and the pin is either polished or coated with an epoxy dome. Finally, the pins are inspected, packaged, and shipped to the customer. The process can vary depending on the type of pin being produced.

3. Can lapel pins be customized for any event?

Yes, lapel pins can be fully customized for any event, whether it is a corporate conference, a sports tournament, a charity event, or a special occasion. Custom lapel pins can feature any design, logo, or message, and can be made in various shapes, sizes, and colors to match the event's theme and purpose.

4. How do I wear a lapel pin properly?

Lapel pins should be worn on the left side of a jacket or coat, near the heart. For formal occasions, the pin should be attached to the left lapel of a suit jacket, close to the buttonhole. It is important to ensure that the pin is securely fastened and sits straight, as a crooked pin can detract from the overall appearance. For less formal events, lapel pins can be worn on shirts, blouses, or bags, depending on the style and purpose of the pin.

5. How do I take care of my lapel pins?

To keep lapel pins looking their best, it is important to store them properly and clean them regularly. Store pins in a dry, cool place, preferably in a soft pouch or box to prevent scratches. When cleaning lapel pins, use a soft cloth to gently wipe away any dirt or fingerprints. For pins with intricate details, a soft-bristle brush can be used to remove dust from crevices. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the finish of the pin.

Conclusion

Lapel pins are a versatile and meaningful way to recognize achievements, promote brands, and celebrate special events. Whether you are looking for enamel, die struck, 3D molded, or button pins, there is a style and design that will suit your needs. By understanding the different types of lapel pins, popular award pins, and the answers to common questions, you can make informed decisions when it comes to designing, wearing, and caring for lapel pins.