How Can I Prevent My Lapel Pins From Falling Off?

We've all been there: you proudly wear your favorite lapel pin, only to discover that it's mysteriously gone later in the day, leaving you badgeless and sad.

To keep your pin badges from falling off (and avoid future bouts of pin badge-induced depression), we'll look at the world of lapel pin badges, the common reasons they fall off, and, most importantly, the ingenious hacks that will keep them securely in place.

So, if you're sick of saying goodbye to your favorite pins, here's how to keep them safe!

What Can I Wear Pin Badges With?

Before we get into the best ways to keep your pin badges from falling off, we need to know what you can and cannot wear. Without going into too much detail, you can put a pin badge on it if the pin can pierce the fabric and the material isn't so thick that you can't attach the clasp.

Here are some of the most popular garments and materials for wearing enamel pins:

Coats and jackets

Backpacks, satchels, and bags

Beanies and caps

Collars on shirts

Trainers

Scarves

Jumpers

Belts

What you want to attach your pins to usually dictates the type of clutch you should use (the thing that connects to the back of the badge to keep it from stabbing you and getting lost).

Why are my pin badges falling off?

There are a few common reasons why your pins keep falling off and disappearing. If you're constantly losing your favorite badges, one of the following could be to blame.

Weak Clutch: Not all clutches are created equal, and low-quality clutches can come loose quickly, causing your enamel pin badge to vanish, never to be seen again.

Misaligned Pin & Clutch: If your pins aren't properly attached, you'll most likely lose a pin sooner or later. Before you hit the town with your funky flair, make sure the clutch is straight and has a bit of bite.

Rubber clutches are more prone to wear and tear than other types of clutches because the rubber can wear away over time, leaving a larger hole and a loose fit. When the clutch loosens, it is more likely to fall off, taking your badge with it.

Clutch and Attachment Types

Most people are familiar with the butterfly clutch, which is commonly found on the back of enamel pin badges, but did you know there are numerous other options?

When you order badges from Made by Cooper, you can choose from a variety of popular clutches.

Use a rubber clutch if you're wearing pin badges close to your skin. They're soft, make wearing pin badges more comfortable, and are available in a variety of colors.

Butterfly Clutch: Butterfly clutches provide a little more security due to the "wings" that apply pressure to the pin to grip on and then release the badge when the wings are squeezed together.

Deluxe or Locking Clutch: The locking back is built for security. The top hat-style back and fancy inner workings provide a more secure grip than standard clutches.

Safety or Broach: The safety pin style attachment allows you to attach enamel pin badges to your bags and coats in the same way that you would a traditional button badge.

How Can I Keep My Enamel Badges and Lapel Pins Safe?

To avoid the heartbreaking tragedy of losing your most valuable pieces, use one of these pin hacks (depending on your situation) to provide you with peace of mind.

1. Use Badge Locking Pin Clutches

If you must wear your best badge while out and about, you should at the very least install a locking clutch on the pin. If you've ever misaligned a deluxe clutch on your pin's post, you know how difficult it can be to remove them. When installed correctly, these locking clutches provide a vice-like grip while keeping the pin usable.

2. Go for the Double Clutch

What could be better than a single clutch to keep your badge safe? Two clutches, you guessed it. Choose pin badges with two clutches on the back whenever possible. Not only will this prevent the enamel pin from moving around and slipping off, but you'll also have double security around the back, making it less likely to fall off.

3. For a long-lasting fix, use Super Glue

Before securing the clutch, dab a dab of super glue on the pin on the back of the enamel badge to make it almost unmovable, preserving your badge's presence for eternity. Only use this tip if you want to permanently attach your pin badge to a garment or accessory, and use extreme caution when applying the glue or you'll ruin your pin badge, jacket, bag, cap, or whatever you choose to attach it to.

4. Instead, show off your pin badges

Pin walls, display boards, and badge pendants are popular ways to curate incredible pin displays (check out our office pin wall); you can create Instagram-worthy displays while also keeping your pins safe. If your pin badges happen to fall off, you won't have to look far.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Show Off Your Flair

You shouldn't stop having fun with and displaying your pins because you're afraid of losing them. Make sure you select the proper fixings for your preferred display method, and you'll be able to show off your flair for years to come.