An American flag lapel pin is worn on the left lapel, near the heart. That comes from the US Flag Code (4 USC 8(j)), which says that the lapel flag pin, being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. Most flag pins show the flag with the blue union of stars in the upper left as the viewer sees it. Organizations often order custom flag pins that pair the flag with their own logo, a state flag or a service line, in soft or hard enamel about 0.75 to 1 in (19 to 25 mm) wide.
This guide covers the etiquette points people ask about most, then the practical side: how to design a custom flag pin that holds its detail at a small size, which pin type to choose, and how to order for a company, an agency or an event.
What the Flag Code says about lapel pins
The US Flag Code is the federal law, found in Title 4 of the United States Code, that sets out guidance for displaying and respecting the flag. Section 8 covers respect for the flag, and subsection (j) is the only part that mentions lapel pins directly. In substance, it says the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing, and therefore the lapel flag pin, being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
A few points worth knowing:
- The Flag Code is generally treated as guidance for civilians. It describes customs and courtesy, and it does not set out penalties for how a private citizen wears a pin.
- Military members, police officers and other uniformed personnel follow their own uniform regulations, which may differ from civilian custom. Check the regulation that applies to your uniform.
- Some employers and agencies have their own policies on pins at work.
For the exact wording, read 4 USC 8 in the United States Code, published by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the House of Representatives. If your organization wants a formal ruling for a uniform or a ceremony, ask the authority that sets that uniform policy.
How to wear a flag pin
Put the pin on the left lapel, near the heart, about where a boutonniere would go. On a jacket without lapels, such as a cardigan or a blouse, people usually place it on the left side of the chest in a similar position. That is a matter of custom rather than a rule written into the Code.
As for which way it faces: a flag pin is a small replica of the flag, and the common convention is to show it as you would see a flag displayed flat, with the union in the upper left as the viewer looks at it. Waving flag designs follow the same idea, with the union at the top corner nearest the staff. If your pin has a flagpole, the pole is usually on the viewer's left.
Pairing the flag with another pin
People often wear the flag with a company pin, a service pin, or a state flag pin. The Flag Code does not cover pairs of lapel pins specifically, so organizations follow general flag display custom, where the US flag holds the position of honor. In practice that usually means:
- The flag pin goes on the left lapel; a second pin can sit beside or below it.
- When the flag is shown on a crossed-flags pin with another flag, the US flag is commonly placed on its own right, which is the viewer's left. That mirrors the Flag Code's rule for crossed staffs displayed against a wall.
- A combined pin with the flag beside a logo usually places the flag on the viewer's left or above the logo.
- Keep the flag at least the same size as any other flag on the same pin, never smaller.
These are customs organizations widely follow rather than legal requirements. If the pin is for an official uniform, the uniform regulation decides.
Designing a custom flag pin
A flag is harder to shrink than it looks. The full design has 50 stars and 13 stripes, and at 0.75 in (19 mm) the stars are tiny. Most small flag pins simplify the union, using fewer, larger stars, or a raised metal pattern that suggests stars. If your organization wants an accurate star count, plan on a larger pin or a printed or photo etched finish, which holds finer detail than enamel separated by metal lines.
| Pin type | Look | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Soft enamel | Raised metal lines, recessed colour | Event and giveaway flag pins |
| Hard enamel | Smooth, polished, level with the metal | Daily-wear pins, staff and executive pins |
| Photo etched or printed | Fine detail, flat surface | Accurate stars, small stripes, combined flags |
| Die struck without colour | Plated metal relief | Formal or anniversary pins with a flag motif |
Colour matters to people who wear flag pins. Ask for red and blue enamel matched to the flag colours you reference, and approve them on the proof. Our soft vs hard enamel comparison explains why the two finishes look different under light, and our guide to designing an enamel pin covers line widths and text sizes.
Custom flag pin ideas for organizations
Organizations use flag pins in many ways. Common custom designs include:
- The flag beside the company logo, for staff, sales teams and client gifts.
- Crossed US and state flags, for state associations, agencies and elected offices.
- A flag in the shape of a state outline, for local businesses and chambers of commerce.
- A flag with a service line or emblem, for public safety and veterans' organizations.
- A dated flag pin for July 4th, Memorial Day or Veterans Day events.
If you plan to include military branch emblems or agency seals, check the rules from that branch or agency on using its marks first. Flag pins also pair well with American flag patches for groups that wear uniforms, and our pin backs guide helps you choose the back for suits versus outerwear.
Caring for a flag pin
Flag pins worn every day pick up scratches and lose their backs. Store the pin on a card or in a small box when it is not worn, and wipe it with a soft dry cloth rather than a polish that could dull the enamel. If a flag pin becomes badly worn or damaged, many people retire it respectfully rather than throwing it in the trash, in the spirit of the Flag Code's guidance on retiring worn flags.
Ordering custom flag pins
Custom minimums start from 100 pieces and vary by product, confirmed on the quote. Send your artwork (AI, EPS or PDF is cleanest; PNG is fine), the size, pin type, back and quantity. A sketch or a photo of an existing pin is enough to start. The quote comes back in 2 to 3 business days, and the proof usually 1 to 3 business days after artwork. Check the star layout and the position of the union on the proof, then approve it in writing; production runs about 3 to 4 weeks after approval.
See our custom lapel pins options, then request a quote with your design.
