Lapel pin backs are the small fittings that hold a pin on a garment, and the right one depends on who wears the pin, what it goes on and how often it comes off. We offer five: a butterfly clutch, a rubber clutch, a deluxe locking clutch, a magnetic back and a safety pin back. Each one holds a pin in a slightly different way.
This guide explains how each back works, compares them side by side and shows which suits staff uniforms, service awards, event pins and merchandise. It is the last decision on a pin order, and one of the easiest to get wrong.
How lapel pin backs work
Most lapel pins have a short metal post fixed to the back of the pin. The post goes through the fabric, and a clutch slides onto it from behind and grips it. The clutch is what stops the pin falling off, so the type of clutch decides how secure the pin is and how easy it is to take off.
Two backs work differently. A magnetic back uses no post at all: one magnet sits on the pin and a second sits behind the fabric, holding the pin in place without making a hole. A safety pin back uses a hinged pin and a catch, the way a brooch does.
The types of lapel pin backs
Butterfly clutch
The butterfly clutch is the standard secure attachment. It is a small metal clutch with two curved wings: squeeze the wings together and the clutch releases from the post. It is light, inexpensive and familiar, and it suits most lapels, caps and bags. It is also the back most often lost, because a knock can loosen it over time.
Rubber clutch
A rubber clutch is a soft cap that pushes onto the post. It grips well, has no sharp edges and is comfortable to handle, which makes it a good choice for pins that go on and off often, and for pins given to children.
Deluxe locking clutch
A locking clutch holds the post with a small locking mechanism rather than friction alone, and it stays on until you release it. It is the back to choose for pins that should never fall off: service and anniversary pins, rank pins, valuable trading pins and anything people would be upset to lose.
Magnetic back
A magnetic back leaves no hole in the garment, which matters on uniforms that cannot be pierced, on suits and on delicate fabric. It holds well on light to medium fabric but is less suited to thick coats. As a general caution, strong magnets are often not recommended for people with pacemakers or other implanted medical devices, so check before handing magnetic pins out widely.
Safety pin
A safety pin back is a hinged pin with a catch, for quick attachment. It is a secure back for larger or heavier pins, and it suits sashes, banners and lanyards as well as clothing.
Lapel pin backs compared
| Back | How it holds | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butterfly clutch | Metal clutch grips the post | Most lapels, caps and bags | Can loosen and be lost over time |
| Rubber clutch | Soft cap pushed onto the post | Pins worn on and off often, children | Less formal look on a suit |
| Deluxe locking clutch | Locks onto the post until released | Awards, rank pins, valuable pins | Takes a moment longer to remove |
| Magnetic back | Magnet on each side of the fabric | Uniforms that cannot be pierced, suits, delicate fabric | Thick fabric, medical devices |
| Safety pin | Hinged pin and catch | Larger or heavier pins, sashes and banners | Leaves a larger hole than a post |
How to choose a lapel pin back
Start from the person wearing the pin and the garment it goes on, not from the pin itself.
- Staff and uniform pins: a butterfly clutch for everyday wear, or a magnetic back where the uniform cannot be pierced.
- Service, rank and anniversary pins: a deluxe locking clutch, so a pin that marks years of service is not lost on the first day.
- Event and conference pins: a butterfly or rubber clutch, quick to put on a lanyard, a bag or a jacket.
- Trading pins: a rubber or locking clutch, because trading pins come off and go back on all day.
- Pins for children: a rubber clutch, soft and easy to handle.
- Suits and dress uniforms: a metal butterfly or locking clutch looks right against fine cloth, or a magnetic back if you would rather not make a hole at all.
- Large or heavy pins: a safety pin back, which spreads the weight across a longer pin.
Think about where the pin will be stored as well as worn. Pins kept on a lanyard or a hat all season need a back that will not work loose, while a pin that goes on a jacket once a year can use the standard clutch.
Size matters too. A larger pin on a single post can turn on the fabric. Many larger pins are made with two posts so they hang straight, so if your pin is large, mention it on your quote and the back is confirmed with you.
The back is a separate choice from the pin type
The construction of a pin and its back are decided separately. A hard enamel, soft enamel, die struck, photo etched, silkscreened or offset printed pin is chosen for how the front should look. The back is chosen for how it will be worn. Our guide to soft vs hard enamel pins covers the front, and the lapel pin types section shows every construction we run.
The same thinking applies to other pieces. Medals can hang from a drape ribbon on a pin bar, and smaller items such as badges take a pin back, clip or keyring depending on how they are worn. If your program includes medals as well as pins, see our guide to custom race medals.
Keeping pins on once they are worn
A few simple habits keep pins where they belong, whatever the back.
- Push the clutch fully down the post, so it sits flat against the fabric.
- Take pins off before a garment is washed or dry cleaned.
- Check the clutch now and then on pins worn every day.
- Store pins on a board, a cloth or in a case rather than loose in a drawer, where the posts can bend.
Request a quote for your lapel pins
Six answers give us an accurate quote: the size, the quantity, the colours, the attachment, your artwork and your in-hands date. Custom pin minimums are set per job, from 100 pieces, confirmed on your quote, and typical production runs about 3 to 4 weeks after you approve the proof. Request a quote and you will have a firm number within two or three business days, with a proof to approve before anything is made.
