Traditionally, lapel pins have been worn by individuals to showcase their interests, affiliations, or sense of style. This small embellishment can make a big difference in appearance, whether it’s for a special event, daily outfit, or uniform. A common concern among lapel pin wearers, however, is whether these accessories will leave permanent holes in their clothes.
This article will explore the factors that affect whether lapel pins leave holes, how to avoid damage, and how to care for garments after pin use.
Lapel pins are typically small pieces of metal or enamel that are attached to the front of jackets or blazers. They are usually attached by clasp mechanisms, sharp posts, or butterfly backs. A lapel pin serves as a decorative item as well as a symbol, commemorative token, or a symbol of support for a cause.
Do Lapel Pins Leave Holes?
In short, yes. Lapel pins can leave holes in fabrics, but this is more likely to happen with certain types of pins or if they are used incorrectly. The factors are as follows:
Type of Lapel Pin
Stick Pins: Due to their sharp posts, stick pins are most likely to cause fabric holes. As a result of the pin puncturing the material, a small hole or puncture mark is left. Although these punctures are typically minor and often not very noticeable, they are permanent.
Clutch Back Pins: To keep the pin in place, these pins have a metal post with a back fastener. The post is usually not as sharp as a stick pin, but it still leaves a hole in the fabric. The thickness of the fabric and the amount of force used to attach the pin will determine the size and visibility of the hole.
Magnetic Pins: Magnetic pins are the safest option when it comes to avoiding holes because they don’t penetrate the fabric. They work by using a magnet to hold the pin in place on both sides.
Fabric Type and Thickness
There is also a difference between the type of fabric on which you wear a lapel pin and the number of holes it will leave behind. Thicker fabrics, like wool, tweed, or heavy cotton, tend to resist pin damage and may leave only minor punctures. Lightweight fabrics like silk, chiffon, or thin wool are more likely to show visible snags or holes.
Frequency of Use
If lapel pins are repeatedly attached and removed from the same spot, they will wear and tear more quickly, resulting in a more visible or permanent hole.
How to Prevent Holes from Lapel Pins
To prevent holes from forming in your garments while wearing lapel pins, there are several strategies you can use.
1. Choose Pins with Gentle Fastening Systems
You can avoid holes altogether by selecting pins that have a gentle fastening mechanism, such as magnetic pins. They use a powerful magnet to keep the pin in place without any fabric penetration. If you wear the pin frequently or for delicate fabrics, such as silk or linen, they’re a great choice.
Choose a pin with a clasp or backing that spreads the pressure more evenly, reducing the risk of making a hole.
2. Use a Pin Cushion or Backing
If you use a backing piece or pin cushion inside your garment, the pin will be distributed over a larger area, reducing the possibility of the pin forming a hole. To prevent damage to delicate fabrics, some lapel pins come with a rubber or felt backing.
3. Avoid Excessive Pressure
The pin must not be pressed too hard against the fabric. Excessive pressure may result in punctures or distortions. Do not use the pin on fabrics that are overly delicate.
4. Limit Frequent Pinning
Do not switch or reposition your lapel pin frequently. The more pin punctures the fabric, the more permanent and noticeable the hole will become. To avoid unnecessary wear on your fabric, choose a place where the pin will stay put for a longer period of time, or limit how often you wear it.
How to Care for Garments with Lapel Pins
You can minimize or repair damage done by a lapel pin that has caused small holes or puncture marks in your fabric.
1. Repair Small Holes
In some cases, you can repair small puncture holes by gently sewing or darning them with a fine needle and thread in the same color as the fabric.
2. Clean Garments Properly
It is important to clean your garments according to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially after wearing a lapel pin, as lapel pins can leave behind marks on delicate fabrics. In many cases, dry cleaning is the best way to clean garments with pins because it preserves fabric integrity and minimizes permanent damage.
3. Regular Inspection
You can prevent further damage to lapel pins by regularly inspecting your garments for signs of wear.
Conclusion
When lapel pins are frequently worn or improperly, they can cause holes in certain fabrics, even though they are fashionable and meaningful. Magnet pins offer a hole-free alternative to stick pins and clutch-back pins, which may cause small punctures. It is best to wear lapel pins with gentler pin mechanisms, limit the amount of time they are worn, and maintain them properly. These steps will allow you to enjoy the charm of lapel pins while maintaining your clothing’s pristine appearance at the same time.
