How to Style Enamel Pins: From Pickles to Smileys
By Public School Paper Co. | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to style enamel pins on jackets, bags, and more. Tips for placing pins like the Purple Smiley, Bird Poop, and Pickles enamel pins.
Quick answer
Start by choosing a focal point for your pin, then layer smaller pins around it. Use a soft enamel pin like the Purple Smiley or Pickles to add personality without overwhelming your outfit.
Why enamel pins work on almost anything
Enamel pins are lightweight and attach securely with a rubber clutch, making them safe for denim, canvas, wool, and even thin cotton. The 1.25-inch average size means they fit on collars, lapels, backpack straps, and hat brims without looking bulky.
A single pin can act as a conversation starter, while a cluster creates a mini art gallery. The trick is balancing placement with the item's existing details.
Choosing between playful and subtle designs
Pins like the Purple Smiley Enamel Pin bring a cheerful pop of color, while the Bird Poop Enamel Pin adds a cheeky surprise. The Pickles pin is a food-themed option that appeals to pickle lovers. Match the pin's tone to your personal style or the occasion.
How to style your enamel pins in 4 steps
- Choose your anchor pin: Pick one pin as the focal point. A larger or more colorful pin like the Purple Smiley works well because it draws the eye. Place it at the center of your chosen area (lapel, pocket flap, or backpack strap). Avoid placing the anchor pin too close to a seam or button—it can get snagged.
- Add supporting pins around it: Arrange smaller pins like the Pickles or Bird Poop within 1–2 inches of the anchor. Keep a slight gap so each pin is visible. On a denim jacket, you can cluster three pins on the collar or scatter them along the front placket. Don't overcrowd—three to five pins is plenty for a balanced look.
- Secure the clutch properly: Push the pin through the fabric, then slide the rubber clutch onto the post until it clicks. For thicker fabrics like a wool coat, wiggle the pin slightly to make sure the post goes all the way through. If the clutch feels loose, add a small dab of clear nail polish to the post before attaching it.
- Check the pin's position in a mirror: Stand in front of a mirror and move around. Make sure the pins sit flat and don't pull the fabric. Adjust the angle so the design faces forward when you're standing naturally. Pins on a backpack strap can rotate during wear—rotate them back when you notice.
Featured pins
- Purple Smiley Enamel Pin: Soft enamel construction with a rubber clutch, 1.25-inch average width. The soft enamel gives a smooth, colorful surface that stands out on dark fabrics, and the rubber clutch keeps the pin secure even on a backpack that gets tossed around.
Purple Smiley Enamel Pin - Bird Poop Enamel Pin: Soft enamel with a rubber clutch, 1.25-inch average width. The humorous design works best as a solo accent on a jacket lapel or tote bag where people will notice the unexpected detail.
Bird Poop Enamel Pin - Enamel Pin: Pickles: Soft enamel with a rubber clutch, 1.25-inch average width. The pickle shape is narrow enough to fit on a hat brim or pencil case, and the green color pairs well with neutral or earth-tone outfits.
