The short answer: a lapel pin fastens to the jacket lapel, a tie pin pierces the tie and shirt to hold it in place, and a tie bar clips across the tie without piercing fabric. They look different and serve different purposes, so choose by how you dress.
The three are often confused, particularly because they can all be made in gold, platinum and diamonds. Here is how they differ.
Side by side
| Lapel pin | Tie pin | Tie bar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worn on | Jacket lapel | Tie and shirt front | Tie and shirt placket |
| Fastening | Pin and back | Pin through the tie | Clip |
| Purpose | Decoration | Decoration and holding | Holding the tie in place |
| Style | Small, individual | Classic, traditional | Modern, slim |
Lapel pin
A lapel pin is purely decorative and sits on the left lapel. It can be small and simple or more distinctive. Many jackets have a buttonhole on the left lapel, and a pin with a long stem can pass through it neatly. Where there is no buttonhole, the pin goes through the fabric just below the notch, where a small hole will not show.
Tie pin
A tie pin, sometimes called a tie tack or stick pin, passes through the tie. It has a long tradition and suits a classic look. It leaves a tiny hole in the tie fabric. A tie tack has a chain or a back that fixes to a shirt buttonhole, which holds the tie securely, while a stick pin is more decorative and sits higher on the tie.
Tie bar
A tie bar clips across the tie and the shirt placket, roughly between the third and fourth buttons. It does not pierce fabric and it keeps the tie tidy. A bar that is about three quarters of the width of the tie usually looks balanced.
Proportion matters
Each piece looks best when it suits the scale of your clothes. A slim tie suits a short, narrow bar, and a wide lapel can carry a slightly larger pin. A very large diamond pin can overwhelm a fine wool suit, while a small, well cut stone often looks more refined. We use sketches and renders so you can judge the size against your own jacket and tie before anything is made.
Choosing
- Choose a tie bar for a clean, modern business look.
- Choose a tie pin for a traditional style.
- Choose a lapel pin to add personality to a jacket.
Wearing more than one
You can wear a lapel pin and a tie bar together, but keep metals consistent and avoid too much detail. Match cufflinks for a polished finish.
Weddings and events
A groom or best man often wears one decorative piece to mark the day, and a lapel pin is the most popular choice because it shows in photographs. Matching tie bars for a wedding party can make a thoughtful gift. See diamond lapel pins for weddings.
When to skip them
With a tie worn under a waistcoat, a tie bar is unnecessary because the waistcoat holds the tie in place. For black tie there is no tie bar at all, and any lapel decoration should be very discreet. See black tie jewellery rules.
Bespoke
We can design any of the three to suit you, in gold or platinum, with or without diamonds. We talk through the metals and stones available when we plan the design. Nothing is made until you approve the design in writing, and our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. Pieces start from £600.
See how to wear a diamond lapel pin and platinum cufflinks.
Frequently asked questions
Does a tie pin damage the tie? It leaves a small hole.
Which is easiest to wear? A tie bar.
Can they match my cufflinks? Yes, we can design a set.
Can a lapel pin be engraved? Often on the back, depending on the design.
Can I order a set from overseas? Yes, by video consultation, with insured, tracked FedEx delivery.