Lapel pins are primarily for aesthetic purposes, therefore, the part of the pin that attaches to the clothing is designed to stay hidden from view, which is referred to as lapel pin backs or a butterfly clutch. The lapel pin needle is threaded through the clothing and a back is placed on the needle to keep the lapel pin in place. The back is not visible when worn, making the lapel pin more pleasing to the eye.
You may have noticed that lapel pins have many different kinds of backs. Some have a safety clasp, but you will see post backs, military clip backs, tie-tac backs, cufflinks, charms, necklaces, earrings, and even leather key-fobs. These are called “findings” in the trade. One of the more popular lapel pin backs is the military clip using the newer rubber back or plastic back. These lapel pin backs are very inexpensive, and stay on quite well.
The following are a just a few of the common lapel pin backings:
