How to wear a brooch
Wondering how to wear a brooch without it looking old fashioned? The short answer is to pin it where you want people to look, usually on the left side of a coat or jacket just below the collarbone, and then to experiment. A brooch can sit on a lapel, a collar, a scarf, a hat band or a bag strap, and a small group of brooches pinned together can look more modern than a single one.
This guide walks through where to pin a brooch on each kind of garment, how to stop the pin damaging your clothes, how to wear several at once and how to choose a brooch as a gift. Along the way you will find floral, animal and sparkly brooches from our shop, and every product shown is a real one with its current price.
Brooches are one of the most versatile pieces of jewellery you can own. They do not need to be sized, they suit every age and they can change the look of a plain coat in seconds, so it is well worth knowing how to make the most of them.
Where to pin a brooch on a coat, blazer or dress
On a coat or blazer, the classic spot is the left lapel, roughly level with the top of your armpit. Pin it on the flat part of the lapel rather than right on the fold, and angle a long brooch so it follows the line of the lapel. On a coat without lapels, try the collar point or just below the shoulder seam.
On a dress or blouse, a brooch looks lovely at the neckline. You can pin one at the collar of a shirt buttoned to the top, in place of a necklace, or on one side of a plain round neckline. A brooch at the waist can also cinch a loose dress or hold a wrap top in place.
On a jumper or cardigan, place the brooch a little higher than you would on a coat, near the shoulder or the neckline, so it is not lost in the folds of the knit. Chunky knits suit larger brooches, while fine knits are better with something small and light.
Floral brooches for everyday wear
Floral brooches are the easiest place to start if you are new to wearing a brooch, because they suit almost every outfit and every season. A daisy, rose, tulip or lilac brooch looks fresh on a spring jacket and adds warmth to a dark winter coat.
Try a small flower on a shirt collar or a larger bloom on a coat lapel. Several small daisies pinned together also make a pretty cluster, as if you were wearing a little posy.
Floral designs also make some of the safest gifts, because most people have a favourite flower. If you know theirs, choose it, and if not, a daisy is cheerful and suits everyone.
Wearing a brooch on a scarf, hat or bag
A brooch is a practical way to fasten a scarf. Wrap the scarf loosely around your neck, cross the ends and pin them together with the brooch, which keeps everything in place and adds a focal point. On a long scarf worn open, a brooch near the shoulder holds it steady on windy days.
On a hat, pin a brooch to the band or the side of the brim, where it catches the eye without weighing the hat down. A felt hat or a beret works particularly well. On a bag, a brooch can liven up a canvas tote, a backpack strap or the flap of a plain handbag, and it is a good way to wear a playful design if you prefer to keep your clothes simple.
Animal brooches with personality
Animal brooches are the ones people tend to notice and ask about. A fox or owl looks at home on a tweed jacket, a bee or butterfly brightens a cardigan, and a bird pinned to a scarf has a playful charm. They are a good way to show off a favourite animal without wearing it head to toe.
Because animal designs are so personal, they also make thoughtful gifts. Our animal brooches guide covers birds, woodland creatures, farm animals and wild animals in more detail, if you would like to see the full range.
- Coloured enamel butterfly brooch £8.99
- Owl brooch badge £7.99
- Enamel fox brooch £7.99
- Natural stone large bee brooch £8.99
- Hedgehog brooch £6.99
- Puffin brooch pin badge £6.49
- Bullfinch colourful bird brooch £6.49
- Bee brooch gift £6.99
Protecting fabric and clustering brooches
To stop a brooch damaging your clothes, pin it through a thicker part of the fabric, such as a seam, a lapel or a double layer, and avoid fine silks and loose open knits where the pin can snag. Push the pin through gently rather than forcing it, and make sure the clasp is fully closed. A heavier brooch is best on a coat or a thick wool, where the fabric will not sag under the weight.
Always take brooches off before washing or dry cleaning, and store them flat in a box or pouch so the pins do not bend or scratch other jewellery.
Clustering several brooches together is a fun, modern way to wear them. Choose a theme, such as flowers, birds or a single colour, and group three or more close together on a lapel or the shoulder of a jacket. Mix sizes for interest, with one larger piece as the anchor and smaller ones around it, and step back to check the group looks balanced.
Sparkly and festive brooches
For evenings, parties and Christmas, a little sparkle goes a long way. Crystal and zircon brooches catch the light on a velvet jacket or a little black dress, and festive designs such as a snowman or a Christmas message add fun to a winter coat or a Christmas jumper.
A sparkly brooch is also an easy way to dress up a work outfit for an office party, because it takes seconds to pin on. For more seasonal ideas, see our Christmas brooches guide.
Choosing a brooch as a gift
A brooch is a lovely gift because it never needs sizing and it suits every age. Think about the coats and jackets they wear most and the things they love, such as a favourite flower, animal or hobby, then choose a design that fits.
If they have never worn a brooch, start with something small and simple, and pass on a few of the tips above. We offer free UK delivery on orders of £30 or more, so a brooch and a card can be sent together.
FAQs
Which side should you wear a brooch on?
Traditionally a brooch is worn on the left, just below the collarbone. There is no strict rule, so wear it wherever it looks best with your outfit.
How do you wear a brooch without damaging clothes?
Pin through a seam, a lapel or a double layer of fabric, avoid delicate silks and loose knits, and remove the brooch before washing.
Can you wear a brooch on a jumper?
Yes. Pin it a little higher than on a coat, near the shoulder or neckline, and choose a lighter brooch for fine knits.
How do you wear several brooches together?
Pick a theme or colour, group three or more close together and mix sizes, with one larger brooch as the centre of the cluster.
Is a brooch a good gift?
Yes. It suits any age, needs no sizing and can reflect a favourite flower, animal or interest.