Enamel Pins Size Chart | Comparison and Go-to Comprehensive Guide

How well do you know your Enamel pins? Well, if you have not noticed, the “use-population” of these decorative metallic pins has started to increase. Their difference in colour, style, and size have made them so popular amongst people of all ages.

One important aspect of getting these kinds of pins is choosing the right pin size. But how are you going to achieve that? The enamel pin's size has a huge effect on its visual appeal, wearability, and then the overall aesthetic. In this article, we will look at the complexities of enamel pin sizing and how to choose the right size for your creative vision.

 Photo from Style motivation

Things to Look Out For When Choosing Enamel Pins Size

When choosing the right enamel pins size, there are some things that you should also take into consideration. Though selecting the proper size might be considered, you know, daunting, these factors are sure to reduce that headache when making the decision.

Intended Use

Know the ‘where’ and the ‘how.’ It would be best if you thought about where and how the pin will be worn or displayed. Ok, let's say that you intend for the pin to be worn on a lapel; then a smaller size would be ideal. Or, if the pin is intended to be worn on a bag or hat, a larger size might be more noticeable.

Design Complexity

Another factor to look out for is the enamel pin design complexity. This factor can be used in determining the right size for you. As a rule of thumb, simple designs work best with smaller pins, while complex designs will need larger pins to show off all the details easily.

Cost

Now, we have cost. This, of course, could be easily picked up on, meaning your budget can also influence the lapel pin size. While larger pins are generally more expensive, they offer more space for detail and customization. However, if cost is a major concern, smaller pins might be a more viable option.

Photo by Cristina Hernández on Unsplash

Enamel Pin Size Chart Comparison

Now that you’ve got a good idea of things to look out for when choosing enamel pin sizes, now, let's look at how sizing affects your pin’s practical design. The sizes of these pins usually vary from half an inch to three inches. However, the most popular standard sizes range from 0.75 inches to 1.5 inches. Having one or two knowledge about these size ranges will help you pick the right size for your custom pins design.

Small Pins (0.75″ and Below)

When you think of small pins, think of simple designs. Due to the lapel pin sizes, complex details might be difficult to see, making them best suited for straightforward, minimalist designs.

Standard Pins (0.75″ to 1″)

This is about the size of a penny to a quarter. This size range is commonly viewed as the ideal enamel pin size. Pins in this range are usually easy to spot without being too extravagant. These can be used in a lot of designs, from basic to somewhat complex.

Large Pins (1.5″ and Above)

Large pins are perfect for showcasing complicated designs and details. They provide more space for elaborate artwork and additional customizations. Ok, here is the catch: their size also makes them less subtle when worn, so it’s essential to consider the intended use of the pin. These are mainly used for film or sports-related designs or pop culture references.

Now, when I state “... and above,” this simply means that you should consider the intent of the pin you want. For instance, when the enamel pin manufacturer asks you the size, and you then tell him ‘5 inches’ because you prefer larger enamel pins, he will ask you to confirm once again to be sure as very few people ever wear 5-inch enamel pins on their sweater or suit, especially if you are getting one with a company logo or country flag.

 Lapel pin size Photo on  Metro Pins

 Enamel pin size comparison chart Photo from Vivipins

This enamel pin size comparison chart gives you a pretty good idea of how big or small you intend your pins to be.

How to Measure Enamel Pins

Now, after you have chosen the right size, you should also know how to measure it correctly. As you already know, enamel pins come in different shapes; some can be rectangular, circular, diamond, or even square. However, you may find some oddly shaped enamel pins, or you can tell the manufacturer to make a custom enamel pin with such a construction.

When it comes to enamel pins, you always take the measurement of the longest dimension, which can be the width or length. Let's assume you have a rectangular pin measuring 1 inch by 1.5 inches; you would communicate its size as 1.5 inches to the manufacturer. The manufacturer will set the longer dimension proportionally and according to the design. If you tell them the shorter dimension, you will get a much smaller pin than expected.

Here's a step-by-step go-to guide to measuring your enamel pin size:

• Place a ruler on a flat surface.
• Lay your enamel pin on the ruler.
• Take the measurement of the distance between the two furthest points of your enamel pin.

It’s important to note that the smaller measurement (either the height or width, depending on your design) does not directly influence the size designation or the cost of your pin.

How Can I Make Home-Made Enamel Pins?

Ok, I am going to be straightforward here: NO. You cannot make yourself enamel pins at home. This is because you will need a lot of special equipment and casting molten metal, which of course is dangerous to handle all by yourself, and should be left for the professionals and skilled personnel.

However, there are some companies that will design your pin idea for free, and then manufacture them in bulk [not individual pins] on your behalf. You can find such companies online. Some Etsy artists create individual pins that you design, though for a hefty price.

Conclusion

There are no right or wrong sizes when it comes to putting on enamel pins, but you should know that some are just ideal for specific occasions. If you’re still not sure of the right size to go with your design, just let us know; we are willing to help you on your enamel pin journey. We offer our expertise to find the golden size for you, whether you want a trading pin, a hat pin, or an award pin.

References

https://myenamelpins.com/blogs/news/enamel-pins-size#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20looking%20for,to%201.25%E2%80%9D%20size%20enamel%20pins

https://allaboutpins.com/blog/custom-pins-101-sizing-custom-pins

https://www.custompinsnow.com/post/what-are-enamel-pins-used-for#:~:text=An%20enamel%20pin%20is%20a,also%20occasionally%20called%20lapel%20pins.

https://blythepin.com/navigating-the-art-of-enamel-pin-sizes-a-comprehensive-guide/