How to Pin on a Boutonniere (Step by Step)

It is the morning of the wedding and the groom and groomsmen are all looking dashing and ready for a beautiful day ahead. However, there’s just one tiny detail left. Pinning the boutonniere. It’s a small accessory but most definitely the focal point of your get up. 

Pinning a boutonniere properly can be confusing if you haven’t done so before. Given that it’s the focus point of your suit or jacket, not having one pinned on correctly can be a big bummer. Furthermore, making sure that it stays in one place is also key because the last thing you want is your boutonniere falling out of place. 

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide on how to pin a boutonniere, then look no further. This article will give you a simple guide on how to pin a boutonniere on a suit, jacket, or shirt. By the end of this, you’ll be a boutonniere pinning specialist!

What is a Boutonniere?

Before moving onto how to pin one on, its important to know what a boutonniere is and what its history is. By definition, a boutonniere is a small floral decoration, usually worn on the lapel of a suit or jacket. It is used to signify formality and elegance. 

Boutonniere’s date back to ancient times when they would be worn by soldiers going into battle. This was because it was believed that flowers would bring them good luck and protection. They ended up becoming a fashion staple in the early 19th century and are still present till today. 

Boutonnieres have a timeless class to them because of their elegance, simplicity and symbolism. They’re particularly popular at weddings, proms or other formal events.

Where does the Boutonniere Go?

The boutonniere is traditionally pinned to the left lapel of a suit or jacket above the heart. The stem is tucked into the buttonhole, if present, and the pin secures it to the fabric. For those without a buttonhole, the pin directly holds the flower in place.

The placement on the left side is for both practical and symbolic reasons. Historically, knights wore flowers on the left side for luck. The tradition continues as a way to represent honor and sophistication, with the left side also chosen because of its closeness to the heart. 

How to Pin a Boutonniere on a Suit (Step-by-Step)

Now that we’ve covered the significance and history or boutonnieres, lets go over a step by step guide on how to pin one on a suit. 

You’ll need the following materials:

• A Boutonniere, preferably with a small flower and a stem 
• Pins, either floral pins or small straight pins, will work 
• Double-sided tape (optional)

Once you have these ready, follow the steps below to pin your boutonniere to a suit. 

Step 1: Hold the Boutonniere

The first step is to hold the boutonniere by making sure that the flower is facing outwards and the stem is facing downwards. 

Step 2: Position the Boutonniere

Next, place it on the left lapel and align it with the breast pocket if there is one. 

Step 3: Insert the Pin 

From behind the lapel, insert the pin through the fabric, just under the boutonniere stem, angling it upwards and slightly sideways. Bring the pin back through the fabric to create a loop around the stem, securing it without making the pin visible.

Step 4: Check the stability

Gently shake the suit or jacket to ensure the boutonniere is secure.

Tips for a Secure Pinning:

• For heavier flowers, use two pins to ensure stability, crossing them in an “X” pattern behind the stem.
• If the suit material is thick, double-check that the pins don’t cause bulging. For a more polished look, consider using floral tape to wrap the base of the stem for extra security.

How to Pin a Boutonniere on a Jacket

Moving onto jackets, there are a few differences between them and suits.

Casual jackets or blazers may not have a defined lapel or a buttonhole, so the approach will vary. Fabrics like linen or cotton are more delicate and require extra care when pinning.

It follows the same steps as for a suit. Just make sure to take into account the following tips when pinning a boutonniere onto a jacket. 

• Use smaller pins: For thinner materials, opt for smaller pins to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Avoid bunching: Pinning too tightly can cause lightweight fabrics to bunch up. Pin loosely enough that the fabric stays flat, but the boutonniere remains secure.
• Double-check fit: Make sure the jacket doesn’t pull or sag due to the weight of the boutonniere.

How to Pin a Boutonniere on a Shirt

Unlike suits and jackets, shirts require a careful pinning due to a lack of lapel as well as to avoid tearing the cloth. When pinning a boutonniere on a shirt, following the instructions given below. 

Step 1: Position the boutonniere

Place the boutonniere on the upper left side of the shirt, close to the shoulder but still near the chest.

Step 2: Insert the pin

Push the pin through the shirt fabric and the stem of the boutonniere. Be careful not to push too hard to avoid creating noticeable holes or wrinkles.

Step 3: Check the alignment

Make sure the boutonniere is centered and that the flower is facing outward. Ensure that the pin is discreet and not visible from the front.

To avoid any damage to the shirt, be sure to do the following:

• Use sharp, thin pins to minimize fabric damage.
• Consider using a safety pin inside the shirt to help bear the weight and avoid fabric tears.
• Some people may prefer to avoid pinning on expensive or delicate shirts altogether, as it can leave holes or marks.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When pinning your boutonniere, be sure to avoid the following common mistakes. 

Pinning Too Tightly or Loosely:

Pinning too tightly may cause the fabric to bunch or pucker, ruining the clean lines of the suit or shirt.

• Pinning too loosely risks the boutonniere falling off or dangling awkwardly. Ensure the pin is snug but doesn’t distort the fabric.

Incorrect Placement:

• A common mistake is pinning a boutonniere on the right side. Always double-check to place it on the left, symbolizing closeness to the heart.

Visible Pins:

• The pin should never be visible from the front. If the pin shows, carefully adjust it from behind or reposition the boutonniere to hide the pin behind the flower or fabric.

Pinned Up and Ready to Go

If you’ve reached till this far then you’re now a boutonniere pinning expert. Wethers it’s shirts, jackets or suits, you can pin one on all of them. 

Now that you’ve got a ready to go boutonniere pinned up, its time to get some great pictures with it. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer then contact P. Taufiq Photography to capture your finest moments!