How to Style a Button Pin with Your Outfit
By Holly Bones Art & Design | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn simple, practical ways to wear an art button pin on your clothes, bags, or accessories for a unique everyday look.
Quick answer
Place your button pin on a jacket lapel, denim pocket, bag strap, or hat brim for an instant art accent. Use the pin-back backing for fabric and the magnet option for bags or metal surfaces.
Pin backing vs magnet: choose your surface
Each button from Holly Bones Art & Design comes with a choice: a pin-back backing or a magnet. The pin-back is ideal for fabrics like denim, cotton, and wool because the sharp post secures into the weave. The magnet works best on bags with metal frames, magnetic keychains, or any steel surface—no pinholes needed.
If you plan to switch the button between a jacket and a tote bag, consider buying the same design with both backings so you always have the right option ready.
Avoid overloading one area
A single 40x60mm button makes a strong visual statement. Grouping more than three in one spot can look cluttered unless you are deliberately creating a curated cluster. For a clean look, space them at least 2 inches apart or place them on different parts of the outfit.
How to style your button pin
- Choose the right backing for your surface: Select the pin-back option for denim jackets, canvas totes, wool coats, or any woven fabric. Select the magnet option for metal surfaces like a refrigerator, locker, or magnetic bag strap. Common mistake: using a pin-back on a thin silk or knit fabric can leave visible holes. Stick to sturdier fabrics or use the magnet instead.
- Place it at eye level or on a focal point: Attach the button near the chest pocket of a jacket, on the top flap of a shoulder bag, or on the front center of a beanie. This draws attention naturally without competing with other accessories. Checkpoint: step back and look in a mirror. If the button is hidden behind a collar or strap, move it higher or to a more visible spot.
- Secure it so it stays put: For pin-back buttons, push the post all the way through the fabric and lock the metal clasp firmly. For magnets, ensure the surface is clean and dry so the magnet holds flat. Common mistake: leaving the clasp partially open can cause the button to fall off. Always test by gently tugging after fastening.
- Coordinate colors without clashing: Treat the button art as an accent color. If your outfit has a neutral base (black, white, denim), any artwork will pop. For patterned clothing, pick a button that shares at least one color already in your outfit. Checkpoint: hold the button against the fabric before fastening. If the artwork disappears into a busy pattern, move it to a solid-color part of the garment.
- Switch placements to refresh your look: Move the same button from your jacket to your bag or hat for a different feel without buying new accessories. The magnet backing makes swapping between metal surfaces especially fast. Empty
Featured products
- "9 Lives No. 3" Magnet or Button: Measures approximately 40x60mm and is available as a pin-back button or magnet. The size is large enough to show the artwork clearly but compact enough to fit on a lapel, bag flap, or hat without feeling bulky.
"9 Lives No. 3" Magnet or Button - "Ember No. 2" Magnet or Button: Features “Ember No. 2” artwork and is hand-pressed in the studio. The original hand-pressed finish gives each piece a slightly unique texture that stands out against smooth fabric or metal surfaces.
"Ember No. 2" Magnet or Button
