Site Updated 2.23.12

Hat Pin Guide

When shopping for hat pins, picking the right hat pin can be overwelming, especially when you have many options to choose from. I have found there are three main factors to consider when selecting your hat pin; hat fabric weave, hat style, and how you plan to use your hat pin. You may use the chart below to help you determine which hat pin is best for you. ~ Joanmarie

Hat Pin Size/ Metal	3" Brass	6" Brass	8" Brass	5" Nickel Silver*	9 1/2" Nickel Silver*
Hat Fabric Weave**	Loose, Fine, Open	Loose, Fine, Open	Loose, Fine, Open	Tight, Thick, Closed	Tight, Thick, Closed
Hat Style	SMALL Beret, Fascinator, Pillbox, Cloche, Flapper, Cocktail, or any small brimmed/ brimless hat	MEDIUM Bretton, Cloche, Flapper, Church, Riding,Tea, or any medium-brimmed hat	LARGE Kentucky Derby, Victorian, Church, Red Hat Ladies, Wedding, or any wide-brim hat	MEDIUM Bretton, Cloche, Flapper, Church, Riding,Tea, or any medium-brimmed hat	LARGE Kentucky Derby, Victorian, Church, Red Hat Ladies, Wedding, or any wide-brim hat
Suggested Uses	Occasional functional use, fixed ornament, corsage, sweater, lapel, shawl pin, bridal/formal hair pins, collectors display	Occasional functional use, fixed ornament, bridal/formal hair pins, collectors display	Occasional functional use, fixed ornament, collectors display	Frequent functional use, fixed ornament, costume re-enactors, bridal/formal hair pins, collector's display	Frequent functional use, fixed ornament, costume re-enactors, collectors display

*Nickel Silver
Base metal alloy of nickel, copper and zinc. It is silver in color but does not contain sterling silver.
**Hat Fabric Weave
Fine Weave - fine, thin, soft, open, loosely woven knits, straws, organza.
Thick Weave - thick, heavy, stiff felts, and closely woven straws and wools.
Additional Notes ~
Hair length: If you have short hair, you will not be able to use hat pins for function, because there is no hair for hat pin to use as anchor. Your hat pin will be ornamental.