How To Wear Medals On A Blazer (step-by-step Guide)
So, you’ve got some shiny baubles. Medals! They’re not just for dusty display cases anymore. We’re talking about rocking those medals. On your blazer. Yeah, you heard me. It’s a thing. And it’s way cooler than you think.
Forget stuffy ceremonies. This is about flair. About personality. About making your blazer tell a story. And guess what? You’ve got some epic stories to tell.
Why is this even a thing? Because medals are awesome. They’re proof of awesome. Proof of effort. Proof of showing up. And who doesn’t want to show off a little bit of that? Especially when it looks this good.
Think of your blazer as a canvas. Your medals are the vibrant paint. The pop of color. The unexpected sparkle. It’s like adding a superhero cape to your everyday wear. But, you know, more sophisticated. And probably less spandex.
Plus, let’s be honest. It’s a fantastic conversation starter. You walk into a room wearing your medals. People notice. They’re intrigued. They want to know. And then, BAM! You unleash the tale of your triumphs. Mic drop.
So, ready to level up your sartorial game? Let’s get down to business. It’s easier than you think. And honestly, pretty darn satisfying.
Getting Started: The Foundation
First things first. You need the right canvas. That’s your blazer. It doesn’t have to be a tuxedo jacket. A sharp sport coat. A smart blazer. Even a well-fitting suit jacket can work. Just something that looks good on you.
Think about the color. Darker colors tend to make medals pop. Navy. Black. Charcoal grey. They’re like the night sky for your stars. But a lighter blazer can be super chic too. It’s all about the vibe you’re going for.
And the material? Wool is classic. But tweed can add a rugged charm. Even a nice linen blend for warmer weather. The key is that it’s structured enough to hold your medals without looking droopy.
Now, what kind of medals are we talking about? These aren't just any old participation trophies. We're talking about the good stuff. The achievements. The moments you earned something. Military medals. Academic awards. Sports trophies. You name it. If it’s got a ribbon and a story, it’s fair game.
And let’s talk about the condition. Are your medals looking a bit… tired? A gentle clean can work wonders. A soft cloth. Maybe a little bit of specialized cleaner for metals. Just don’t go scrubbing them like you’re cleaning a cast iron pan. We want shine, not scratches.
Oh, and a funny little factoid for you: the history of medals goes way, way back. Like, ancient Rome back. They were used to honor soldiers and citizens for bravery and service. So, you’re basically channeling centuries of awesome.
The Art of Arrangement: Where to Put What
This is where the magic happens. The placement. It’s not just slapping them on willy-nilly. There’s a method to the madness. A touch of artistry.
Most commonly, medals are worn on the left breast. Why the left? Well, traditionally, the left side of the body is considered more prominent. It’s closer to the heart. And, let’s face it, it’s the side everyone sees when they shake your hand.
Think in terms of a cluster. Like a little medal bouquet. You don’t want them scattered like confetti. A neat grouping looks intentional. Polished. Like you know what you’re doing. (Which, of course, you do.)
Start with the most important or largest medal. This is your anchor. Your showstopper. Place it a little higher up, near the lapel. Then, build around it. Layering is your friend. Overlapping slightly can create a nice visual flow.
Consider the size and shape. Are some of your medals wider? Some longer? Play around with the arrangement. Imagine a mini-pyramid. Or a subtle crescent moon. It’s your personal exhibition!
Quirky fact: in formal military settings, there are very specific rules about medal placement, order, and even the type of ribbon. We’re going for a more relaxed, personal vibe here, but knowing the origins adds a fun layer of depth.
If you have a lot of medals, you might need to be strategic. You can’t just pile them on. Choose your favorites. Or the ones that tell the most compelling story. Quality over quantity, people!
And what about other accessories? Pockets are a no-go for medals. They’ll just get lost. And don’t let them obscure buttons or important details of your blazer. It’s a partnership, remember?
The Nitty-Gritty: How to Attach Them
Okay, so you’ve got your masterpiece planned. Now, how do you actually get those beauties to stay put?
There are a few ways to go about this. The most common and secure method is using a pin bar or a clasp. Many medals come with these attached. If yours don’t, you can easily find them at craft stores or specialty ribbon/medal shops.
You’ll want to attach the pin bar securely to the back of your medals. You can usually do this by threading the ribbon through the bar or by using a strong fabric glue. Make sure it’s a good, solid connection. We don’t want any last-minute medal escapes.
Once your pin bar is attached, you’ll simply pin it onto your blazer. Be mindful of where you’re pinning. You don’t want to make huge, gaping holes in your precious blazer fabric. Gently push the pin through the fabric.
For extra security, especially if you’re going to be moving around a lot, you can use a small piece of double-sided fabric tape on the back of the pin bar. This adds a little extra stickiness without damaging the blazer.
Another option, for less formal occasions or if your medals are lighter, is to use safety pins. Attach them to the back of the medal’s ribbon, then discreetly pin them to the blazer. This is more of a quick-and-dirty solution, but it works in a pinch.
A more permanent, but also more involved, option is to have your medals sewn directly onto a piece of fabric that is then attached to the blazer. This is usually done for very formal occasions and requires some sewing skills. For our purposes, let’s stick to the pin bar and tape!
Pro tip: When pinning, aim for the thicker parts of the blazer fabric, like seams or thicker weaves. This will help prevent stretching or tearing. And always, always test the security before you head out the door.
Think about it: these medals have seen action. They’ve earned their place. And now they’re going to see the world again, in style. It’s like giving them a second life. A glamorous encore.
The Finishing Touches: Confidence is Key
You’ve got your medals. You’ve arranged them. You’ve attached them. Now what?
Now, you own it. Seriously. The most important accessory to wearing medals on your blazer is confidence.
Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Chin up. You’ve earned those shiny things. You have a story. And you’re about to share it, one stylish step at a time.
Don’t be shy. If someone asks about your medals, smile. Share a snippet. You don’t need to give a TED Talk, but a little bit of your journey makes the medals even more special.
Consider the event. Is it a casual gathering? A more formal affair? Your medal placement might vary slightly. For a really casual look, you might go with a smaller, more personal medal. For a formal event, a more prominent display might be in order.
And remember, this is about fun. It’s about expressing yourself. It’s about adding a touch of unexpected glamour to your wardrobe. So, experiment. Play around. See what feels right for you.
Maybe you’ll start with one or two. Then, as you get bolder, you’ll add more. It’s a journey. A very stylish, medal-adorned journey.
So, go forth! Rock those blazers. Tell those stories. And wear your achievements with pride. You’ve earned it. And you look darn good doing it.