Brooches for Men Are Having a Moment — and Here's How to Wear One

Somewhere between Usher pinning an enormous crystal phoenix to his jacket at the Super Bowl halftime show and John Krasinski walking the Oscars red carpet with a purple gemstone brooch on his white tuxedo, something shifted. Men started wearing brooches. Not hidden little lapel pins you'd need a magnifying glass to notice — actual, intentional, look-at-this-piece-of-jewelry brooches. And they looked incredible doing it.

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This isn't new, of course. Men wore brooches for centuries before fashion decided they were "women's jewelry." Kings, military officers, Celtic warriors — brooches were a symbol of power, status, and identity long before they ended up in your grandmother's jewelry box. What's happening now is a return to that original energy. A brooch on a man's lapel says something. It says he pays attention to details. It says he's confident enough to wear something unexpected. It says he understands that the difference between a good suit and an unforgettable suit is often one small, deliberate choice.

The Celebrity Brooch Effect: Why Men on the Red Carpet Changed Everything

The men's brooch trend didn't start quietly. It started with some of the most photographed men in the world making deliberate, impossible-to-miss choices on the biggest red carpets.

Usher wore a D&G phoenix brooch to the Super Bowl halftime show — a massive crystal-and-ruby piece pinned to a slouchy white jacket. It was watched by over 30 million households. The brooch was estimated at $100,000, but the real impact was the message: a brooch isn't a dainty accessory. It's a power move. The phoenix symbolized rebirth and transformation, and Usher wore it the way a king wears a crown — casually, confidently, like it was always supposed to be there.

John Krasinski showed up to the Oscars in an all-white tuxedo with a breathtaking purple gemstone brooch surrounded by diamonds. Against that white suit, the brooch became the entire focal point — proof that one perfectly chosen accessory can anchor a look more effectively than any tie or pocket square ever could.

John Legend wore a custom diamond-and-sapphire Galaxy pin to the Oscars Vanity Fair party, pinned to a classic black tuxedo. His stylist described their approach as "classic and traditional" with the brooch adding the one unexpected detail that makes people look twice.

And Rami Malek has made the lapel pin a signature part of his red carpet style, from a sleek Cartier pin at the Golden Globes to a custom brooch at the BAFTAs. His approach is more minimalist — proof that a men's brooch doesn't have to be oversized to make a statement.

These aren't isolated moments. Harry Styles, Timothée Chalamet, Cillian Murphy, Michael B. Jordan, Colman Domingo, Barry Keoghan — the list of men and women wearing brooches on the red carpet keeps growing. And what starts on the red carpet always filters into real life.

The Entry Point: A Subtle Lapel Pin

If you're buying a brooch for a man who's never worn one, start small. A subtle pin that reads as intentional but not intimidating is the gateway to everything else.

SHOP Vintage-Style Airplane Enamel Brooch — $34

The Vintage-Style Airplane Enamel Brooch ($34) is the perfect entry point. It's small enough to sit naturally on a lapel without overwhelming a suit, and the vintage airplane design has an old-school cool factor that appeals to men who might not think of themselves as "brooch guys." The red-and-white enamel work gives it personality without being flashy. This is the pin you give to a groomsman, a dad, a brother, or a boyfriend who appreciates subtle details. At $34, it's also the kind of gift that feels thoughtful without being over the top — tuck it into a birthday card or pair it with a bottle of good whiskey.

How to wear it: Left lapel of a navy or charcoal suit jacket. Done. That's it. The simplicity is the whole point.

The Stepping Stone: A Brooch with Presence

SHOP Cognac Crystal Starburst Brooch — $88

The Cognac Crystal Starburst Brooch ($88) is for the man who's ready to be noticed. The warm cognac-toned crystals catch light without screaming for attention — it's sparkle with restraint, which is exactly what most men want from jewelry. The starburst shape is geometric and bold without being fussy, and the warm gold tones work beautifully against navy, charcoal, black, or even a burgundy velvet blazer. This is the John Legend approach — a classic suit elevated by one unexpectedly brilliant detail. Pin it to the left lapel and let it do the work.

Best for: Weddings (father of the bride, groom, best man), holiday parties, anniversary dinners, and any black-tie event where you want to stand out without trying hard.

Animal Brooches: Power Symbols That Men Actually Love

Here's what makes animal brooches work for men — they've been masculine symbols for thousands of years. Lions represent courage. Serpents represent wisdom. Leopards represent power. Crocodiles represent tenacity. Pinning one of these to a lapel isn't decorative. It's a statement about identity. And men respond to that.

SHOP Gold Leopard Cheetah Rhinestone Brooch — $98

The Gold Leopard Cheetah Rhinestone Brooch ($98) is the brooch for the man who walks into a room and owns it. The prowling leopard design is undeniably masculine — rhinestone details add dimension without making it feel costume-y, and the green crystal eyes give it a predatory intensity that reads as powerful rather than pretty. Pin this on a black blazer and it becomes the only thing anyone notices. It's the kind of piece that gets compliments from men and women alike, which is the mark of a great animal brooch.

SHOP Silver Serpent Brooch with Malachite Drop — $98

The Silver Serpent Brooch with Malachite Drop ($98) is for the man with darker taste. Silver metal and a deep green malachite stone give this piece a moody, gothic romance energy that works incredibly well against dark suits, black turtlenecks, and velvet blazers. Serpent jewelry has a long history in men's fashion — from ancient Roman senators to Victorian-era gentlemen to today's red carpet. This particular piece doubles as a pendant, which means he can wear it pinned to a lapel or on a chain around his neck. Two looks, one piece.

SHOP Gold Filigree Lion Brooch with Multicolor Crystals — $128

The Gold Filigree Lion Brooch ($128) is the piece for the man who doesn't do subtle. A lion's head in intricate gold filigree work with multicolor crystals — this is regal, commanding, and impossible to ignore. It's the brooch equivalent of wearing a crown. The filigree detailing gives it an antique, Old World quality that prevents it from looking flashy or new-money. This is the brooch for a groom on his wedding day, a milestone birthday, or any occasion where he wants to feel like royalty. Pair it with a well-cut dark suit and he'll look like he just walked off a Dolce & Gabbana campaign.

The Oversized Statement: For the Man Who Goes Big

SHOP Gold Crystal Crocodile Alligator Brooch — $158

This is the Usher move. The Gold Crystal Crocodile Alligator Brooch ($158) is oversized, crystal-covered, and completely unapologetic. It's a full crocodile rendered in gold with crystal detailing that catches every light source in the room. This isn't a pin you wear to blend in — this is a pin you wear when you want to be the most memorable person at the event. Like Usher's phoenix, the power of this brooch comes from the confidence it takes to wear it. Pin it slightly tilted on a blazer the way Usher did — casual, not centered, like it just happened to land there — and the whole effect shifts from "costume" to "incredibly cool." This piece also works as a pendant, which gives it versatility beyond the lapel.

Pro tip: Oversized brooches work best on jackets with minimal structure. A slouchy linen blazer, an unstructured sport coat, or a relaxed suit jacket all give a big brooch room to breathe. Pinning it to a stiff, heavily padded lapel makes it look stuck on rather than styled.

The Heritage Angle: Medieval and Peacock

SHOP Medieval Knight Brooch — $118

The Medieval Knight Brooch ($118) connects directly to the original history of men and brooches. Knights, warriors, and noblemen wore brooches as symbols of allegiance, rank, and identity — this piece taps into that energy with a design that feels like it belongs in a museum but looks incredible on a modern lapel. It's the conversation piece for the history buff, the fantasy fan, the man who reads about swords and strategy. Pin it on a tweed blazer and he looks like a professor with impeccable taste. Pin it on a black suit and he looks like someone you should probably know.

SHOP Crystal Peacock Feather Brooch — $118

The Crystal Peacock Feather Brooch ($118) is for the man who leans into beauty without apology. The peacock has been a symbol of pride and confidence across cultures for centuries, and this crystal-detailed feather brooch brings that energy to any outfit. The elongated shape makes it a natural fit for a lapel — it follows the line of the jacket rather than sitting as a separate element. The blues, greens, and golds in the crystals work with almost any suit color. This is the brooch for creative professionals, artists, musicians, and anyone whose style vocabulary extends beyond "safe."

How to Actually Wear a Brooch as a Man

The rules are simpler than you think:

Placement: Left lapel, always. This is tradition and it works. Pin it about halfway between the lapel notch and the button — not too high, not too low. If the jacket has a buttonhole on the lapel, pin the brooch just above or below it, never through it.

One is enough. Unless you're Colman Domingo at the Golden Globes (who wore multiple Boucheron ivy brooches and looked extraordinary), one brooch per outfit is the move for most men. Let it be the singular detail that elevates everything else.

Match the metal to what you're already wearing. Gold brooch with a gold watch. Silver brooch with silver cufflinks. This creates a cohesive look that reads as intentional rather than random. For more on mixing metals, we've got a guide.

The suit matters. Brooches look best on structured jackets with a defined lapel. Blazers, sport coats, tuxedos — all great. A brooch on a puffy jacket or a hoodie is a different conversation entirely (and honestly, maybe save that for year two of your brooch journey).

Confidence is the accessory. Every single celebrity who's made a brooch moment on the red carpet has one thing in common: they wore it like it was the most natural thing in the world. No fidgeting, no explaining. A brooch is not a conversation that needs context — it is the context.

Brooches as Gifts for Men: The Guide

Men's brooches are one of the best gifts you can give because most men would never buy one for themselves — but once they wear one, they're hooked. Here's how to shop by recipient:

For the Groom: The Gold Filigree Lion Brooch ($128) or the Cognac Crystal Starburst ($88). Something bold enough to photograph beautifully but refined enough for a wedding. Both pin perfectly to a tuxedo lapel.

For the Groomsmen: The Vintage-Style Airplane Brooch ($34) is the ideal groomsmen gift — affordable enough to buy multiples, interesting enough that they'll actually wear it again, and small enough to tuck into a gift bag. Buy five or six, include a note that says "pin it to your lapel," and you've just given the best groomsmen gift anyone at that wedding will receive.

For Dad (Father's Day, Birthday, Retirement): The Gold Leopard Brooch ($98) or the Serpent with Malachite Drop ($98). Both are substantial enough to feel like a real gift and interesting enough to become his signature piece. For more ideas, see our gift guide for people who have everything.

For the Boyfriend or Husband: Match the brooch to his personality. Does he love animals? Leopard or Crocodile. Is he into history or fantasy? Medieval Knight. Is he the creative type? Peacock Feather. Does he just want something that makes his suit look incredible? Cognac Starburst. You know him — trust your instincts.

For Yourself: Start with the Cognac Crystal Starburst ($88) as your first brooch. It works with every suit you own, it's the right amount of presence without being overwhelming, and it'll convert you into a brooch person permanently.

Men's Brooches by Price

Under $50: Vintage-Style Airplane Enamel Brooch ($34) — the perfect starter pin and groomsmen gift.

Under $100: Cognac Crystal Starburst Brooch ($88), Gold Leopard Cheetah Brooch ($98), Silver Serpent with Malachite Drop ($98).

Under $130: Medieval Knight Brooch ($118), Crystal Peacock Feather Brooch ($118), Gold Filigree Lion Brooch ($128).

The Statement: Gold Crystal Crocodile Alligator Brooch ($158) — the Usher-level oversized moment for the man who goes big.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can men wear brooches?
Men have been wearing brooches for thousands of years — far longer than women, historically. Celtic warriors used brooches to fasten cloaks, medieval knights wore them as symbols of rank, and Victorian gentlemen considered decorative pins an essential part of formal dress. The current red carpet trend is simply a return to what men have always done. Usher, John Krasinski, John Legend, Rami Malek, Harry Styles, and Timothée Chalamet have all worn brooches to major events.

Where do men pin a brooch on a suit?
Left lapel, about halfway between the notch and the top button. Pin it at a slight angle for a more relaxed look, or straight for a more formal effect. If your jacket has a boutonnière hole, pin the brooch just above or below it — never through it. One brooch per outfit is the standard approach.

What's a good brooch gift for a man?
For a first brooch, the Vintage-Style Airplane Brooch ($34) is a safe, affordable choice that appeals to almost every man. For something bolder, animal brooches like the Gold Leopard ($98) or Gold Filigree Lion ($128) carry natural masculine symbolism that men respond to.

What brooch should a groom wear?
For weddings, the Cognac Crystal Starburst Brooch ($88) is a popular choice — the warm crystal tones photograph beautifully and it complements any tuxedo color. For a bolder statement, the Gold Filigree Lion Brooch ($128) makes a stunning wedding day pin. Read our full guide on wearing brooches to weddings.

What are good groomsmen brooch gifts?
The Vintage-Style Airplane Brooch ($34) is the ideal groomsmen gift — affordable enough to buy multiples, interesting enough that they'll wear it beyond the wedding, and small enough to include in a gift bag with other items. At $34 per pin, a set of five costs less than many single groomsmen gifts.

Are oversized brooches appropriate for men?
Absolutely. Usher's oversized phoenix brooch at the Super Bowl was one of the most talked-about fashion moments in recent memory. The key is wearing oversized brooches on relaxed or unstructured jackets rather than stiff, heavily padded suits. The Gold Crystal Crocodile Brooch ($158) is a great option for men who want the oversized look at an accessible price point.

Can a man wear a brooch casually?
Yes. Pin a brooch to a denim jacket, a leather jacket, a linen blazer, or even a coat lapel. Casual brooch wearing is actually growing faster than formal brooch wearing — men are discovering that a single interesting pin on an everyday jacket creates an effortlessly cool look. The Cognac Crystal Starburst ($88) and Silver Serpent ($98) both work for casual styling.

What's the difference between a brooch and a lapel pin?
A lapel pin is typically smaller and more understated — think enamel pins, boutonnière replacements, and subtle metallic accents. A brooch is larger, more decorative, and designed to be a focal point. Both are worn on the lapel, but brooches make a bigger statement. At JuJu Loves, our pieces range from pin-sized (the Airplane Brooch at $34) to full statement brooches (the Crocodile at $158).

Where can I buy men's brooches?
Shop the full JuJu Loves brooch collection at jujuloves.com with free shipping on orders over $99. You can also shop in person at Maris DeHart in Charleston's French Quarter (32 Vendue Range). For our complete brooch catalog organized by price, see our guide to the best brooches at every price point.

More Style Inspiration

Celebrity Brooch Moments: Red Carpet Pins That Started Trends
How to Wear a Brooch: Modern Styling Ideas
The Best Brooches at Every Price
The Complete Brooch Gift Guide