Guides & JournalHow to Wear a Brooch on a Dress, Hijab or Dupatta
To wear a brooch, pin it where you want people to look — usually on the left side of your chest, just below the collarbone — pushing the pin through a thick part of the fabric and closing the clasp on the inside. On a hijab or dupatta, a brooch can hold the fabric in place as well as decorate it. Here's how to wear a brooch on a dress, a hijab, a dupatta, a saree and a scarf, and how to choose one.
What is a brooch?
A brooch is a decorative pin worn on clothing. It has a design on the front — a flower, a bee, a bow, stones or pearls — and a pin with a clasp on the back. Small, simple brooches are often called pins; bigger, jewelled ones are statement brooches. Many are sold in sets, like this bee brooch pin set, so you can wear one alone or a few together.
How to wear a brooch pin without damaging fabric
Take a brooch off before washing or ironing the garment.
- Push the pin through two layers if you can — or through a seam — so the weight doesn't pull the fabric.
- On thin fabrics like chiffon, take a tiny stitch-sized bite of fabric, not a big one.
- Go in and out in the same direction as the weave to avoid snags.
- Close the clasp fully, and check it once before you leave the house.
- Heavy brooch on thin fabric? Put a small piece of felt or fabric on the inside as a backing.
How to wear a brooch on a dress
Plain, solid-coloured dresses show off a brooch best. On a busy print, pick one bigger, simpler brooch.
- Classic: left side of the chest, just below the collarbone.
- Collar: one brooch at the top button, or a matching pair on both collar points.
- Waist: on a belt or where a wrap dress crosses over.
- Shoulder: a statement brooch on one shoulder for a formal look.
- Cluster: two or three small pins grouped together, like bees climbing up a lapel.
How to use a pin on a hijab
Hijab pins and brooches do different jobs — find both in hijab accessories, including fancy hijab pins.
- Use straight hijab pins underneath to hold the shape, and a brooch only on top as the finishing touch.
- Pin a brooch at the side of your face, near the temple or under the ear, where the folds meet.
- Or use it under the chin to hold the drape in place.
- Choose a lighter brooch for thin hijab fabrics so it doesn't drag.
Brooch for dupatta
A brooch is a neat way to stop a dupatta slipping. Drape it over one shoulder and pin it at the shoulder seam of your kurta, or pin both sides together at the chest for a cape-style drape. On a heavy formal dupatta, pin through the kurta too, so the brooch carries the weight rather than the dupatta fabric.
How to wear a brooch on a saree
Pin the pallu at the shoulder with a decorative brooch on top of a regular safety pin — the safety pin holds, the brooch decorates. You can also add a small brooch at the waist where the pleats are tucked.
How to wear a brooch with a scarf
A brooch on a winter shawl is one of the easiest ways to make a plain outfit look put together.
- Wrap the scarf around your neck and pin the two ends together with a brooch instead of tying a knot.
- Gather a square scarf at one shoulder and pin it.
- On a coat or shawl, pin the scarf to the lapel so it stays in place outdoors.
How to choose a brooch
Check the clasp in the listing photos and the size in the description before you buy. On dapxop, sellers state the condition on every listing, and if something arrives wrong or damaged you can report it within 48 hours. More pieces are in brooches and pins.
| For | Pick |
|---|---|
| Everyday | Small, light pins — animals, flowers, simple shapes |
| Hijab or thin fabric | Light brooches with a secure clasp |
| Weddings and Eid | Pearl or stone statement brooches |
| Gifts | A brooch set — easy to share or mix and match |
Find brooches, hijab pins and accessories from small sellers across Pakistan.
Browse brooches →Explore on dapxop
Shop from small sellers across Pakistan.
Frequently asked
Which side should you wear a brooch on?
Traditionally the left side of the chest, just below the collarbone. But there's no strict rule — wear it wherever it looks best with the outfit.
How do you wear a brooch on a dress?
Pin it on the left side of the chest, at the collar, at the waist or on one shoulder. Plain dresses show brooches off best.
How do you use a brooch on a hijab?
Hold the hijab's shape with straight pins underneath, then add the brooch on top at the side of your face or under the chin as decoration.
Can a brooch damage clothes?
Heavy brooches can pull thin fabric. Pin through two layers or a seam, add a felt backing for heavy brooches, and remove them before washing.
How do you wear a brooch with a dupatta?
Pin the dupatta at the shoulder seam of your kurta, or pin both sides together at the chest. For heavy dupattas, pin through the kurta too.
What is the difference between a brooch and a pin?
Both fasten with a pin on the back. 'Pin' usually means a small, simple one; 'brooch' often means a bigger, more decorative piece.