Lapel pins are a popular way to celebrate youth sports, show patriotism and promote social causes, among other things. With so many different types of lapel pins available, they're versatile enough to be useful to many different kinds of organizations, groups or teams.

The popularity of lapel pins is quite understandable. Well-designed lapel pins that have a jewelry-like look and appeal can be very attractive. The low cost of production and distribution makes them an outstanding way to support worthy causes. The pins get the message of a social or political organization in front of the public quickly and easily. And of course with an organization-specific design, they can be an excellent method for members of specific groups to identify fellow members.

Lapel pins can present a straightforward message or one that's more subtle. Flag pins are a nearly universal way to show an individual's patriotism and love of country. Yellow ribbon lapel pins meant to show support for U.S. troops also are quite popular, as are pink ribbon lapel pins that promote breast cancer awareness.

On the other hand, some people prefer a more subtle approach to making a statement. Those people appreciate the idea of using lapel pins not as a flashy way of making their point, but as a nuanced means of inviting a dialogue. People who choose understated lapel pins can explain what the pins mean to them if someone asks them.

Lapel pins can vary in both shape and color, opening up a variety of meanings dependent on both. Ribbon lapel pins, for example, are an instrument of increasing awareness for many charitable organizations worldwide, especially health-related charities. First introduced in 1991, the red ribbon to showcase AIDS awareness was the first such ribbon pin. Since then, many lapel pins in various colors – including red -- have come to represent more than one cause. With notable exceptions such as the above-mentioned yellow ribbon pins, it's virtually impossible to know what a particular lapel pin color represents today.

That means to know what a pin represents, it's necessary to ask the wearer. That gives them a chance to discuss the meaning of the pin, and what it means to them. It offers an opportunity to explain the lapel pins in depth, and possibly win others over to the cause.

Sports trading pins comprise a vast segment of the market for custom lapel pins. They have long been a major part of youth sports leagues especially for Little League baseball and softball. Trading lapel pins is a true highlight of the annual Little League World Series for players, coaches, officials and spectators alike. Several other youth sports programs, including soccer, hockey and basketball have embraced custom trading pins as well.

Academic challenge programs, including Odyssey of the Mind and Destination ImagiNation enjoy active trading of lapel pins too. Even the massive Disney theme park empire has its own trading pins. Guests at the company's theme parks worldwide can trade lapel pins with each other and with park employees.

Lapel pins offer nearly endless possibilities for celebration and promotion. They are versatile enough that they can be used to represent just about any cause, organization, purpose or entertainment. With that kind of appeal, lapel pins are likely to remain popular for a long time to come.