In the world of men’s accessories, few pieces balance artistry, heritage, and individuality quite like the Plum Thicket Pin. At Brackish, this silhouette has become a signature - a refined lapel or hat pin that elevates every look with subtle texture and unmistakable craftsmanship. Hand-forged from natural thorns and meticulously finished with our signature featherwork, each Plum Thicket Pin pays homage to both southern tradition and modern style.
Worn on a blazer, tuxedo, or hat, the Plum Thicket Pin is more than an accessory - it is a symbol. A marker of thoughtful design. A celebration of nature’s raw beauty. A conversation starter that carries the story of where it came from and who crafted it.
This is the story of how the Plum Thicket Pin is made, how to wear it, and why it has become one of Brackish’s most beloved heirloom accessories.
A Heritage Rooted in Nature: The Origin of the Plum Thicket Pin
The Plum Thicket Pin - designed, foraged, and handcrafted by our co-founder, Ben Ross. The idea was simple yet deeply symbolic: a pin made from the natural thorns of the plum thicket bushes that grow throughout the upstate of South Carolina.
While at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, Ben crafted these pieces as a project to give out to kids at the event. It then became Brackish’s iconic creation. Ben reimagined the natural thorn into a wearable work of art. Today, that practice continues:
Every thorn is personally foraged by our co-founder from the fields and farmlands of South Carolina, ensuring that each pin carries with it a piece of authentic southern terrain. These thorns are then brought back to our Charleston studio, where they begin their transformation into the finished Plum Thicket Pin you see on jackets and hats around the world.
Handcrafted in Charleston: Where Nature Meets Artistry
Craftsmanship is at the heart of Brackish, and the Plum Thicket Pin is one of the clearest expressions of that commitment. Every pin is:
-
Handcrafted in Charleston, South Carolina
-
Finished by our team of skilled artisans
-
Designed to highlight the natural shape of each individual thorn
-
Accented with feathers styled with signature Brackish techniques
Because no two thorns are alike, no two pins are identical. Each one carries its own character - a unique blend of organic shape, grain, and feather pattern. This individuality is what makes the Plum Thicket Pin an exceptional finishing touch for men’s suiting, special events, and everyday elegance.
The Meaning Behind the Plum Thicket Pin
The Plum Thicket Pin represents more than an aesthetic detail. It speaks to:
1. Sustainability and Respect for Nature
Brackish was founded on a mission to repurpose the beauty of nature through responsible sourcing. Each pin uses fallen plum thicket thorns that would otherwise remain unused, exemplifying our dedication to resourcefulness and sustainability.
2. Craftsmanship and Authenticity
Handcrafted accessories carry a different kind of energy - one that feels personal, intentional, and deeply human. Wearing a Plum Thicket Pin is wearing something made with care, history, and respect for the craft.
How to Wear a Plum Thicket Pin
The Art of Styling Your Lapel or Hat Pin
A well-placed lapel pin has the power to transform a jacket from ordinary to distinguished. Whether worn at a black-tie event, wedding, work conference, or evening dinner, the Plum Thicket Pin introduces depth, dimension, and individuality to your attire.
It can be styled in various ways:
-
On the left lapel of a blazer or suit jacket
-
On the lapel of a tuxedo for black-tie events
-
Pinned to a felt hat or fedora
-
Attached to a casual jacket for a touch of personality
-
Used as a boutonnière alternative for weddings
The versatility of the Plum Thicket Pin makes it equally suited for modern menswear, heritage styles, and elevated everyday fashion.
How to Secure Your Plum Thicket Pin: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wearing your Plum Thicket Pin is easy - and when placed properly, it becomes a polished statement with seamless integration into your look. Here’s how to style and secure it:
1. Remove the stopper from the back of the pin
Hold the pin gently in one hand and slide off the gold stopper. Set it aside somewhere safe - you’ll need it again shortly.
2. Choose your placement
We recommend placing the pin between the first and second buttonhole of your dress shirt
and approximately where your lapel naturally peaks.
For jackets without a boutonnière opening, this gives the most balanced and traditional placement.
3. Push the pin through the lapel
Insert the pin from the front side of the jacket, pushing it cleanly through the fabric.
Then, for best security and a professional finish, weave the pin back into the lining:
-
Push it back through to the inner lining
-
Bring it forward again through the lapel surface
This creates a secure anchor with minimal fabric disruption.
4. Reattach the gold stopper
Once the pin is woven and sitting comfortably, place the gold stopper back onto the end. It should sit snugly and discreetly, ensuring your pin remains secure throughout the day or evening.
This method not only protects the fabric but also keeps your pin perfectly positioned, allowing the feathers and thorn to rest naturally against the lapel.
Why the Plum Thicket Pin Has Become a Brackish Icon
Over the years, the Plum Thicket Pin has gained popularity among wedding parties, groomsmen, fathers of the bride, corporate teams, and men who value subtle yet meaningful style. Here’s why:
An Elevated Alternative to a Boutonnière
Fresh flowers fade - but a handcrafted pin lasts a lifetime. The Plum Thicket Pin brings natural beauty without the fragility.
The Perfect Groomsman Gift
Each pin is unique, making it a standout way to honor important people on your wedding day.
A Distinctive Accessory for Black-Tie and Special Events
Whether paired with a tux or a tailored suit, the pin adds a refined yet unexpected detail.
Imagery By: Ansley Suddeth Photography
A Collectible for Accessory Enthusiasts
Because every pin is one-of-one, many customers collect multiple colors and feather combinations to rotate through events and seasons.
How Plum Thicket Pins Are Made: Inside the Charleston Studio
Each Plum Thicket Pin goes through a detailed, multi-step process to ensure the final piece reflects the quality and artistry Brackish is known for.
Foraging the Thorn
Ben personally gathers the thorns from plum thicket bushes in the upstate of South Carolina. Only naturally fallen or seasonally shed thorns are selected.
Cleaning & Curing
The thorns are cleaned by hand, then left to cure to ensure long-term durability and a smooth finish.
Hand-Feathering
Our artisans meticulously select and place feathers - featuring a selection of options like peacock, turkey, guinea, quail, rooster, goose, partridge, & pheasant - depending on the design.
Finishing Touches
Each pin is smoothed, sealed, and fitted with a secure metal backing and gold stopper.
No machines. No mass production. Just craftsmanship, patience, and skill - one pin at a time.
Which Plum Thicket Pin Is Right for You?
With dozens of feather colors and patterns available, choosing the right Plum Thicket Pin becomes a personal design experience. Consider:
For Black-Tie Events:
For Weddings:
For Everyday Wear:
For Hat Styling:
A Thoughtful Gift for Every Occasion
A Plum Thicket Pin is one of Brackish’s most giftable pieces - an heirloom-quality accessory that suits nearly anyone’s style.
Perfect for:
-
Groomsmen & wedding parties
-
Father’s Day gifts
-
Milestone birthdays
-
Graduations
-
Corporate gifting
-
Holiday gifting
-
Thank-you gifts
-
Collectors and accessory enthusiasts
Presented in Brackish’s signature packaging, it feels elevated, personal, and intentional from the moment it’s opened.
The Future of the Plum Thicket Pin
The Plum Thicket Pin will always remain one of Brackish’s most meaningful designs - a reminder of our roots and our dedication to honoring natural beauty through craftsmanship. As we continue to expand colorways, materials, and seasonal releases, this timeless accessory will remain at the heart of our collection.
A modern heirloom, still crafted the way it always has been: by hand, with purpose, in Charleston, South Carolina.
