The Surprisingly Cool History of Safety Pins

The humble safety pin might not look like much, but it’s one of those everyday items that has managed to stick around (pun intended) for centuries. Believe it or not, the first proper safety pin as we know it today was invented in 1849 by an American mechanic named Walter Hunt. Hunt was known for coming up with clever gadgets, and he created the safety pin not out of a sudden burst of inspiration—but because he needed to pay off a $15 debt. He patented his design, sold the rights for $400, and the rest is history. The genius of his design was its simplicity: a coiled wire with a clasp that covered the sharp end, making it both safe and reusable.

Nappy or diapers

Back in the day, before the rise of disposable nappies with their handy sticky tabs, safety pins were the go-to tool for keeping cloth nappies snug and secure. Parents would fold the soft fabric into shape, then fasten it with a sturdy safety pin to make sure everything stayed in place. It was simple, practical, and surprisingly reliable. Even now, some eco-conscious families who prefer reusable cloth nappies still rely on safety pins as a trusty fastening method. They’ve got that old-school charm, and let’s be honest—having a couple of safety pins nearby always comes in handy!

From Utility to Fashion Statement

Originally, safety pins were exactly that—tools meant to fasten clothing, hold fabric together, and sort out wardrobe malfunctions. For decades, they stayed in the background, quietly doing their job. But as trends evolved, so did the safety pin’s place in culture. By the mid-20th century, they weren’t just hidden away behind hems—they started being worn proudly on the outside. What was once a tool became an accessory.

Punk Rock and the Safety Pin Revolution

If there’s one fashion movement that truly gave safety pins their moment in the spotlight, it’s punk. In the 1970s, punk rockers across the UK (and the US) adopted safety pins as a bold fashion statement. They were used to hold together ripped clothing, worn as earrings, and even pushed through skin as a symbol of rebellion. Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren helped catapult this look from underground gigs into mainstream fashion. Suddenly, a tiny metal pin came to represent defiance, anti-establishment attitudes, and DIY creativity. Even today, you’ll spot safety pins in edgy streetwear looks—proof that punk never really died.

Crafting, DIY, and Everyday Hacks

Of course, not all modern uses are rebellious. Safety pins remain a staple in the crafting and DIY world. Quilters use them to hold fabric layers together before stitching, jewellery makers turn them into charms or bracelets, and crafters often decorate them with beads for colourful designs. And let’s not forget their role as the ultimate “just in case” tool. From fixing a broken zip to standing in for a missing button, a safety pin in your handbag can save you from all sorts of awkward fashion emergencies.

Goodordering personalised safety pin charm

The Safety Pin as a Symbol of Solidarity

Interestingly, safety pins have also taken on new symbolic meanings in recent years. After 2016, wearing a safety pin on clothing became a quiet sign of solidarity—showing support for marginalised communities and offering reassurance of safety. It’s a reminder that such a simple object can carry powerful messages, depending on the context.

After the Trump win many people took to wearing safety pins as a symbol of solidarity with victims of racist, religious or homophobic abuse, following alleged attacks in the US. You can read more about this HERE

Wrapping It Up: More Than Just a Pin

From Walter Hunt’s debt-solving invention in 1849 to punk rock rebellion and Pinterest-worthy craft projects, the safety pin has had quite the journey. It’s a little piece of metal that’s crossed the lines between utility, fashion, and symbolism. Whether you wear one as a style statement, use it to fix a fashion mishap, or decorate it with beads, the safety pin proves that sometimes the simplest inventions turn out to be the most versatile.