The easiest way to wear a brooch on a tudung without pin holes is to use a magnetic brooch: the decorative half sits on the outside, the back half sits behind the fabric, and two magnets hold them together without piercing it. It works on chiffon, jersey and silk, and it takes a few seconds to put on.
Below is where to place it, how to fasten it step by step, how to choose a colour for your tudung, and what to do if you prefer a pin.
Why do pins leave holes in a tudung?
A brooch pin works by going through the fabric. On thick cotton that is hardly noticeable, but chiffon, georgette, silk and fine jersey are woven or knitted finely, so a pin can leave a visible hole, a pulled thread or a small snag. The mark often shows up only after you take the brooch off, and it gets worse each time the same spot is pinned.
How does a magnetic brooch work on a tudung?
A magnetic brooch is made in two parts. The decorative front sits on the outside of your tudung. A small magnetic back goes behind the fabric, and the magnets pull the two halves together through the layers. Because the fabric is held between them rather than pierced, there is no hole to leave behind.
How do I put a magnetic brooch on a tudung?
- Arrange your tudung first. Pin or fold it the way you normally wear it so the layers sit neatly.
- Choose the spot. Hold the brooch against the fabric in front of a mirror and move it until you like the position.
- Place the back half behind the fabric. Keep the layers you want to hold together between the two halves.
- Bring the front half to meet it. The magnets will draw the halves together. Check that the fabric lies flat and is not twisted.
- To remove it, slide the halves apart sideways rather than pulling the brooch straight off the fabric.
Where should I place a brooch on a tudung?
- At the side of the neck or just below the chin: holds the layers together and puts the brooch where it is seen most.
- At the shoulder: secures the end of a long scarf so it stays draped.
- On the chest: keeps an inner layer or neckline in place and finishes a plain baju kurung.
If you have a pacemaker or another implanted medical device, check with your doctor before wearing magnetic jewellery.
Which brooch colour goes with my tudung?
- Cream, beige or black tudung: the Flower Brooch in Cream Mocha goes with nearly everything.
- Blush, nude or dusty pink: the Flower Brooch in Rose Gold Cream or the Pebble Brooch in Rose Gold Silver.
- Plain black, white or navy, when you want colour: the Flower Brooch in Silver Blue Pink or the Flower Brooch in Blue Silver Green.
- Brown, olive and earthy tones: the Organic Shape Brooch in Pink Ivory Mocha.
- Festive visiting: the Flower Brooch in Pink Blue Orange is the brightest of our seven magnetic brooches.
All seven are S$27.99 each, measure 5cm to 5.8cm across, and are delivered free within Singapore. See them together on our magnetic brooches for tudung page, or let Style Me, our free jewellery stylist, suggest one for your outfit.
What if I prefer a brooch pin?
A brooch pin is still a good choice on thick cotton and other firm fabrics. If you use one on a lighter fabric, pin through a hem, a fold or a seam where the fabric is doubled, and avoid pinning the same spot every day. Our full brooch collection includes both pin and magnetic styles.
How do I look after a magnetic brooch?
Do not wash it together with laundry, as that can wear the finish. Take it off before washing your tudung, keep it dry, and put on perfume and lotion first. Our jewellery care tips explain how to keep fashion jewellery bright in Singapore’s humidity.
Frequently asked questions
How do I wear a brooch on a tudung without making holes?
Use a magnetic brooch. Place the decorative half on the outside of the tudung and the back half behind the fabric, and the two magnets hold together through the layers, so nothing pierces the fabric.
Where should I put a brooch on my tudung?
Most women place it at the side of the neck or just below the chin to hold the layers together, at the shoulder to secure the end of a scarf, or on the chest. Check the position in a mirror before you leave the house.
Can I use a normal brooch pin on a tudung?
Yes, on thick cotton and other firm fabrics. On chiffon, georgette, silk or jersey a pin can leave small holes or snags, so a magnetic brooch is the safer choice.
Will a magnetic brooch stay in place all day?
It holds the fabric firmly between two magnets. Very thick or heavily layered fabric may reduce how firmly it holds, so try the brooch on your own tudung before an important event.
How do I look after a magnetic brooch?
Do not wash it together with laundry. Take it off before washing your tudung, keep it dry, and store it away from perfume and lotion.
By Dil, Head Curator, Jewellery Online SG. Dil chooses every piece in our collection and writes our styling guides for women in Singapore who know their style.