Wearing your poppy is a personal way to show your support and thanks to the Armed Forces community, past and present.
Whether you are wondering how to wear a poppy, how to attach it, which side to wear it on or when to start wearing it, there is no single 'correct' way to wear a poppy. We simply ask that if you choose to wear a poppy, you wear it with pride.
If you are looking for practical guidance, below we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about wearing a poppy.
What side to wear your poppy?
There is no right or wrong way to wear your poppy and choosing how to wear one is a matter of personal choice. Most commonly, people choose to pin their poppy to the right or left of their chest.
However you choose to wear your poppy, it is incredibly meaningful for those who serve and their families.
Serving members of the Armed Forces follow specific dress regulations and regimental traditions when wearing a poppy on their uniform. For example, only one poppy may be worn on the outermost layer of clothing, and in the Royal Air Force they are never worn on headwear.
How to put your poppy on?
If you are wearing a paper poppy, follow the steps below to attach it securely:
Weave the pin provided through your clothing.
Fold the stem of your poppy.
Slide through the pin.
Paper poppies can also be secured in a buttonhole on clothing.
If you prefer, the Royal British Legion have a range of poppy pins, brooches, and zip pullers available to purchase on the Poppy Shop.
When to wear your poppy?
Traditionally, people start wearing their poppy during the Remembrance period, which starts with the Poppy Appeal in late October and continues through to Armistice Day on 11 November and Remembrance Sunday.
Many choose to wear their poppy during this time as a visible act of Remembrance, particularly around Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, before removing it after the main commemorative events have taken place.
However, you can wear your poppy throughout the year at commemorative events, remembrance services, or any occasion where you wish to honour the service and sacrifice of British and Commonwealth Armed Forces personnel, past and present. Some common occasions include:
- Significant anniversaries such as D-Day, VE Day, VJ Day, and other major commemorations.
- Other events recognising serving personnel, veterans and their families such as Armed Forces Day.
- Wreath-laying ceremonies and remembrance services.
- Military funerals and memorial services for members of the Armed Forces.
Why do people wear poppies?
The tradition of wearing a poppy as a symbol of Remembrance began more than 100 years ago. Inspired by the famous poem “In Flanders Fields”, written by Canadian doctor and soldier Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, the poppy was adopted by the Royal British Legion in 1921 and quickly became a powerful symbol of remembrance. People began wearing poppies to honour those who lost their lives in war and to ensure their sacrifice would never be forgotten.
Today, people wear a poppy for the same reason: to remember those who have died in service, show gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community, and reflect on the hope for a peaceful future. Wearing a poppy is also a visible sign of support for veterans, serving personnel and their families, demonstrating that their service is valued and remembered.
There are more than 2 million Armed Forces veterans in the UK and around 4.5 million people who are part of the wider Armed Forces community. From mental and physical recovery programmes, help with finances, housing, and adapting to civilian life, to building camaraderie, the Royal British Legion is here to provide lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
By wearing your poppy, you can help us provide support in ways tailored to the Armed Forces community’s unique needs and circumstances. You can contribute to the Poppy Appeal by making a donation, buying a poppy online, or finding a volunteer collector at a supermarket, transport hub or other location near you.