Suit Jacket Lapel Styles

Fashion rules black tie etiquette dictate that you should never have a notch lapel on a tuxedo dinner jacket.

Suit jacket lapel styles.

Notch lapels single breasted suit jackets. Likewise there are other styles better suited to a peak lapel or shawl collar. Peak lapels are an integral part of a double breasted suit jacket itself a power item of clothing and are also a key part of black tie formal wear on dinner jackets and tuxedos. We discuss some of the most common jacket styles where a notch lapel is seen below.

Notch lapels peak lapels and shawl lapels most suit lapels are either notch lapels or peak lapels. It should be worn in the lapel s button hole an opening of about 1 1 5 inch. With a hand sewn lining to support the flower and a latch on the reverse side of the lapel to secure the stem of the flower. The notch lapel is a traditional middle of the road lapel choice and has long been the standard lapel style on single breasted jackets.

Upwards of 85 of single breasted suit jackets utilize notch lapels. The notched lapel american english step lapel or step collar british english is sewn to the collar at an angle creating a step effect. Only higher end suits have a lapel button hole that is functional. Here s a quick guide to suit and jacket lapel styles.

Peak lapels go bolder. In this guide we ll discuss the differences between each jacket lapel style as an easy and high level introduction to the subject. But when you re standing in a store s suiting department trying to find the perfect two piece for. The boutonniere is worn on the left lapel of the suit jacket.

Notched lapels go particularly well with certain jacket styles. And if you go for a blazer that you want to dress up it s going to be made from let s say a solid dark navy and everything else on it is very sleek very. Unless you are an advanced suit buyer don t go for a three button suit unless the third button is hidden behind a roll of the lapel an italian move so it actually looks like a two. 3 lapel types of suit lapels you should know.

This is the standard on single breasted suits and is used on nearly all suit jackets blazers and sports jackets the notched lapel double breasted jacket is a rare setting. As always click the images for a more in depth history and explanation of each lapel style. In 2015 a beautifully tailored accessorized and styled suit is still the peak of menswear. The size of the notch can vary and a small notch is sometimes called fishmouth.