Everything You Need to Know About Suit Lapels

Lapels play an important role in the overall appearance of a men's suit jacket or coat. Consisting of a folded piece of cloth on the front of the upper chest area, they are formed by folding over the jacket, at which point they are sewn directly into the collar. Lapels may not serve any functional purpose, but they can and will affect the appearance of a suit, which is why it's important to choose the right style. Generally speaking, lapels fall under one of three different categories: notched, peaked and shawl, each of which has its own unique characteristics. The notched lapel (also known as a step lapel or step collar) features a piece of cloth or fabric that's sewn into the collar of a suit jacket at a slight angle, creating the appearance of a notch or step (hence the name). Notched lapels vary in size, with the smaller ones referred to as fishmouth. Another popular type of lapel found in men's suit is the peaked lapel (also known as double-breasted style or pointed lapel). This is the most formal type of lapel, and it is used in most formal coats and jackets, including tailcoats and tuxedos. Peaked lapel jackets were a popular choice among men during the early-to-mid 1900s, and for good reason: they are simple, stylish, and add a unique element to men's suit wear. While their popularity has since declined somewhat, peaked lapels remain the preferred choice among men fashionable men. Last but not least is the shawl lapel (also known as roll collar or shawl collar). This type of lapel is unique in the sense that it features a continuous curve, going all the way around the jacket. You'll typically see the shawl-style lapel on dinner jackets and tuxedos, although some of the less formal jackets have also begun to use them.  Shawl lapels were originally created for informal and casual men's eveningwear, but they've since made their way into formal wear. So, which style of lapel should you choose? It really depends on two basic things: your preference and the occasion during which you plan on wearing the suit. I recommend performing a side-by-side comparison of all three lapels to see which one is best suited for your needs. Some guys prefer the classic look of a notched lapel, whereas others prefer the bold appearance of a shawl or peaked lapel.