If you are someone with a savvy taste of fashion, you would know that the style of the lapel of a tuxedo jacket defines its formal look. The tuxedo lapel is the folded section of the jacket visible on both sides at the front, extending from the neckline to the chest region. Serving both functional and aesthetic purposes, the lapel enhances the outfit with a touch of elegance and refinement of tuxedo.
Knowing what is a lapel and the three types of tuxedo lapels is essential because it will help you choose the right one for any occasion. Every lapel type, be it the Notch lapel, Shawl lapel, or Peaked lapel, has distinct attributes that make them unique and suited for different settings. Whether you want to go for a black tie event, wedding, or Prom, this guide will teach you how to choose the one that fits your occasion.
What is a Peak Lapel Collar?
A notable feature of the peak lapel collar is the formation of a peak at the collar's side, setting it apart from the continuous rounded edge seen in the shawl collar tuxedo. This "peak," as the name suggests, points upward along the lapel's edge. The width of peaked lapels is ideal within the range of 3.5 to 4.5 inches, striking a balance between overly broad and excessively narrow. When considering a peak vs notch lapel tuxedo, maintaining the right width is key for a polished look.
Events Where You Can Wear Peak Lapel Tuxedo
Lapels represent a business or formal style, not anything casual. Whether it is a single-breasted suit or double-breasted suit, peak lapels look great on them. You can also have them on morning coats, tail coats, or dinner jackets. A peak lapel is a typical men's staple in the corporate and business world.
The peak lapel tuxedo is an excellent choice for events that call for a touch of boldness and modern sophistication.The peak lapel suit style is well-suited for contemporary weddings, upscale gala dinners, and stylish evening receptions. In essence, any event that calls for a touch of formality and elegance is a fitting occasion for a peak lapel tuxedo.
Who Should Wear A Peak Lapel Tuxedo
A peak lapel tuxedo can be a great choice for shorter and larger men. This tuxedo style has the ability to create an elongated appearance for those on the shorter side, while also providing a slimming effect for those with a larger build. However, for taller individuals, peak lapel suits might not be the most flattering option, as they could exaggerate height. Understanding how the type of tuxedo lapel can impact your overall appearance is a valuable guide in selecting the right attire for any occasion.
What is The Shawl Lapel Collar?
The shawl lapel collar is predominantly found on tuxedos, characterized by its absence of notches or peaks, instead featuring a smooth, rounded edge. Shawl lapels are available in various widths, with slimmer versions considered stylish and wider lapels exuding a more sophisticated charm. An example of a shawl collar tuxedo that captures attention is the elegant black wool tuxedo with satin trim, offering a choice you're likely to appreciate.
When comparing the shawl vs peak lapel tuxedo styles, it's important to note that the choice between these two lapel options can greatly influence the overall tone and formality of various events. The shawl lapel, with its rounded and elegant design, often suits classic black-tie affairs, while the peak lapel's bold and contemporary look might be better suited for modern weddings or upscale social gatherings.
Events Where You Can Wear Shawl Lapel Tuxedo
The shawl lapel tuxedo embodies a formal ensemble, making it a common choice for various upscale occasions such as black tie events, weddings, galas, and proms. The remarkable transformation it imparts on one's appearance is hard to overlook, elevating the overall look to a stunning level. Particularly well-suited for formal evening dinners, the shawl lapel tuxedo garners attention wherever formal elegance is required. If you seek an outfit for everyday wear, this design may not align with your needs, as it truly thrives in formal settings.
Who Should Wear a Shawl Lapel Tuxedo
A shawl collar tuxedo gracefully enhances the style of those with a slim, slightly above-average stature, adding a touch of sophistication. If this resonates with your physique, you'll find the shawl lapel style to be a wonderful choice, accentuating your gentlemanly appearance.Whether you're looking for a big and tall tuxedo or seeking a more tailored option for various body frames, Studiosuits provides a range of custom suit solutions to cater to your specific preferences and ensure you exude confidence and style.
What Is a Notch Lapel Collar?
Of the three types of lapels, the tuxedo with a notch lapel is the least formal. The notch lapel collar is a classic and versatile design characterized by a small triangular notch where the collar meets the lapel. This style is commonly found on suits and tuxedos, offering a balanced and understated look
The notch lapel is a more relaxed alternative compared to the peak and shawl collar styles. Referred to as the 'common suit lapel,' it became popular around the early 80s as a fashion statement, diverging from the earlier dominance of peak and shawl collar tuxedos. When considering a notch vs peak lapel tuxedo, the choice often comes down to personal style and the level of formality required by the event.
Events Where You Can Wear Notch Lapel Tuxedo
A notch lapel tuxedo is a versatile choice suitable for a variety of events. It's an excellent option for semi-formal occasions like cocktail parties, business dinners, and less formal weddings. Its adaptable design allows you to strike the right balance between elegance and modernity, making it a great choice when attending events that don't require the full formality of a peak or shawl lapel tuxedo. A Shawl collar tuxedo or peak styles are the ideal men's formal attire you can wear as a dinner jacket lapel for a black tie event.
Who Should Wear a Notch Collar Tuxedo
You will likely see a notch lapel collar type in sports coats and single-breasted suit jackets. They are trendy but versatile and fit men regardless of size or body configuration. Gentlemen on the slim side should wear a notch lapel collar style, while those with a larger body size should wear a wider notch lapel type.
Tips On The Type of Lapel to Wear
Men's tuxedo outfits offer distinct looks, and understanding when and where to wear them can help you achieve a unique and standout appearance. Whether you're considering a sophisticated velvet jacket, a timeless wool tuxedo, or a breezy linen tuxedo, at Studiosuits, we customize your choice of lapel to align with the event's ambiance, allowing you to create a stylish impact. Here are tips on the type of lapel suitable for different occasions.
- For formal events - wear a peak lapel
- If it is a casual or laid-back event - Wear a notch lapel
- For jackets with personal flair and customization- use a peak lapel
- If you prefer a wide lapel jacket - Choose between peak lapel vs notch lapel
- When you are working with a skinny lapel jacket - choose a notch lapel
- If you want a versatile jacket that can serve you all the time as a sport coat, blazer, or suit jacket- Go with a notch lapel
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know Which Tuxedo Lapel Size Will Fit My Body?
Determining the right tuxedo lapel size for your body involves a few considerations. To ensure a proper fit, consider your body type, the event's formality, and your personal style. If you have a larger build, broader lapels can create a balanced look. Conversely, slimmer lapels can complement a slender frame. For formal occasions, wider lapels are often preferred, while narrower lapels offer a modern twist for casual events. Ultimately, choose a lapel size that harmonizes with your physique and the occasion's tone, ensuring a confident and stylish appearance.
Can I Wear a Bow Tie With My Tuxedo Lapel?
Yes. A bow tie will complement whatever lapel collar style you plan to wear. A bow tie is one of the traditional accessories used from time immemorial to complement tuxedo lapel types, so if you have one, wear it. A bow tie will help enhance your attire and improve your looks.
Can a Pocket Square Be Used To Accessorize a Tuxedo Lapel?
Yes. Different types of accessories work well with tuxedo lapels, and pocket squares fall into that category. So wearing a pocket square with a peak tuxedo, notch collar suit, or shawl collar tuxedo will enhance your overall look. When choosing the pocket square to wear, ensure it matches the shirt and bow tie.
How Should I Maintain And Care For My Tuxedo Lapels?
How you care for your lapels is as crucial as caring for any other cloth because you want it to always remain in shape. Little maintenance routines like hanging your tuxedo on a padded hanger will stop it from having wrinkles. If you find your tuxedo has creases, you can use a steamer to get rid of them. Finally, it's best to avoid wearing one suit all the time to avoid too much pressure on the lapels.
Can Lapels Be Customized According to Preference?
Absolutely! At Studiosuits, we offer the flexibility to tailor tuxedo lapels to match your desired look. Our skilled tailors can accommodate your preferences for lapel type and width, ensuring a personalized touch. Opt for refined customization with the option of selecting satin colors for both lapel buttons and jacket pockets. This added customization enhances the overall aesthetic of your jacket, allowing you to infuse your personal style into every detail of your ensemble.
What is The Best Tuxedo Lapel to Wear?
If you want to know which lapels are the best to wear,there isn't a definitive "best." Keep in mind that each lapel style is tailored to specific occasions and offers distinct aesthetics aligned with your desired appearance. Within this article, we've outlined the ideal events for each lapel type, empowering you to select according to your preference and make a dazzling statement.
