Suit Jacket Lapel Styles

A peak lapel is more formal and always found on double breasted jackets.

Suit jacket lapel styles.

This is the most common type of lapel and suits a single breasted jacket. High button stances often accompanied by the now unheard of four button jackets slim lapels unreasonably high arm holes and high paper shirt collars rounded out the look. The notched lapel american english step lapel or step collar british english is sewn to the collar at an angle creating a step effect. As always click the images for a more in depth history and explanation of each lapel style.

Has strong edges pointed towards the shoulders. Suit pockets may not serve much of a practical purpose but that doesn t mean they can be overlooked. Everything you need to know about suit pockets. Notch lapels single breasted suit jackets.

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. These are seen only on tuxedos and worn at exclusive events like a black tie night. The collar has a continuous curve without a break like the peak or notch lape. In this video i m going to be talking about the different types of jacket lapels you re going to see out there.

Likewise there are other styles better suited to a peak lapel or shawl collar. Let s talk suit pockets and before we go further let s clarify that for this article we re referencing the suit pockets found near the lower front portion of the suit jacket and not the single top breast pocket. The notched lapel step collar in england is the standard lapel style for business suits and other conservative jackets. I m going to quickly talk about notch lapels peak lapels and shawl lapels and i ll spend a little bit of time on the different variants which you see.

The size of the notch can vary and a small notch is sometimes called fishmouth. If you want a statement piece or a more formal ensemble go with peak lapels however if you re not sure or if you want to use the suit for something more casual or a job interview opt for notch lapels. Notched lapels go particularly well with certain jacket styles. Here s a quick guide to suit and jacket lapel styles.

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. Its ubiquity makes it play well with any face shape and body type though it s particularly sympathetic to oval oblong and square face shapes. 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.