The lapel is the collar of a suit, and there are various choices to be made when selecting one. Below is an overview of the most common options and their characteristics.
1. Notch Lapel
- Indented corner: The notch lapel features a cut where the collar and lapel meet at a right angle.
- Versatile and classic: This is the most common lapel type, frequently seen on both business and casual suits.
- Formal and semi-formal appearance: Notch lapels are suitable for both work and semi-formal occasions but are rarely used on tuxedos or formal evening wear.
- Usage: Perfect for business suits and casual blazers, generally considered less formal than the peak lapel.
2. Shawl Lapel
- Smooth, rounded lines: The shawl lapel has no notch or pointed edges; instead, it features a seamless, rounded shape that extends from the neck to the bottom of the collar.
- Formal appearance: Due to its elegant curvature, it is often associated with evening wear and tuxedos.
- Refined and timeless: A classic choice for highly formal occasions, offering a sophisticated look.
- Usage: Primarily found on tuxedo jackets and formal coats, rarely used on business suits due to its high level of formality.
3. Peak Lapel
- Upward-pointing edges: The peak lapel has sharp points that angle upward, creating a powerful and confident look.
- Formal and refined style: This lapel is often associated with formal suits and is generally considered the most formal of the three.
- Elongates the silhouette: The pointed shape helps create a longer and slimmer appearance.
- Usage: Suitable for formal suits, three-piece suits, and evening wear. It is also increasingly used in business suits for an extra touch of elegance.
4. Round Notch Lapel
- Rounded notch: A variation of the notch lapel, featuring softer, rounded edges at the notch.
- Informal and modern: Has a more relaxed and subtle look, making it a unique choice for casual and semi-formal attire.
- A modern twist on classic design: Retains the classic appearance of a notch lapel but with a softer finish, suitable for casual or contemporary outfits.
- Usage: The round notch lapel is a great option for casual blazers and modern suits but is less commonly found in strict business or formal attire.
Summary
- Notch Lapel: Straight, versatile, suitable for business and semi-formal suits.
- Shawl Lapel: Rounded, smooth, highly formal, commonly used for tuxedos.
- Peak Lapel: Pointed, formal, and confident, ideal for formal and three-piece suits.
- Round Notch Lapel: Rounded notch, modern and subtle, perfect for casual and semi-formal suits.
When choosing a lapel style, it is essential to consider factors such as the occasion, your personal preferences, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve with your suit. Each lapel style has its own advantages, so it is worthwhile to explore different options to find the perfect match for your needs.
The most chosen option at Costumiz, as well as the most common choice overall, is the notch lapel.
