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.

3 lapel types of suit lapels you should know. The notch lapel is the standard go to lapel for your typical two piece or three piece lounge suit being a middle ground between casual and formal and is suitable for nearly any situation or occasion so it s a safe bet if you re not sure of things or if you just want a traditional look. Notched lapels offer a typical formal look to your coat or blazer. The two basic types of tuxedos are distinguished by their lapels.

Notch lapels peak lapels and shawl lapels most suit lapels are either notch lapels or peak lapels. It also pairs well with average big tall and short thin body types. The notched lapel step collar in england is the standard lapel style for business suits and other conservative jackets. The notch lapel is a traditional middle of the road lapel choice and has long been the standard lapel style on single breasted jackets.

It is found on single as well as double breasted styles and on 2 3 and 4 button jackets. Notched lapels are the best combination of traditional and contemporary design. Notched lapels are the most common lapels seen in men s suits. These are very commonly seen in all types of coats such as casual blazers as well as full fledged business suits.

It tends to be seen as a bit more conservative and therefore more appropriate for situations where an overly flashy look would be out of place. The notch lapel is the most common lapel style on a modern mens suit. 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. Peak lapels go bolder.

Notched lapels go particularly well with certain jacket styles. We discuss some of the most common jacket styles where a notch lapel is seen below.