Suits are seriously on trend this spring, and that doesn’t just mean for office wear. Lapels are one of the easier focal points to place on a garment that’s begging for attention. The suiting look transitions well into a night out, and easily converts back to a day look. There are so many lapel types that can bring the eye to your center, and create an outfit that’s especially one of a kind. If you’ve ever needed guidance on what kind of lapels to use, this is that guide! With so many different lapels and variations, we’ll go over six popular lapels, and their origin!
First is your Notched Lapel. It’s probably the one you’re most familiar with, and have seen on every suit at your junior prom. Basic as it is, it’s really just a stepping stone for designers in the world of lapels. It’s popularity grew in the 80s, when the sideways “V” style was prominent. Now, it’s best used for sport coats, or even to wear for an interview!
The next lapel we have is the Peak Lapel. Completely opposite of the notched lapel, it is the most formal of all. It has a high peak, or “pointed” lapels that go directly to your shoulders. Popular in the 16th century, its design is still timeless. Originally worn by wealthier men, like Louis XIV, this lapel is perfect for a suit that needs more oomph!
Next, we have the Shawl Lapel. It’s more of a relaxed look, with perfectly rounded sides, and a continuous curve with no hard, pointed edges. It’s more suited for a nice dinner jacket, but used to be found more on the iconic smoking jacket in the late 1920s! It was an essential uniform for all men in gentlemen’s clubs to wear, but is now a fashionable way to dress up your style.
The Tuxedo Lapel is next, and is usually made up of satin, but wraps all the way around much like the shawl. Think of James Bond, and how he wore a tuxedo suit in his latest movies, then tell me it isn’t memorable! Originally born from the youthful influence of jazz, the tuxedo lapel was also heavily influenced by the notoriously well-dressed prince of Wales during the 1930s. It’s also customary to wear a boutonniere on the left of your lapel, for added style!
The Fish Mouth Lapel is essentially the notched lapel, but with a notch that resembles the mouth of a fish! It’s origin came from the basic notched lapel, with a small change to the top of the bottom lapel. The name is a little hard on the nose, but it helps with people who are visual learners. See a fish? Call it a fish! I won’t complain.
The Clover Lapel is unique, because it looks much like the lucky foliage you can find in your backyard, a four leaf clover! It has rounded edges, and peaks, and closely resembles the leaves of the plant. It’s origin is a little bit of a mystery, but my best bet is that it has to be from Ireland.
What about you? Did any of these lapel style origins surprise you? Do you know where the lucky clover lapel came from? Let us know in the comments below!
