A Choice Between Lapels: Notch, Peak and Shawl

Posted on March 3rd, 2008 by

The groom and groomsman wearing traditional black tux

Your wedding day is fast approaching, and you’ve just about run out of time to find the perfect tuxedo for the event. You wish you could come to your wedding wearing your regular jeans and tee-shirt combo, but you somehow sense that your bride and her mother won’t be too pleased with your choice of formal wear.

Lapels: A Definition

The lapel of a tuxedo suit

The word "lapel" refers to the style of the opening and the collar of your chosen tuxedo jacket. The tuxedo jacket is an essential part of men’s formal wear. Jackets can be single-breasted, double-breasted, one-buttoned, five-buttoned, long or short.

When picking out your wedding tuxedo it’s important to remember that your chosen jacket lapel style will have a direct impact on how your tuxedo jacket will look on you. Although lapels are an essential part of men’s formal wear, your choice of lapel style depends entirely on your personal preference.

The Three Lapel Styles

Peak Lapel: Out of all the three lapel styles, the peak lapel is the most popular choice available. The peak lapel has two points of fabric that run on both sides of the jacket and project upwards. The fabric narrows even further upon the point nearing the lapel and the collar, and slowly disappears into the tuxedo jacket. The peak lapel forms a broad "V-shaped" opening on the jacket.

Notch Lapel: The notch lapel has the same "V-shaped" cut as the peak lapel. The fabric also points inward where the collar and the lapel meets the jacket. Notch lapel jackets are great for accentuating shoulder width, which makes them the perfect choice for tall and broad-shouldered grooms.

Shawl Collar: The shawl collar lapel is a rounded and smooth edge lapel. The lapel rolls back and tapers from the collar until the lapel meets the jacket.