A lapel (/ləˈpɛl/ lə-PEL) is a folded flap of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat below the collar. It is most commonly found on formal clothing and suit jackets. Usually it is formed by folding over the front edge of the jacket or coat and sewing it to the collar, an extra piece of fabric around the back of the neck.
There are three basic forms of lapel: notched, peaked, and shawl. The notched lapel, the most common, is usually seen on business suits, and on more casual jackets like blazers and sport coats.[1][2] The peaked lapel is more formal, and nearly always used on double-breasted jackets, but also frequently appears on single breasted ones.[3] The shawl lapel is usually carried by tuxedos and mess jackets.[4]
- ^ Antonio (31 October 2012). "Casual Dress for Young Men: What to Wear & How to Wear It".
- ^ Flusser (2002). p. 83
- ^ Flusser (2002). p. 85
- ^ Antongiavanni (2006). p. 172