When you’re shopping for a suit, it’s inevitable that you’ll see a lot of single breasted jackets with a classic notched lapel.
If you’d like to add something different to your wardrobe, keep an eye out for the single breasted peaked lapel.
Lapels make up an important part of a suit’s overall expression. While secondary to the shoulders, they play an important role in framing your face (just like other elements such as the shirt collar and tie).
Notched Lapel
The single breasted 2-button notched lapel suit is currently the standard in American business dress.
A tailor creates the notch when sewing the collar to the body of the jacket at an angle.
Among these suits, one important variation is the height of the lapel gorge. A lower gorge means the lapel breaks closer to the middle of the body.
With a higher gorge, the lapels break near the shoulders and the notch is positioned near the collarbone. Today’s suits are definitely trending toward this style with a high gorge / high notched lapel.
Peaked Lapel
A peaked lapel is a stylish detail – and special because it requires greater tailoring skill.
It’s the standard on double breasted suits and common on dinner jackets. Occasionally, you’ll see a single breasted suit with a peaked lapel.
Brands like Tom Ford and Phineas Cole make beautiful suits with wide peaked lapels. They make a bold statement, with the lapels stretching out like wings toward the shoulders.
Some people may hesitate to wear a peaked lapel suit in a business setting. I don’t think it’s a reason to worry, especially if you choose a modest one like the ISAIA above.
If you already have a few notch lapel business suits, then it’s probably a great time to add one with a peak.