Notch Lapel
Which Tuxedo Lapel Do You Like?
Peak,shawl or notch?
My nine-word explanation of tuxedo lapels: Peak most formal, shawl most traditional, notch most common.
I’ve always had a great fondness for the shawl collar. The gentle curve is pleasing, and it is rare enough today to be unique in an edgy sort of way. In my book, a good narrow shawl collar is hard to beat:
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Introduction/Stratford_28&29may2007_%20(41)C.jpg
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Hollywood/2008_Clooney2.jpg
Besides, Bogart’s double-breasted ivory shawl collar? Enough said.
I find that the peak lapel is all too often exaggeratedly wide:
http://magnolic.ipower.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=88&osCsid=b0e13567d74d6dde16d9812349866cc3
That said, when done well, peak is exceedingly smart:
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Hollywood/bradpitt-amightyheartpremiere-may21_2007_001_lacroix_wireimage.jpg
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Hollywood/2008_DiddyP_01.jpg
Like the shawl collar, a good peak lapel is a narrow peak lapel. When you play with satin, more is less.
Traditionalists give the notch lapel a bad rap, which is a little unfair–it may be a concession to economics, yes, but I like to think of it as the embodiment of the democratic ideal that even the common man should be able to afford a basic tuxedo. Besides, if the rest of the outfit is kept classic, the notch lapel can be perfectly sharp:
http://www.mlahanas.de/Greece/History/Portraits/PrincePhilip.jpg
http://images15.fotki.com/v265/photos/8/83243/347917/JamesBond-vi.jpg
Oh, I could never choose one.
Lapel Collar Fashion Designs : Notched Collar Fashion Design
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