Ultimate Guide to Dinner Suit Lapel Shapes
Choosing the right lapel shape for your dinner suit will make or break your overall aesthetic!
A well-tailored dinner suit is the epitome of timeless elegance for any gentleman. Among the key elements that define the allure of a dinner suit, the lapel shape plays a pivotal role in creating the desired impression. Each lapel shape brings its own distinctive aesthetic, and understanding their nuances can help you make the perfect style statement for any occasion. Here's our concise guide to the different types of dinner suit lapel shapes:
1. Peak Lapel:
Aesthetic Benefits: The peak lapel is a bold and classic choice that exudes confidence. Its pointed edges create a sharp, angular look that emphasizes the wearer's shoulders, enhancing a masculine silhouette. The upward-pointing lines draw attention upward, making the wearer appear taller and more commanding.
Etiquette and Suitability: Perfect for formal events like weddings, galas, and black-tie affairs, the peak lapel brings a touch of glamour and sophistication. It pairs exceptionally well with a single-breasted dinner suit, and for added elegance, choose satin or grosgrain lapel facings.
The Peak Lapel - we fondly call this the Casino Royale Tux!
2. Shawl Lapel:
Aesthetic Benefits: The shawl lapel is distinguished by its rounded, continuous curve without notches or points. This lapel shape exudes elegance and refinement, making it a time-honored choice for sophisticated occasions.
Etiquette and Suitability: The shawl lapel complements traditional black-tie events and cocktail parties. Its seamless, smooth design creates a luxurious feel, and it's particularly well-suited for double-breasted dinner suits or single-breasted dinner jackets.
The Shawl Lapel, shown here in midnight blue, we call this our Skyfall Tux
3. Notch Lapel:
Aesthetic Benefits: The notch lapel features a small indent where the lapel meets the collar, offering a subtler and more modern appearance. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for a range of formal and semi-formal occasions.
Etiquette and Suitability: While not as formal as the peak or shawl lapels, the notch lapel is well-suited for business formal events, proms, and less rigid social gatherings. Opt for a single-breasted dinner suit with a notch lapel for a contemporary yet polished look.
Mazi models his wedding tux with the Notch Lapel : also made famous by Timothy Dalton in Licence To Kill!
4. Grosgrain vs. Satin Lapels:
Aesthetic Benefits: The choice between grosgrain and satin lapels adds a touch of personalization to your dinner suit. Grosgrain lapels, made of ribbed, matte fabric, offer a slightly more understated elegance, while satin lapels, with their lustrous sheen, create a captivating contrast against the main fabric.
Etiquette and Suitability: Grosgrain lapels are ideal for a refined yet less ostentatious look, suitable for various formal events. On the other hand, satin lapels elevate the formality of the dinner suit, making them ideal for black-tie galas and upscale weddings.
Remember, the lapel shape you choose can significantly impact the overall impression you create. Whether you opt for the boldness of the peak lapel, the classic charm of the shawl lapel, the modernity of the notch lapel, or the personalized touch of grosgrain or satin lapels, let your choice reflect your unique style and confidence. Pair your dinner suit with a well-fitted shirt, bow tie or tie, and classic accessories for an impeccable look that turns heads at any event.
