The Tuxedo Lapels Guide: Shawl vs Peak Lapel

PEAK LAPEL TUXEDOS SHAWL LAPEL TUXEDOS

You are going to buy a tuxedo. You need it, but here it comes the first question, a really important one: What lapel should I choose for my tuxedo? After reading this post you should be able to decide which one fits you the best. Tuxedo lapels stand out, as they are shiny and sometimes even in contrasting color.

The tuxedo has never gone out of style or undergone major changes even though there have been a few fads along the way. And there’s one thing you can never separate from the tuxedo; the lapel! For the sake of those men who are hard-pressed on knowing what it is; we are talking about the two flaps of fabric below the collar of a jacket or coat. The suit lapel is quite significant and does have an impact on your general outfit. This explains why it is important to know which lapel style blends perfectly with your features before buying a suit. The tuxedo lapel comes in different styles: notched, shawl, and peaked lapel tuxedos. But for the sake of this post, we’d be making a little comparison of the last two; shawl lapel vs. peaked lapel.

The Shawl Lapel

Hockerty Shawl Lapel Tuxedo

BUY THIS TUX

What is a Shawl Lapel Collar?

One unique feature of the shawl lapel is the continuous round edge that is joined at the back of the neck in a seam. The material is a continuous piece that tapers off as they go from the collar to the buttonhole. Evolving from the early long, loose Victorian smoking jackets that served to protect the wearer from smoke and ash during smoking, the shawl lapels are perfect for evening wear.

Where to Wear Shawl Lapel Suits?

The shawl lapels come in varying widths. While the broader style gives you a more classic look, the narrow shawl lapel will appear trendier. One unique feature about the shawl lapel suits is that the collar fabric is usually different from the entire that of the jacket. The fabric often used is satin.

The shawl lapel suits are perfect for high-end events and evening occasions. They won’t make sense for business wear or a casual occasion. However, they are reserved for those highly formal functions. Though white lapel on white jacket won’t be bad, a black shawl lapel on a white jacket is absolute!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hockerty (@hockerty.men) on Feb 1, 2019 at 6:00am PST

Who Can Wear Shawl Lapel Suits?

They are perfect for the taller men. This doesn't mean that if you like it and you are not as tall as an NBA player you can't wear it. If you like it, choose it. It is a classical and stylish choice. Take a look at our big and tall tuxedos landing page with Brett Morse as a model.

The Peaked Lapel

Hockerty Peak Lapel Tuxedo

BUY THIS TUX

What is a Peak Lapel Collar?

One unique identity of the peaked lapel is the way it extends sideways beyond the collar, forming a peak, unlike the shawl lapel with a continuous round edge.

With the edges pointing up towards the shoulders, the peaked lapel emphasizes the width of the shoulders as they lead the eye out and up. It also creates a narrowing effect on the waist. This design leaves the wearer with a look that shows power and authority. The width shouldn’t be too wide and shouldn’t look narrow. Three and a half to four and a half inches are best for the width.

Where to Wear Peaked Lapel Suits?

The peaked lapels are perfect on tailcoats, morning coats or dinner jackets as well as on single-breasted or double-breasted tuxedos. The peak lapel is a typical formal and business wear and never casual. In the corporate world, wearing a suit with peaked lapel is known as ‘power dressing.’ Today, it is the dominant outfit in boardrooms and other corporate events. To have the best look on a peaked lapel suit, you need to make sure that the angle of the peaks is rightly shaped. Though most tailors find it difficult to adjust, you need to always check the shape before making your purchase.

View this post on Instagram

Black Friday discount is the best opportunity to have your New Years Eve outfit ready. Take a look at this blue velvet tuxedo and customize it to your likings. Use the code BLACKFRIDAY18 and get up to 30% off sitewide

A post shared by Hockerty (@hockerty.men) on Nov 17, 2018 at 10:52am PST

Who Should Wear Peaked Lapel Suits?

The peaked lapel collar tuxedo suits make you look taller and slimmer hence are perfect for the shorter men and those on the larger side. For the very tall guys, the peaked lapel suits are certainly not the best as they only make you get unnecessary attention.

The idea here is to let you know what effect each of these tuxedo lapels would have on your overall outfit. Sure, it will also assist you in making the right choice of a suit lapel for that occasion. Enjoy and design your own custom tuxedos online

And, of course even whether it is peaked lapeled or shawled lapeled you should complement your tuxedo with tuxedo shirt and tuxedo shoes.

BUILD YOUR TUXEDO

What Shoes Are Best for a Tuxedo?

No matter if you're wearing a peak-label tux or a shawl tux, both suits are combined with the same type of dress shoes. A tuxedo involves a formal setting, therefore the shoes should be a reflection of that. If you want to stay on the safe side, go for the classic choice: Black oxfords - the shinier, the better. A more casual, yet suitable option are dress loafers. Depending on the setting and your outfit, you can get a bit more creative and even combine your tux with velvet loafers for an extra dash of style. Monk strap shoes are also a unique choice, even if they aren't your usual go-to.

Are you looking for a stylish tuxedo for your next event? Discover our wide variety of tuxedos for all shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for a big & tall tuxedo or a tuxedo with a velvet jacket, at Hockerty you will find whatever your heart desires.