Peak Lapel vs Notch Lapel

Made to Measure jacket lapel style examples — Examples from our Made to Measure style book showing different jacket front and lapel options.

The lapel is one of the most noticeable parts of a jacket. Two of the most common styles are the notch lapel and the peak lapel, each with its own character.

Notch Lapel

A notch lapel is the classic everyday jacket lapel. It is suitable for business suits, sports jackets, tweed jackets and most traditional tailoring. For many customers, it is the safest and most versatile choice.

Peak Lapel

A peak lapel points upwards towards the shoulder and gives a slightly sharper, more formal appearance. It is often used on double-breasted jackets, dinner jackets and more formal suits.

Livingston Advice

For a suit that needs to serve many purposes, a well-proportioned notch lapel is hard to beat. A peak lapel can be excellent for a wedding suit or formal jacket, but it should be chosen with the cloth and occasion in mind.

Return to the Livingston Cloth & Tailoring Guide.