Style tip 3 : The lapel

Style of lapel

Lapels are the folded flaps of fabric at jacket/ coat’s front. It is made by folding the front edge of the jacket/ coat. The width of the lapel is dictated by the present fashion trends or you can also decide this factor keeping in mind your own physical structure. This is an important design element, so do not ignore it as it can be the deciding factor how your perfect suit is going to look like. There are three basic styles of lapel: peak lapel, notch lapel and shawl lapel.

1. Peak lapel: When the fabric at front edge of the jacket/ coat is cut in an upward slant, is called a peak lapel. This style is more formal and it is mostly found in double breasted jackets/ coats. Though one can get it made in single breasted jacket also (but it’s a difficult job for the tailor). This style is also known as “pointed lapel”. This design element is suitable for tall and lanky man, short and thin should avoid it. Take a look at the picture of peak lapel...

2. Notch lapel: When the front edge of the jacket/coat is cut and sewn at an angel who resembles like a triangle, is called notch lapel. You will find this style only in single breasted jacket/ coat. The style is more casual than formal and is mostly found in blazers, casual jackets/ coats. This particular style is also known as “step lapel” or “step collar” in British English. This is how a notch lapel looks like...

3. Shawl lapel: Shawl lapel sits around the neck and chest with no cut or angular shape. It looks like a shawl draped around the neck. It is a common design feature in Dinner jackets, tuxedos. I personally find it more stylish than the other two as it makes you stand out in the crowd. But you have to follow a certain degree of formality while wearing it as you cannot wear it and go to a board meeting, instead wear it for less formal occasions like dinner party, evening functions.

Enjoy.

Style tip 2 : Style of suit : single or double breasted.

Whenever we decide to buy a suit or get it tailor made, The first thing which comes to our mind is the style of the suit.  Here i will try to explain two basic styles of suits, which are "classics". I have used the term "classic" because they never go out of fashion no matter what.

1. Single breasted jacket: A single breasted jacket has only one row of buttons, and approximately 1 inch over lapping of plackets at front. Single Breasted jacket is more versatile and contemporary and it looks more fashionable too. This style looks great on short men and is also suitable for tall men as it gives the illusion of height, which makes it more versatile than double breasted jacket. Here how a fine Single breasted jacket looks like...

2.Double breasted jacket: The two plackets of double breasted jackets over lap each other at about 4- 6 inches, which gives two vertical rows of buttons at front. Only one vertical pair of buttons has their corresponding button holes. This is how a classic double breasted jacket looks like. The elegance and sophistication of the style makes it a staple in every man’s wardrobe. The double breasted jacket makes the wearer look broader as it emphasizes the span of chest, thus giving an optical illusion of broadness. This optical illusion makes this style more appropriate for tall man with good built, short and stout man should avoid this style. Take a look at the picture of double breasted jacket below.

Bonus information.

Suit thread count

Thread count not only determines the price of suit/ fabric but, it also tells the quality of the suit. Higher the thread count, finer and comfortable the suit is. In technical language thread count is referred as to “Super number”, for suits only. The finest suits have super number in range of 450. If you cannot afford to buy a new suit every season or two, then you should avoid buying suits with super number in range of 450 or so.