What Is a Lapel? Meaning, Types & Custom Lapel Pin Guide

A lapel is the folded section of fabric on the front of a jacket or coat, located below the collar and extending toward the chest. Lapels are most commonly found on suits, blazers, tuxedos, dinner jackets, and tailored coats.

The three main types are notch, peak, and shawl lapels. Their shape influences how formal a jacket looks, how it frames the upper body, and where accessories such as a boutonniere or lapel pin are worn.

What Is a Lapel?

A jacket lapel begins below the collar and folds outward along the front opening of the garment. The point where the collar and lapel meet is called the gorge. The height and angle of the gorge, together with the width and shape of the lapel, help define the jacket's style.

Lapels are not simply decorative. They are part of the jacket's construction and visual balance. They guide the eye upward toward the face, connect the collar to the jacket front, and help communicate whether the garment is intended for business, formalwear, or a more relaxed setting.

• Location: The folded front section below the jacket collar
• Connection: Meets the collar at a point called the gorge
• Style function: Changes the jacket's proportion and formality
• Accessory function: Provides the traditional position for a flower or lapel pin

Where Is the Lapel on a Jacket?

Look at the front of a suit jacket or blazer. Start at the collar near the neck, then follow the folded fabric downward toward the chest. The section on each side of the jacket opening is the lapel.

Many jackets have a small buttonhole on the left lapel. It was traditionally used to hold a boutonniere and remains the standard reference point for placing a lapel pin. Some jackets also have a small loop behind the lapel to secure a flower stem.

The Three Main Types of Lapels

Notch Lapel

The notch lapel is the most common and versatile style. It has a visible V-shaped opening where the collar meets the lapel. Notch lapels appear on business suits, everyday blazers, sports jackets, and many smart-casual garments.

Because it sits comfortably between casual and formal, a notch lapel is often the safest choice for a first suit or a jacket intended for different occasions.

Peak Lapel

A peak lapel points upward and outward toward the shoulders. The shape creates a stronger line across the chest and can make the jacket appear more structured and authoritative.

Peak lapels are closely associated with double-breasted suits and formal tailoring. They also appear on statement blazers and tuxedos when a sharper, more distinctive look is wanted.

Shawl Lapel

A shawl lapel forms one smooth, rounded curve from the collar down the front of the jacket. It has no notch or pointed peak. This uninterrupted line produces a softer and more elegant appearance.

Shawl lapels are most commonly seen on tuxedos, dinner jackets, and other eveningwear. They are less common on standard business suits.

Lapel vs Collar: What Is the Difference?

The lapel and collar are connected, but they are not the same part of the jacket. The collar surrounds the back and sides of the neck. The lapels fold across the front of the chest. They meet at the gorge and are designed to appear visually continuous.

Why Do Lapels Matter?

Lapel shape and width affect the proportion of a jacket. A wider lapel can create a stronger, more traditional silhouette, while a narrow lapel often feels slimmer and more contemporary. The ideal width should relate to the jacket's shoulders, chest, opening, and—when worn—the width of the tie.

Lapels also provide a natural place for small accessories. A boutonniere, flower pin, enamel pin, logo badge, or commemorative lapel pin can add personality without overwhelming the jacket. This is one reason lapel pins remain popular for corporate events, clubs, organizations, weddings, awards, and branded merchandise.

Where Should a Lapel Pin Be Worn?

A lapel pin is traditionally worn on the left lapel of a jacket, usually close to or through the lapel buttonhole. If the jacket does not have a visible buttonhole, position the pin in approximately the same area: above the breast pocket and below the shoulder line.

How High Should a Lapel Pin Sit?

Most lapel pins look best around the upper-middle section of the lapel. The exact position depends on the width and shape of the lapel, but the pin should generally sit comfortably above the breast pocket.

For larger custom pins, avoid placing them too close to the outer edge of the lapel. Leaving some fabric around the design helps the pin look balanced and prevents it from pulling the lapel outward.

Can You Wear a Lapel Pin Without a Buttonhole?

Yes. A lapel buttonhole is the traditional placement guide, but it is not required. A standard butterfly clutch, rubber clutch, magnetic backing, or other pin attachment can secure the pin directly through the lapel fabric.

For delicate jackets or garments where you want to avoid piercing the fabric, a magnetic attachment may be worth considering.

Lapel Pins vs Enamel Pins

The terms lapel pin and enamel pin often overlap. “Lapel pin” describes how or where a pin is worn, while “enamel pin” usually refers to how the pin is manufactured.

A custom enamel pin can therefore be used as a lapel pin, hat pin, backpack pin, uniform badge, collectible pin, or promotional item.

Choosing a Custom Lapel Pin

If you are designing custom lapel pins for a business, organization, event, or merchandise collection, the best manufacturing method depends on the artwork and the look you want to achieve.

• Hard enamel: Smooth, polished, premium appearance
• Soft enamel: Raised metal lines with recessed color areas
• Die struck: Classic all-metal appearance without enamel color
• UV printing: Useful for gradients, tiny details, and complex artwork
• Custom plating: Gold, silver, black nickel, rose gold, antique finishes, and more

For a deeper comparison, see our hard enamel vs soft enamel pin guide, or explore our custom hard enamel pins and custom soft enamel pins.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lapels