How to Choose the Best Lapel for Your Body Type and Event

As designer menswear specialists, we understand that the right lapel can make all the difference. With our 20 years of experience and our iconic location at 569 Danforth Ave in Toronto, we've helped countless businessmen and executives find the perfect lapel to complement their style and physique. 

Let us walk you through the world of lapels and explore how to choose the best one for you.

Types of Lapels

Notch Lapel

Notch lapel

The notch lapel is the most versatile and common style in our collection. It features a 90-degree opening where the collar meets the lapel, creating a "notch". This lapel type is a staple in our Boss and Coppley suit lines, perfect for business suits, blazers, and sports coats.

Peak Lapel

Peak lapel

Peak lapels have a closed gorge with the lapel pointing upwards towards the shoulder. At Carpe Diem Men, you'll find this style prominently featured in our Boss, Pal Zileri, and Coppley collections, especially on double-breasted jackets and tuxedos. The peak lapel adds a touch of sophistication that our executive clientele appreciates, especially for black-tie events.

Shawl Lapel

Shawl lapel

Photo Credit: Paul Betenly 

The shawl lapel is a continuous curved lapel without any notches or peaks. In our store, you'll find this elegant style on our finest tuxedos, perfect for those black-tie events that demand the utmost in formality and style.

Choosing the Right Lapel for Your Body Type

Choose a lapel that compliments your build

Slim or Average Build

If you have a slim or average build, you have more flexibility in lapel choice. We recommend a notch lapel with a width between 3 1/8" to 3 3/8" for average body types. For our slimmer clients, we often suggest narrower lapels, around 2.75" to 3" wide, which you'll find in many of our Boss suits.

Broad or Heavyset Build

For our broader or heavyset clients, we typically recommend wider lapels (3 3/8" to 3 5/8") to help balance proportions. A peak lapel from our Pal Zileri collection can be particularly flattering, as it draws the eye upward and creates a slimming effect.

Short Stature

If you're on the shorter side, we often suggest a notch lapel with a moderate width to maintain balanced proportions. We carry a variety of brands that offer options for this body type. A peak lapel can also add the illusion of height, which many of our clients find beneficial.

Tall Build

Tall men can generally wear any lapel style in our collection. However, we often find that wider lapels complement a tall frame better, especially if you're also broad-shouldered. 

At Carpe Diem Men, we provide complimentary in-house tailoring when purchasing most suits. Our Master Tailor will work closely with you to ensure your suit is expertly customized for a flawless fit, tailored to your unique body shape.

Selecting Lapels for Different Events

Business and Professional Settings

For business suits and professional environments, we typically recommend the notch lapel. Its clean, classic design offers a versatile option that’s appropriate for most workplaces, seamlessly blending professionalism with understated elegance—a style our executive clients prefer.

The beauty of a notch lapel lies in its adaptability. It can easily be dressed up with a crisp white shirt and a silk tie for more formal business settings or important meetings, projecting authority and refinement. On the other hand, the same notch lapel jacket can be dressed down by pairing it with an open-collared shirt and more casual trousers, making it suitable for less formal environments or business-casual settings, without compromising class. 

Formal Events

Peak lapels are an excellent choice for more formal occasions, offering a sharp and distinguished look. Many of our clients opt for peak lapel when attending weddings, galas, or important business functions. The peak lapel's upward slant naturally draws attention, adding an extra layer of panache to your outfit. Its bold, structured design elevates the overall silhouette, making it a go-to option for those looking to make a strong, stylish statement.

Black Tie Affairs

For the most formal events, we often recommend a shawl lapel featured on one of our premium tuxedos. With its smooth, rounded design, the shawl lapel exudes timeless elegance, making it ideal for black-tie affairs, gala dinners, and high-society events. Its polished silhouette adds a touch of class that ensures you stand out for all the right reasons, providing an elevated and distinguished appearance that’s perfect for the most exclusive occasions.

Casual or Semi-Formal Events

A notch lapel works well for casual or semi-formal events. We might suggest experimenting with a slim lapel from our Boss collection for a more modern look in less formal settings.

Conclusion

Carpe Diem Men Toronto, Greektown

At Carpe Diem Men, we understand that choosing the right lapel is about finding a style that complements your body type, suits the occasion, and reflects your personal taste.

Our experienced staff is always ready to guide you through our extensive collection, ensuring you find the perfect suit with the ideal lapel for your needs.

Remember, while these guidelines can help you make informed choices, personal style, and comfort should always play a role in your decision.

We're here to help you find a lapel style that complements your body type and suits the occasion and makes you feel confident and stylish. 

After all, at Carpe Diem Men, we believe that when you look good, you feel good, and that's what truly matters.

Visit us at 569 Danforth Avenue to receive expert styling advice and take advantage of our complimentary in-house tailoring.

Let our experienced team help you create the perfect look for your next event.