In the world of bespoke tailoring, the difference lies in the details. One of the most subtle yet defining features of a custom suit is the lapel style. Your choice of lapel not only reflects personal taste but also determines how your suit communicates formality, edge, and elegance.
At Bespoke Ensemble, we believe every element of your suit should harmonize with your body, your occasion, and your lifestyle. This guide dives into the three classic lapel styles—Notch, Peak, and Shawl—and shows you when and how to wear each one.
1. Notch Lapel
Often called the “default” lapel, the notch lapel is timeless, versatile, and the go-to choice for everyday elegance. It features a small “notch” or cut-out where the lapel meets the collar, creating a clean visual break.
Why choose it:
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Best suited for single-breasted business suits and blazers
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Strikes the balance between formal and casual
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Easily pairs with patterns and color — it doesn’t overpower
Style tip:
Keep the width moderate—around the width of your tie or slightly narrower. Match your lapel with your torso proportions: too wide can look overpowering, too narrow may appear trendy rather than timeless.
2. Peak Lapel
A bold, confident choice, the peak lapel has upward-pointing edges, drawing the eye up and adding a sense of authority. Once reserved for double-breasted suits, it now works beautifully on single-breasted jackets when tailored with precision.
Ideal for:
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Bespoke wedding suits
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Power dressing in corporate settings
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Making a statement with refined confidence
Style tip:
Opt for this lapel in solid, rich fabrics such as navy, charcoal, or deep seasonal wools. The sharper lines pair beautifully with structured shoulders and precise tailoring.
3. Shawl Lapel
The hallmark of formal eveningwear, the shawl lapel is smooth, unbroken, and gently curved. It’s most commonly seen on tuxedos and dinner jackets, where sophistication takes center stage.
Ideal for:
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Black-tie and formal events
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Wedding tuxedos and evening galas
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Any occasion where elegance is key
Style tip:
Choose silk or grosgrain facing for contrast against the jacket fabric. Because this lapel is sleek and understated, let other details—like buttons, lining, and fit—speak for your personality.
Choosing the Right Lapel for Your Bespoke Suit
We don’t just stop at lapel style. At Bespoke Ensemble, every lapel, button stance, shoulder line, and pocket placement is tailored to your unique preferences.
We offer:
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Over 7,000 fabrics from Italy, England, and Japan
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Fully canvassed construction and hand-sewn finishing
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Customization options such as monograms, custom buttons, and soft shoulder tailoring
Our mission is simple: to craft a suit that’s truly yours—inside and out.
Why New Yorkers Choose Bespoke Ensemble
Serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and beyond, Bespoke Ensemble brings Savile Row craftsmanship to the heart of New York City. All fittings and measurements are conducted either in person or virtually, and every suit is cut and sewn by hand right here in New York.
When clients search for:
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“custom suits NYC”
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“bespoke tailoring New York”
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“custom shirts Manhattan”
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“tailor-made tuxedos NYC”
…they find us—where craftsmanship, fit, and service come together seamlessly.
Book Your Private Consultation
Ready to experience the art of bespoke tailoring? Whether you’re seeking a classic navy suit, a wedding tuxedo, or your first custom shirt, we’ll guide you through the entire process—from selecting fabrics to your final fitting.
Your suit. Your story. Handcrafted in New York.
📍 Visit us at:
315 Madison Avenue, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10017
📞 Call us: +1 212-920-5474
📅 Book an appointment: https://www.bespokeensemble.com/appointment/
🌐 Website: www.bespokeensemble.com
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