The Notch Lapel Suit Guide

When it comes to men’s fashion, the devil’s in the details, and the notch lapel is the ultimate example of subtle elegance. It’s the Brad Pitt of lapels—efficiently cool, universally appealing, and always in style, whether on classic single-breasted suits, smart blazers, or semi-formal ensembles. notch lapels are a go-to for anyone who values understated elegance. Here’s everything you need to know about this all-star of lapel styles. 

1. What Are Notch Lapels?

Notch lapels are characterized by a small V-shaped cut where the collar and lapel meet. This subtle design detail is what makes them both understated and elegant. They’re found on:

• Single-breasted suits (the go-to for most occasions)
• Blazers (perfect for smart-casual settings)
• Sport coats (for a more relaxed vibe)

Key Features of Notch Lapels:

• V-Shaped Cut: A subtle notch where the lapel meets the collar, adding a polished touch.

• Universal Appeal: Works for a variety of body types, styles, and occasions.

• Clean and balanced look: neither too flashy nor too formal, making it a versatile choice.

2. A Brief History of Notch Lapels

The notch lapel has its roots in 19th-century menswear, when frock coats began evolving into modern-day suits. Its understated design quickly became the standard for everyday tailoring, offering a middle ground between the formal peak lapel and the dressy shawl lapel.

Over the decades, notch lapels have remained a symbol of timeless elegance, worn by everyone from Cary Grant to today’s most stylish men.

3. Why Choose a Notch Lapel Suit?

Here’s why the notch lapel is the MVP of suit styles:

• Versatility: From job interviews to dinner dates, notch lapels adapt effortlessly to almost any occasion.
• Timeless: Unlike trendy designs that fade, notch lapels are a long-term investment for your wardrobe.
• Universal: The clean lines and balanced proportions of notch lapels work well on all body types, making them a safe yet stylish choice.

4. Why Do Notch Lapels Look Different?

One of the most defining features of a notch lapel suit is the gorge—the angle and placement where the collar meets the lapel. While it may seem like a small detail, the gorge significantly influences the overall look of the suit and how well it compliments your frame.

5. Lapel Placement of Notch Lapel Suit

The placement of the notch influences the visual balance of the suit, as well as the perceived proportions of the wearer’s body. It’s where the lapel meets the collar, forming the characteristic “notch” shape.

Standard Placement: Positioned at or slightly above the collarbone, this notch placement is common in traditional suits. It’s suitable for all face shapes, neck lengths, and body types, offering a timeless, universally flattering look. It ensures balanced proportions, making it perfect for both formal and semi-formal occasions.

Higher Notch: Positioned closer to the neck, this notch placement is ideal for shorter or stockier individuals looking to elongate their torso and neck. It creates a modern, edgy vibe, perfect for fashion-forward or bespoke suits. However, if exaggerated, it can appear too trendy, so it works best in tailored fits or contemporary designs.

Lower Notch: Positioned closer to the chest, this notch is ideal for taller individuals with long torsos or those aiming for a vintage-inspired look. It adds visual width to the chest and shoulders and is often seen in traditional or retro suits, such as wide-lapel double-breasted styles.

6. The Impact of Gorge Placement and Angle

High Gorge: Positioned closer to the shoulders, a high gorge creates a modern, sleek look that elongates the torso and adds a sense of boldness. This placement is ideal for shorter individuals, as it visually lengthens the upper body.

Low Gorge: A gorge placed lower on the chest offers a more classic and traditional vibe. This style suits taller or slimmer individuals by balancing their proportions and adding visual weight to their frame.

Notch Angle: The sharpness or softness of the notch angle further refines the lapel's appearance. Sharper angles exude a dramatic and edgy flair, while softer angles lean towards a relaxed and approachable aesthetic.

At Hangrr, we take pride in crafting bespoke suits with gorge details that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. We take these details into account to craft a design that not only fits but flatters. With bespoke tailoring, every aspect of the lapel is adjusted to complement your unique body type, ensuring a polished and perfectly proportioned look.

7. The difference of lapel width on notch lapel suits

Achieving the perfect lapel width and placement is essential to ensure a suit looks proportionate, stylish, and tailored to your unique body type and preferences. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of the key factors to consider:

Classic Width (2.5–3 inches): Ideal for most body types, including average builds and athletic frames, this versatile lapel width offers a timeless, universally flattering style. Perfect for business or formal occasions, it balances the suit’s proportions without being overly modern or retro, making it a safe and elegant choice for conservative settings.

Slim Width (2–2.5 inches): Best for lean individuals and modern slim-fit suits, this lapel width offers a sleek, trendy look suited for casual or minimalist styles. It’s ideal for young professionals seeking a contemporary aesthetic but may not suit broader frames or age well due to its association with fashion trends.

Wide Width (3.5 inches or more): Best for larger frames or broad-shouldered individuals, wide lapels add a bold, classic edge to the suit. Ideal for vintage-inspired or power dressing looks, they enhance double-breasted suits. However, they can overwhelm smaller frames, so it’s important that the suit’s other elements, like the shoulders and chest, complement the wide lapels.

8. Types of Suits Featuring Notch Lapels

Single-Breasted Suits: The most common pairing for notch lapels, single-breasted suits are versatile and easy to style. Whether in navy, charcoal, or a bold plaid, they’re a wardrobe staple.

Blazers: A notch lapel blazer adds a polished touch to smart casual outfits. Pair it with chinos or dark jeans for a look that’s sharp but not overly formal.

Sport Coats: For more relaxed occasions, a sport coat with notch lapels offers a stylish yet laid-back aesthetic. Think earthy tones or textured fabrics like tweed.

9. When to Wear a Notch Lapel Suit 

Notch lapels are perfect for these occasions:

Business Settings: Notch lapels are the standard for professional attire. Pair your suit with a crisp dress shirt and tie for a polished look that means business.

Weddings and Formal Events: While peak lapels are the go-to for tuxedos, notch lapels on a dark single-breasted suit can work beautifully for semi-formal weddings or cocktail parties.

Casual Chic: For less formal gatherings, a notch lapel blazer or sport coat with a pocket square strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined.

10. How to Style Notch Lapels

Nail the Fit: Fit is everything. A well-tailored notch lapel suit enhances your silhouette and ensures you look effortlessly put-together.

Accessorize Smartly: Add a tie or pocket square to elevate your look. For business, keep it simple. For parties, play with bold patterns and colours.

Choose the Right Fabric: Wool and wool blends are classics for notch lapel suits. For warmer weather, opt for lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton. Custom tailoring allows you to explore fabrics that best suit your style and comfort.

11. Notch Lapels vs. Other Lapels

The most versatile of the three, notch lapels strike a balance between formality and approachability, making them suitable for a wide range of events. 

Peak Lapels: More formal and dramatic, peak lapels are found on tuxedos and double-breasted suits. They’re perfect for commanding attention but can feel overdressed for casual settings.

Shawl Lapels: With their smooth, rounded edges, shawl lapels exude elegance but are reserved for ultra-formal occasions like black-tie events.

12. Custom-Made Notch Lapel Suits

When it comes to bespoke/custom-made suits, the notch lapel becomes more than just a design detail—it transforms into a canvas of personalization and craftsmanship. The angle, width, and gorge placement of the lapel can all be tailored to enhance the wearer's physique and reflect their individual style. A higher gorge creates a modern, elongated silhouette, while a lower gorge offers a more traditional, timeless appeal. Similarly, the sharpness or subtlety of the notch can shift the aesthetic from bold to understated.

Why Hangrr Custom Notch Lapel Suits Are Worth It

At Hangrr, we know notch lapels aren’t just a detail—they’re a statement. That’s why every Hangrr custom suit is designed to make you feel unstoppable. With our cutting-edge AI fit technology, we craft notch lapel suits that look sharp and fit even sharper.

Here’s why Hangrr is your ultimate suiting destination:

• Tailored to Perfection: Forget awkward fits. Our suits are custom-made to match your exact measurements.

• Premium Fabrics: From classic wools to luxe velvet, we source only the finest materials for a suit that feels as good as it looks.

• Sustainable Style: Every suit is made-to-order, reducing waste and keeping it eco-friendly.

• Vegan Options: Looking for cruelty-free suit options? We’ve got you covered with our vegan suit collection.

When you wear a Hangrr notch lapel suit, you’re not just suiting up—you’re leveling up. Ready to own the room? Start designing your custom look today.

Conclusion

Notch lapels are the ideal pick for anyone aiming to create a wardrobe that’s both classic and adaptable. They exude style without over-the-top flair, making them perfect for everything from daily wear to memorable events. Whether you’re commanding a boardroom or celebrating a milestone, a notch lapel suit is always a reliable choice. So, take a cue from the timeless charm of Cary Grant and let the subtle sophistication of notch lapels elevate your look.