Disliking narrow lapels

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by kirbya

At what width are lapels classic and not subject to the changing preferences invoked by fashion? I definitely find super-skinny lapels a total fashion trend. They'll be gone as quickly as they arrived. To invest in suits with narrow lapels would then be very short-sighted and only result in wasted money after a few years.

However, I look at some of my older suits, which have lower notch stances, and I definitely find myself preferring higher stances. How much do you think that this is a function of me being influenced by fashion vs. genuine preference that will resist fashion whims?

Halfway across your chest is a safe bet. That is the "classic" width. But if you're really ignoring fashion, just decide what you like/looks good on you and get that.

The "classic" notch height is at your collarbone. The super high notch is a fad. It's not bad to like it, but it will go out of fashion, same as an extreme lapel.

 

[Parker]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I liked narrow lapels before the recent trend, will like them after.

+1. I always have and always will like the narrow 60s aesthetic.

Also, lapels shouldn't be viewed in a vacuum. All the other components (shirt collar, tie width, flap size, trouser width) should work together in harmony. You can't just change one element.

Might we be in a period where multiple trends can co-exist? I don't see the MadMen look going away that quickly. It's hard enough to get men to buy new stuff, let alone suits. I don't see them ditching their 2010 purchase for the next trend so soon. Maybe they'll just add a wide lapel TF style suit to their collection.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by Parker

+1. I always have and always will like the narrow 60s aesthetic.

Also, lapels shouldn't be viewed in a vacuum. All the other components (shirt collar, tie width, flap size, trouser width) should work together in harmony. You can't just change one element.

Might we be in a period where multiple trends can co-exist? I don't see the MadMen look going away that quickly. It's hard enough to get men to buy new stuff, let alone suits. I don't see them ditching their 2010 purchase for the next trend so soon. Maybe they'll just add a wide lapel TF style suit to their collection.

I like that idea, Parker. I hope it is true. Some Tom Ford swagger for Friday night, some Mad Men for Saturday evening, something more middle-of-the-road for the weekdays. It's pretty much my approach, where waisted coats and skinny lapels exist next to conservative suits with moderate lapels.

The funny thing about the forum's obssession with "classic" lapel width is that it overlooks all the other ways a coat/suit can look dated. The high-end RTW industry isn't in the business of providing us with "timeless" style.

 

[EdenResident]

I'll stick with "half way across the chest" here as well. I'm a skinny guy but I hate whimsy tiny lapels. This is just gross.

 

[DocHolliday]

^The lapels are the least of what's wrong with that suit.

 

[UrbanComposition]

I like it as a style. Obviously it's not the perfect proportion, especially if you're wider than a 40, but if you're a skinny guy, I think it can look pretty cool. So did these guys, apparently:

 

[DocHolliday]

^A man after my own heart.

 

[WhateverYouLike]

Are you all trying to get suits that conform to one aesthetic? Seems boring to me. I have wide and narrow lapels, high and low gorges. Unless you're trying to

everything, why can't you just wear all of them?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Originally Posted by WhateverYouLike

Are you all trying to get suits that conform to one aesthetic? Seems boring to me. I have wide and narrow lapels, high and low gorges. Unless you're trying to

everything, why can't you just wear all of them?

You may not like everything and/or that requires more items and more $$$.

 

[EdenResident]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

^The lapels are the least of what's wrong with that suit.

Agreed.

 

[BlackBrumel]

Originally Posted by musicguy

I'm beginning to dislike narrow lapels. I own a few jackets/suits with narrow lapels and for the past few months, I have been wanting to wear them less and less. With the market saturation of narrow lapels, I think it's heyday is over, at least for another 20 years.

Who's with me?

Having a wider face, narrow lapels never worked for me. Wider lapels work as a better frame. To match, I wear wider shirt collars, not to mention and ties w/ at least 3,5".

cheers

 

[Dinky89484]

Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox

damn it i just bought my first and only narrow lapel slim fitting suit i guess i need to wear it while i can before the style nazi's stop me
I'm no fashion guru and I definitely scour the SF forum for advice and tips...but when I think about it, I think in general, most people aren't going to notice whether your lapel is narrow or wide...just my thought at least. Before coming onto SF, I never even bothered to look at someone's lapels (peak or notch, wide or narrow).

 

[musicguy]

..

 

[lasbar]

Originally Posted by musicguy

..

.. ? More ... to me.

 

[SpallaCamiccia]

Originally Posted by w.o.e.is.me.

yup. i definitely prefer them bigger and wider.

As woman does!

I also dislike that **** oriented D&G lapels.