Jacket lapel

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Jacket lapels are the decorative revers on the face of formal jackets, most commonly found on men's clothing. They are formed by turning down the collar and turning back the top part of the jacket's closure, as in this image. Collars arose from simple necklines to support neckwear, then were turned over into lapels starting in the late 18th century.

There are three basic forms of lapels: notched, the most commonly seen, peaked and shawl. Peaked and shawl are the more formal, and notched should not be worn on anything more formal than a suit.

Often, a lapel pin is worn on the lapel of formal jackets.

[edit] Fads and trends involving lapels

In the 1970s, leisure suits were known for having exaggeratedly wide lapels.

In Punk fashion, the lapels of leather jackets are often adorned with various buttons and pins usually sporting typical "punk" images (anarchy symbols, skulls etc.) and popular punk band logos.