Lapel
luh-PEL
/ləˈpɛl/
The folded flaps of cloth on the front of a jacket or coat below the collar.
Key structural feature of tailored jackets; comes in notch, peak, or shawl styles.
The story behind the word. Derived from the diminutive of 'lap' (meaning a hanging flap or fold of fabric). As coat collars evolved in the 18th century, military uniforms began folding front flaps back, creating modern lapels.
Word relationships
- facing: Facing refers to the fabric covering the folded front, while lapel refers to the folded flap itself.
Commonly confused with
- collar: The collar wraps around the back of the neck, while lapels extend down the front of the coat chest.
Word family
- lapels (noun): Plural form of lapel.
Collocations
- notch lapel
- peak lapel
- shawl lapel
- lapel pin
Example sentences
- "The peak lapel on his tuxedo gave his silhouette a bolder, broader stance." Fashion analysis
- "She pinned a small red poppy onto the broad lapel of her winter coat." Observational detail
Memory hook
A small flap (LAP) that lies folded down on the chest near the LAp. Folded flap below the neck.
When not to use
Do not confuse with the collar itself; the lapel is the folded part below the collar join.
Fun facts
- The small buttonhole on the left lapel was originally used to button the coat closed up to the neck in cold weather.
Related words
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.