Notched collar

A tailored jacket collar with a V-shaped notch where the lapel meets the collar—the standard business-suit collar cut, distinct from shirt collar points.

How to recognize it

Notched collar shows a visible V notch at the gorge where lapel rolls from collar.

Shawl collar has no notch. Spread collar is shirt terminology.

Origin and history

Lapel articles define the notched lapel as the default single-breasted suit collar.[1] Paul Smith suit photography documents the notch cut into wool suiting.[2] Commons lapel diagrams label notched, peaked, and shawl types for comparison.[3]

Savile Row codified notch width and gorge height through the twentieth century.[1] Notched collar differs from mandarin shirt stands and sailor square flaps.[2] Plain suiting interlinings hold the notch shape.[3]

Today notched collar appears on business suits, blazers, and uniform jackets in wool and blends.[1][2] Match notch width to shoulder breadth.[3] When a jacket collar has a V at the lapel join—notched collar applies.[2]

Where it is used

Business suits, blazers, office tailoring, and service dress jackets.[1]

What is worn now

Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.

Notched collar width should balance shoulders—narrow for slim builds.[2] Standard notch on navy suit reads corporate.[1]

How it differs

Shawl has continuous roll. Lapel collar is the broader family. Revere names coat folds.[1]

Expression and impression

Notched collar reads corporate, tailored, and conventional. Narrow notch blazer reads Italian suiting.

Common questions

Notched collar vs shawl collar? Notch has a V cut; shawl is continuous.[1]

Notched collar on shirts? Shirts use spread or point collars; notch is jacket tailoring.[2]

Notched collar vs lapel? The notch is where lapel meets collar on jackets.[1]

Sources

  1. Lapel . Wikipedia Notched, peaked, and shawl lapels on tailored jackets.
  2. File:2007 Paul Smith suit, merino wool with pink windowpane check.jpg . Wikimedia Commons Paul Smith suit showing notched lapel; CC0.
  3. File:Lapel (PSF).png . Wikimedia Commons Diagram of notched, peaked, and shawl lapel types; public domain.

September 19, 2026