As you may or may not know, I am an "AllExpert" where men (and women) can write and ask any question about clothing and ettiquette.  Here's one to share with you.  To see the actual question go to the link below.

Question:

It has been a while since I wore my suits and coats. Question:
Are the notch type collar on men's suits and sports coats fashionable?
My suits and coats have the regular lapel.

Answer:

Hi Jerry,

Good answer.  Men's fashion has drastically shifted just in the past year.  Even picture books published last month about men's fashion is already outdated - that's how fast it changed.  Just a little background information - in 2000, men's fashion went towards the 3-button and more of a 1920's lapel.  Slowly, over the seasons, the 2-button began to be introduced, the the "stance" or the placement would go up just a 1/4 of an inch.  

"Mad Men" the series came and it caught on with mainstream America - the 1950's tighter body, slimmer lapel, slimmer neckwear.  The only thing with that though is the American man doesn't have the body men had in 1950.  The average sample size in 1980 was 40R - it is now 44R!

                                                                        


To answer your question - you may have gotten your lapels mixed up.  The "notch" lapel (top left) is the normal lapel you see on 90% of the suits out there.  You can see what I mean in wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacket_lapel

More and more suits are being shown as a peak lapel (above right)- the lapel usually seen as a double-breasted model.  But the modern peak lapel in a single-breasted model is "thinner".

When you mention "regular" I am hoping you just mixed up the terms.  If not, just explain to me what you are talking about.

You also state it has been awhile since you wore your suits and sport jackets. If it has been more than a couple of years, I will bet they are out of style.  So if you are in an environment where looking the part is important, I would suggest you update your wardrobe.  The three-button suit will be non-existent on the sales floor of any specialty retailer by the time new goods roll in for Fall 2010.



You can have any of your questions answered at:  www.allexperts.com