Q: I am having a black single-breasted suit custom-made. The tailor suggested peaked lapels. I’m not quite in favor of that. What do you suggest?

A: Peaked lapels on single-breasted jackets aren’t that common, but several top designers, such as Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Dior Homme, and Jil Sander, have recently started favoring them. In general, a man has to have a bit of style to carry them off. It sounds like you prefer being in the silent notched majority. George Bush does not wear peaked lapels under his flag, but many natty members of the bicoastal elite find them suave and distinctive.

February 2005

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