At English Cut, we tend to use two different styles of lapel: a notch lapel and a peak lapel (with the shawl lapel saved for formalwear such as smoking jackets and dinner jackets). In relation to lapel widths, we try to keep them balanced in accordance with the client’s chest size. That’s very important if you wish to have a timeless and classic-style suit or jacket. For instance, if someone goes from a size 40 to a 42 chest, you increase the size of the lapel slightly.

Towards the start of this decade, the trend was the skinny side for jackets, trousers, ties and lapels. But back in the day, they were very wide – fashion changes like that.

Over the last two to three years, we’ve seen a slight shift, and lapels have gotten a little bit wider again. Which could well be seen as a nod to the retro fad that seems to be have been revitalised, not just in style and fashion but in many different areas, such as the resurgence of record players and Polaroid cameras.

You even see some people with 5in lapels, akin to the ones worn in the early 1970s. The trouble is, whether your lapels are on the slim or the wide side, it can date the garment very quickly. If you keep something balanced, it will never go out of style, as mentioned before, it’s classic and timeless – that’s the English Cut way!