Lapel

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ləˈpɛl/

Definitions

1. A narrow strip of fabric that is part of a garment's collar | The projecting, folded part of a coat or jacket worn on either side of the neck | A decorative feature on clothing that extends from the collar area and can be buttoned or left open
2. A folded section of fabric attached to the collar of a garment that can serve decorative functions and sometimes includes buttons or denotes style | A prominent fabric detail found on the collar of outer garments that enhances aesthetics and may have functional elements like buttons | A part of clothing that protrudes from the collar area, typically adding flair to outerwear while possibly allowing for fastening options
3. A decorative strip of fabric that extends from the collar area of a garment, often designed for aesthetic appeal and sometimes featuring buttons | A projecting piece of fabric from a garment's collar intended to provide style and occasionally functionality through buttoning options | An ornamental element on the collar of clothing that branches outward and can serve both decorative and practical purposes, including the option to fasten with buttons

Etymology: The word originated in the world of tailoring and fashion, where precision and terminology have long been essential. It emerged in English during the 17th century, initially referring to the flap of fabric on a coat or jacket that folds back from the collar. This functional piece of clothing allowed for flexibility and style, often revealing an inner lining or contrasting fabric beneath. Its roots trace back to the French word "revers," meaning "turn back," which described the part of the garment that was turned outward. However, "lapel" itself is believed to derive from a diminutive form related to the verb "laper," meaning "to fold" or "to flap," illustrating how the term captures the action of folding back the fabric. Over time, English speakers adopted and adapted it to describe this specific garment feature. In the centuries following its introduction, the term expanded beyond mere description to carry cultural and stylistic significance. Lapels became a canvas for personal expression through the width, shape, and embellishments like buttonholes and pins. The evolution of fashion in the 19th and 20th centuries saw lapels vary widely, from the narrow styles of the 1920s to the broad, pointed versions popular in the 1970s. While firmly rooted in clothing, the word occasionally appears metaphorically, hinting at exposure or revelation, much like how a turned-back flap reveals what lies beneath. This subtle linguistic connection highlights how a simple piece of fabric folded back can inspire a term that embodies both physical form and symbolic openness.

Synonyms: collar, flap