A lapel is the folded flap of fabric on the front of a coat or jacket, where the collar meets the chest. If you've ever seen a suit jacket, blazer, or fancy coat, those triangular pieces of fabric that fold back on each side are the lapels.

Lapels serve both practical and decorative purposes. They frame the face and create clean lines in formal clothing. People often pin things to their lapels: a boutonniere at a wedding, a small flag pin, or a ribbon supporting a cause they care about. When politicians appear on television, you might notice a flag pin on their lapel.

During important ceremonies, people sometimes wear medals or honors pinned to their lapels. If someone grabs you “by the lapels,” they're clutching the front of your jacket, usually while speaking urgently or angrily.

Different lapel styles exist: notched lapels have an angled cut where they meet the collar, peaked lapels point upward, and shawl lapels curve smoothly without any notch at all.