Jacket Collar Names: Collar vs Lapel Explained
What is the collar part of a jacket called?
The collar part of a jacket is most often called the collar, but the specific name depends on the shape and how it folds around your neck. On many tailored jackets and coats, the most noticeable “collar area” is actually a combination of the lapel (the folded front edge) and the collar stand or upper collar (the part that sits at the back of your neck).
Common names for jacket collar areas
Collar
The collar is the general term for the fabric that frames your neckline. On casual jackets (denim, bombers, truckers), “collar” usually covers the full piece you flip up or fold down.
Lapel
Lapel refers to the folded section on the front of a coat or blazer. If your jacket has a structured V opening, those folded edges are lapels, not just “the collar.” Lapels help shape the chest line and influence how formal the jacket reads.
Notch lapel, peak lapel, and shawl collar
Notch lapels have a small “step” where the collar meets the lapel (common on everyday coats). Peak lapels point upward for a sharper, dressier line. A shawl collar is a smooth, continuous curve—no notch—often seen on formal styles.
Collar stand (or neck stand)
Some jackets have a collar stand: a band that lifts the collar slightly and helps it sit cleanly around your neck. It’s subtle, but it affects comfort and whether the collar gaps when you move.
How to identify what you have on your jacket
If the fabric folds back along the front opening, you’re looking at a lapel. If it wraps around the back of your neck, that’s the collar. When both are present (common in tailored coats), the front “collar look” is mostly lapel, while the true collar is the piece across the back neckline.
Choosing the right collar style for your needs
If you want a polished, versatile coat, a notch lapel is easy to dress up or down. For stronger structure at the neck and better wind coverage, prioritize a collar with enough height to stand up comfortably and lie flat when folded. Our team breaks down fit, styling, and care for a lapel-collar coat here: https://uniqualle.com/guide-guess-womens-black-lapel-collar-coat-fit-style-care/.
FAQ
What is the difference between a lapel and a collar?
A collar wraps around the neckline, especially across the back of the neck. A lapel is the folded front edge of a jacket or coat that creates the V-shaped opening and frames the chest.
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