Guide to Modern Suit Styles | Notch, Peak, DB & More | SUITBAE
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Suit Styles Explained | Peak Lapel, Notch Lapel, Double Breasted & More | SUITBAE
Most lads buy a suit based purely on colour, without realising the style of the lapel or jacket is just as important. Some suit details look modern and flattering, while others look dated or only work in very specific situations.
This guide explains the most common modern suit styles using real SUITBAE examples, and breaks down what actually works in 2026.
1. The Notch Lapel — The Most Modern & Versatile Lapel in 2026
If you only own one suit, it should have a notch lapel. This is the most universal lapel today — clean, modern, flattering on every build and appropriate for every kind of event.
Designers are moving back towards clean, unfussy tailoring, and the notch lapel is at the centre of that trend.
- Flattering for all body types
- Perfect for weddings, races, prom and work
- Photographs clean and balanced
- Modern without being loud
SUITBAE examples: Navy Pinstripe, Charles Stone, Thomas Check, Callum Sage.
2. Peak Lapels — Strong, Structured & Confidence-Boosting
Peak lapels are often incorrectly labelled as “more formal,” but they’re not. Many tuxedos use them, but their main purpose is to add shape and presence by directing the eye upward toward the shoulders.
They’re great for lads who want a sharper, more structured profile without looking overdressed.
- Enhance shoulder line
- Create a stronger silhouette
- Brilliant for weddings and photos
- Modern, confident and clean
SUITBAE examples: Charles Stone DB, Diablo Blood Red Tuxedo.
3. Shawl Lapels — Old-Fashioned & Only Suitable for Tuxedos
Shawl lapels were originally designed for Victorian smoking jackets — and they still look like it. The smooth, rounded lapel edge works for a tuxedo, but on a regular suit it looks dated and overly traditional.
- Outdated on normal suits
- Less flattering than notch or peak
- Easily looks cheap if the cut isn’t perfect
- Strictly for black-tie evening wear
If you want a modern tux, a peak lapel tuxedo almost always looks cleaner.
4. Double Breasted Suits — Structured & Very 2026
Double breasted suits have made a comeback because they create a naturally structured shape through the torso. They’re not “more formal” — they’re simply sharper.
- Make you look taller and broader
- Premium groom-appropriate look
- Strong silhouette in photos
- Ideal for weddings and styled events
SUITBAE examples: Lawrence Navy DB, Escobar Stone DB.
5. Double Breasted Waistcoats — The Most Premium Look in 2026
Double breasted waistcoats have exploded in popularity. They create a clean V-shape down the torso and look incredible with the jacket worn open — the defining look of 2026.
- Make you look slimmer and more structured
- Elevate even simple suits
- Look intentional in all photos
- Perfect for grooms and wedding parties
This is one of the strongest styling upgrades SUITBAE offers.
SUITBAE examples: Black Pinstripe, Charles Sky.
6. Single Breasted Suits — The Modern Standard
This is the most common suit configuration — a single row of buttons, clean lines and simple styling. Works for every event.
- Easy to wear and style
- Works for casual or formal settings
- Looks best as part of a three-piece
The cut is solid — but adding a waistcoat takes it from “good” to “sharp.”
7. Three-Piece Suits — The Cleanest Modern Look
Three-piece suits are not old-fashioned. They are the modern standard for weddings, races and prom — especially with the jacket worn open.
The waistcoat keeps everything structured, stops the shirt pulling and gives a clean shape in every photograph.
- Most flattering for bigger lads
- Jacket-open look works perfectly
- Photographs significantly better
- Ideal for every formal event
8. Two-Piece Suits — A Downgrade for Most Occasions
Two-piece suits have their place, but compared to three-piece they lose heavily in structure, shape and photography.
- No torso shaping
- Shirt creases easily and looks messy
- Less photogenic
- Can look like office-wear at weddings
- No modern jacket-open styling option
They’re fine for work — but for weddings or big events, a two-piece looks unfinished.
9. Tuxedos — Strictly Evening & Formal-Only
Tuxedos are designed for evening weddings, black-tie events and formal galas. They look strongest under artificial light and offer the sharpest silhouette possible.
- Not for daytime weddings
- Best for evening photography
- Bow tie only — never a normal tie
SUITBAE examples: Diablo Black Tuxedo, Diablo Ivory Tuxedo.
FAQ: Suit Styles Explained
What lapel style is best for most men?
The notch lapel. It’s modern, clean and works for every event.
Are peak lapels more formal?
No — they’re simply more structured. Some tuxedos use them, but they’re not inherently “more formal” than notch.
Are shawl lapels modern?
No. They’re old-fashioned.
Is a two-piece suit OK for weddings?
It’s fine only if done correctly — but a three-piece always photographs better and looks more intentional.
Is a double breasted waistcoat worth it?
Absolutely. It’s one of the most premium upgrade for 2026.
Conclusion
Suit styles matter more than most lads think. A notch lapel gives modern versatility, peak lapels add confidence, double breasted suits and waistcoats add structure, and three-piece suits remain the strongest, cleanest look for 2026.
SUITBAE’s range — from Navy Pinstripe and Charles Stone to Thomas Check, Callum Sage and Majid Black — shows how these styles come together to create sharp, modern outfits that actually suit you.
SUITBAE — Made for the moments that matter.