Question:
I purchased an Oxxford suit of ebay. It is some years old, and the lapel notches have a sort of downward orientation for lack of a better term. By that I mean that if one drew a line bisecting the lapel notch, it would point slightly downward (not up toward the shoulder like my neapolitan suits).
The notches themselves sit about two inches below my collar bone -- not high but also not absurdly low, like one of those old armani's.
My question is two-fold:
First, does the notch style I have date the suit and make it look out of place in a modern office?
Second, would anyone recommend having the notch altered, perhaps by raising the top of the notch, making it more vertical (about a 40 degree angle from 35)? Also, is there any way to slightly raise the bottom of the notch, bringing it slightly closer to horizontal (from 45 degrees to perhaps 40)?
Answer:
You know, I was at BG yesterday and saw a wonderful 3 pc Oxxford suit.... except that the lapels had the same bizarre shape as you described. Maybe someone who has experience with Oxxford can enlighten us on the subject of whywhywhy...
Answer:
Oxxford has used that shape of notch for years, and in fact to the cognoscenti it is a giveaway of a traditional Oxxford suit. By contrast, some Neapolitan suitmakers like Kiton favor a very openmouthed notch called a "fishmouth." And French suits seem to use a conspicuously closed, angled notch.
In sum, these variations won't date your suit, they will make it more interesting to those in the know.
Answer:
Thanks guys. I feel better now, in that at least there is some positive aspect. The lapel shape has grown on me, although not to the point where I love it.
Anyone else have any comments, especially on the feasibility of a change?
