The shawl lapel – also known as the shawl collar – presents a smooth and rounded edge for the lapel with no notches or points. The shawl lapel rolls backwards and tapers from the collar with the lapel meeting the jacket.
Shawl lapels in a man’s suit represent a continuous curve. These were seen initially on informal wear to be put on during the evenings, typically the smoking jackets of the Victorian era; today by contrast the shawl lapel is normally found on dinner jackets or tuxedos, and the shawl lapel gives the wearer an extremely formal appearance.
The shawl lapel may have a buttonhole towards the left that is meant to hold the boutonnière. If the flower is to be held appropriately, there will be a loop that will be attached at the backside of the lapel.