Roll of the lapel?

[Chad Sanborn]

Is there a way to get the roll back into a lapel that has become flattened?
Ironing is a no/no from what I understand. So whats a chap to do?

 

[Macheath]

I'm just pulling this out of my hat...

How about steaming the lapels with a dowel in place?

I don't know exactly what tailors do to acheive a proper lapel roll, but this just came to mind.

 

[Matt Deckard]

Ironing is fine, just don't go too hot for too long in the same spot. If you want a good roll, iron the lapel flat from the back (don't fold at the crease, just lay all the fabric flat) and just button the jacket.

There is material in the chest which will cause the lapel to roll right if you just keep from creating a crease.

 

[Tomasso]

And ALWAYS use a pressing cloth.

 

[Matt Deckard]

That's if you don't' want the cool shine

 

[Tomasso]

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Chad, I'm very happy that you want to roll your lapels. This 'small' detail makes an enormous difference! It is, in my opinion, the height of elegance.


(In the 1930s, 'evil rich capitalists' were lampooned in print for their top hats, derbies and rolled lapels.)

.

 

[Macheath]

If you want a good roll, iron the lapel flat from the back (don't fold at the crease, just lay all the fabric flat) and just button the jacket.

There is material in the chest which will cause the lapel to roll right if you just keep from creating a crease.

Will all jackets roll properly if you just iron them, or is the lapel's roll a function of the garment's construction somehow, meaning some will roll better than others?

 

[Tomasso]

is the lapel's roll a function of the garment's construction somehow, meaning some will roll better than others?

Yep, a lapel which has a pad stitched interlining will have a memory, whereas a lapel with a fused interlining will not.

 

[Mid-fogey]

Wow...

...the level of detail here is staggering.

 

[tjoek]

I thought from my understanding if a coat has already been cut, it could not be changed anymore.
For example if it is already cut to a three button as the finished product, it cannot change into three rolls two. I might be wrong thought.

 

[manton]

There should be a press line that extends from collar down through about the top quarter of the lapel. Below that is the roll. Basically, you want to sharpen that press line, but not continue it. Unfurl the lapel below that line and lay if flat and press the UNDERSIDE (using a press cloth, as noted, otherwise you will "cook" the natural oils in the cloth and make it shiny).

You need to do both to recreate the roll.