crosslapelled

Crosslapelled is an adjective used in fashion and costume design to describe garments whose lapels cross over at the front, typically forming an intersecting or X-like line rather than meeting along a single edge. The term is most often applied to jackets, coats, and waistcoats where the lapel pieces are shaped or arranged so that one lapel crosses over the other before reaching the fastening.

In construction, crosslapelling requires a tailored front pattern that allows the lapels to cross. Designers may add an overlay panel or extend the lapels so they cross near the chest, then secure with hidden or visible closures. The effect is primarily visual, emphasizing diagonal lines and a dynamic silhouette. Fabric weight and stiffness influence how crisply the crossing stays defined, and some garments rely on structural interfacing to maintain the intended shape.

Crosslapelled designs appear mainly in avant-garde work, costume design, or reinterpretations of historical styles, rather than mainstream ready-to-wear. They are seen in runway collections, theatre costumes, or period-inspired garments where front detailing can evoke formality, drama, or a contemporary edge. The term is most common in design notes and pattern discussions and is less typical in everyday menswear or conventional tailoring.

Related terms include lapel styles such as notch, peak, and shawl, though crosslapelled describes a specific frontal arrangement rather than a standard lapel shape. The word combines cross with lapel and the suffix -ed to indicate a garment featuring crossing lapels.