Lapel lapel jacket is. In a broader sense - half of the thoracic Zapashny clothing. Lapels came from military uniforms of European armies. I call on the German, Italian and Latin roots. In Russia, first appeared in naval uniform in 1724.
Lapels vary in width and shape. There are pointed and rectangular. Also, some types of merge with collar lapels. Currently lapels with uniforms moved on jackets and are usual attributes of classic suits.