The cookie-cutter two and three button suits are apt for everyday wear, but nothing compares to the swaggering double breasted suit. The overlapping suit jacket is glamorous and heritage-laden, and is quintessentially gentlemanly. In the battle of single breasted vs. double breasted, the latter is ostensibly losing out. This is indicative of the pedestrian and casual nature of menswear trends. Today, only a few men know about wearing the double breasted suit.
What is a Double Breasted Suit?
A double breasted suit is one which has a symmetrical arrangement of buttons on either side, with the buttons fastening from left to right. This piece of suit demands a lot of time and effort to create and wear, but then the payoffs are fantastic. If the question pertains to single or double breasted suit, what it really means is whether you have a double breasted suit or not.
When to Wear a Double Breasted Suit: The double breasted suit is perfect for formal occasions like corporate get-togethers and parties. It is a stylish ensemble which conveys the message without attracting undue attention.
How to Wear Double Breasted Suit
- What is Your Body Shape? The double breasted suit looks great on a man who is of tall or medium build. However, men of any size can wear the suit as long as it is tailored to the torso. If the waistline is tucked in, it makes the person look chisel-shouldered. Small sized men can make the most of the double breasted suit if the overlapping lapels hide the spread out waistline.
- Peak Lapels: It is best to go for the peak lapels for the double breasted suit. In the early 1990s, designers experimented with different cuts and styles for the notched lapels. However, the double breasted suits 2012 have peaked lapels which highlight the wearer’s shoulders.
- Six-button Jackets: Always go for the six-buttoned jackets. If the opening at the neck is smaller and the lapels cross higher on your chest, you will have more buttons on your suit. It has two vertical rows of buttons. In a six-button jacket, there are two rows of three buttons each, and a closure button added inside.
If you are tall and lanky, a double breasted new coat will add size to your frame, while exaggerating it. If not, it will make a shorter individual look stocky. This is because of the way in which the double breasted suit is cut. While sitting down, do not unfasten the buttons as then the coat will drape over your frame. As a man in suit, you must accessorise it with a necktie or bowtie, but do not ever go without one. Since there is little of tie or shirt to show, make sure you have a breast pocket handkerchief. For best results, it is best to go minimal and low key.
Looking for a double breasted suit or not sure if you can pull it off? Knot Standard can help you out. Browse through www.knotstandard.com and speak to our bespoke suit advisor.