Who Should Wear a Double-Breasted Suit?

The double-breasted suit is an iconic menswear piece

with a longstanding reputation as the signature garment of the wealthy elite. Unfortunately, that reputation also comes with some baggage.


Men may hesitate to wear a double-breasted suit because they’re afraid they lack a larger-than-life persona. Or maybe they fear this classic style will broaden the look of their body in an unflattering way. Maybe you’ve been on the fence about purchasing one due to concerns about who should wear a double-breasted suit, and who shouldn’t.

We’re here to put those concerns to rest: Any man from any background with any body shape can wear a double-breasted suit. With modern styling and an impeccable fit, this style works for everyone. The DB is appropriate for any occasion from business casual to formal—just as long as you’re willing to get noticed.

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The Double-Breasted Suit, Past and Present

By wearing a double-breasted suit, you’re taking part in its long and prestigious legacy. When your friends grill you about yours, here are the main points to drop over a smoky glass of mezcal:

1

The DB originated as the dress uniform of the Royal Navy in the late nineteenth century, then became popular in the 1920s after the Duke of Windsor adopted the style.

2

The 1930s and 1940s were a golden era for this garment when double-breasted suits were spotted on cinematic idols like Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant.

3

It reached another peak in the 1980s when wide-shouldered double-breasted suits became the signature garb of royalty, moguls, and mobsters.


Today’s double-breasted suits are slimmer in cut and thinner in padding. These small changes align this look with modern preferences while retaining its classic style.

While we’re not in favor of arbitrary fashion rules, one guideline related to the double-breasted suit bears observing: button use. For a double-breasted jacket, fasten only the middle exterior button and the anchor button hidden inside the left panel of the jacket. It’s the most comfortable way to wear a jacket like this—and really, it’s the only way. Feel free to fully unbutton when seated.

Who Should Wear a Double-Breasted Suit?

It’s worth stating again: Any man can wear a double-breasted suit.

The double-breasted suit has endured because it makes its wearer look polished and powerful. If you’ve never experimented with this style before, you may end up adopting it as your signature look.

For every kind of man, there’s a double-breasted suit to match his style:

1

The man who prefers boldness.

This gentleman is looking for a statement suit worthy of a place in his attention-grabbing wardrobe. A double-breasted suit in a bold grey glen plaid will make him stand out in any crowd.

2

The man who blends in and stands out.

Whether bound by an office dress code or a personal preference for subtlety, this man is looking for a way to impress without making too many waves. A double-breasted suit in classic navy with a quiet windowpane print would make anyone give him a second look.

3

The man who makes a youthful statement.

No matter his age, a man in a vibrantly-colored suit reflects all the freedom and confidence of youth. A double-breasted suit in a bright shade of blue shows the best kind of energy.

4

The man who loves the classics.

If you’re a man who’s drawn to a more traditional look, we recommend a steel blue double-breasted suit in a subtly sophisticated birdseye pattern.

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The Future of the Double-Breasted Suit

With double-breasted suits, the correct fit is everything. This is a specialty garment that requires just the right jacket length, lapel width, and a slim fit. You’ll only find that combination with custom high-end menswear. A high-quality double-breasted suit is an investment piece that will elevate your wardrobe to the level of its iconic history—so go all in and get one that fits you and your tastes perfectly.

At Knot Standard, we create custom suits for every gentleman. We’re eager to show the world that, no matter who you are, you can wear a double-breasted suit—and look better in one than you’ve ever looked before. Schedule an appointment at one of our showrooms today to make this look your own.