DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT STYLING TIPS
What is a Double-breasted suit?
There is a factor that stands out in a Double-breasted or DB jacket: the overlapping front closure and the manner in which it wraps about the wearer’s chest. If more be told, it’s generally cut shorter compared to the single-breasted jacket, and the upward buttoning can provide you with a broader-looking, increasingly sculpted shoulder-line. So, how do you style a double-breasted suit? Read on…
There is a factor that stands out in a Double-breasted or DB jacket: the overlapping front closure and the manner in which it wraps about the wearer’s chest. If more be told, it’s generally cut shorter compared to the single-breasted jacket, and the upward buttoning can provide you with a broader-looking, increasingly sculpted shoulder-line. So, how do you style a double-breasted suit? Read on…
Stay on the button
There’s a cardinal rule when you put on a Double-breasted jacket that a lot of folks don’t seem to understand (and mind you, even the Hollywood types for that matter): always leave the bottom button of the suit open. It mars the line; it is restrictive and puts you into a shell. Imagine what it’ll be like if you aren’t able to move!
There’s a cardinal rule when you put on a Double-breasted jacket that a lot of folks don’t seem to understand (and mind you, even the Hollywood types for that matter): always leave the bottom button of the suit open. It mars the line; it is restrictive and puts you into a shell. Imagine what it’ll be like if you aren’t able to move!
Dress it down
You don’t need to be a ringmaster when going for a DB; you can afford to mix the jacket with a more casual ensemble. Why not try out a roll neck or a knitted polo shirt for a look that’s exceptional under a double-breasted jacket whilst still appearing smart? You can even go for a T-shirt and jeans combination, formally, with a proper texture on a double-breasted suit. There are many of my clients who actually order a DB suit, but put on the jacket separately so as to dress it down a bit.
You don’t need to be a ringmaster when going for a DB; you can afford to mix the jacket with a more casual ensemble. Why not try out a roll neck or a knitted polo shirt for a look that’s exceptional under a double-breasted jacket whilst still appearing smart? You can even go for a T-shirt and jeans combination, formally, with a proper texture on a double-breasted suit. There are many of my clients who actually order a DB suit, but put on the jacket separately so as to dress it down a bit.
Don’t Naval Gaze
Though historically the DB was an outgrowth of the military-type uniforms, you don’t have to necessarily look as if you’re preparing yourself for a parade or march. My point is to avoid an extraneous show-off of shiny buttons. Furthermore, don’t give yourself a military look, as I mentioned earlier in the blog. I am not against your experimenting with different buttoning styles. That isn’t my job either. I simply feel that a low buttoning 4 x 1 double-breasted suit can work like a charm. Look around for a readymade option that best suits you.
Though historically the DB was an outgrowth of the military-type uniforms, you don’t have to necessarily look as if you’re preparing yourself for a parade or march. My point is to avoid an extraneous show-off of shiny buttons. Furthermore, don’t give yourself a military look, as I mentioned earlier in the blog. I am not against your experimenting with different buttoning styles. That isn’t my job either. I simply feel that a low buttoning 4 x 1 double-breasted suit can work like a charm. Look around for a readymade option that best suits you.
Don’t hit Peak Label
One major differentiating factor between a double-breasted and single-breasted jacket is that the former allows you to try out shapes and proportions in increased depth. There are some tailors, for example, who advocate for peak labels extensively. As a matter of choice, some people go for those classic 70’s shapes. But as for me, DB is more about elegance, and things get compromised a bit if the lapels of a jacket hang over the shoulders.
One major differentiating factor between a double-breasted and single-breasted jacket is that the former allows you to try out shapes and proportions in increased depth. There are some tailors, for example, who advocate for peak labels extensively. As a matter of choice, some people go for those classic 70’s shapes. But as for me, DB is more about elegance, and things get compromised a bit if the lapels of a jacket hang over the shoulders.
Are you sitting comfortably?
All said and done, a double-breasted suit works like magic in any formal setting–but what happens when you have to sit down? Therein arises the question of whether to undo or not to. I see increasingly newer versions of the DBs constructed with a smaller overlap, therefore it still gives a good look when it is open, and there isn’t a surplus of fabric flapping about. In addition, many of the newer fabrics types are a lot more laidback in any case, therefore it just feels alright to undo the jacket–no more the suit of armor, if at all you ever felt like one.
All said and done, a double-breasted suit works like magic in any formal setting–but what happens when you have to sit down? Therein arises the question of whether to undo or not to. I see increasingly newer versions of the DBs constructed with a smaller overlap, therefore it still gives a good look when it is open, and there isn’t a surplus of fabric flapping about. In addition, many of the newer fabrics types are a lot more laidback in any case, therefore it just feels alright to undo the jacket–no more the suit of armor, if at all you ever felt like one.