Double Delight: The Return of the Double-Breasted Suit
Most of us have a staple, trusty suit in our wardrobe that comes out for formal occasions. There’s something calming about knowing your typical three-piece suit is there for a wedding or your patterned two-piece is ready to be broken out for a job interview.
But a certain style favourite from the Eighties and Nineties is making a major fashion comeback. The double-breasted suit is returning with a bang and making a powerful statement in today’s suiting world.
If you’re asking, ‘are double-breasted suits in style?’, the answer is undoubtedly ‘yes.’ And we’re here to show you how this versatile suit can be worn for any formal or smart-casual event and styled to match your aesthetic.
Are Double-Breasted Suits in Style?
The double-breasted suit has evolved over time to be a modern classic of suiting fashion. We’re here to show you how it compares to its single-breasted counterpart and how modern styling options, as well as accessories have brought this traditional outfit back into style.
Double vs Single-Breasted: What’s the Difference?
To even the biggest suit expert, there can be similarities between two types of suits that make them difficult to tell apart. To keep it simple, when referring to a single-breasted suit, it means the jacket has one row of buttons along the front that creates a more simplistic or cleaner line.
A double-breasted suit is easier to identify, sporting a cut in the front of the jacket that creates an overlap and therefore accommodates a double row of buttons. This design naturally creates a broader definition for its wearer and is traditionally seen as a bolder and formal fashion choice.
Choosing a style that’s right for you is more complicated than looking at buttons, however, but you won’t have to worry about the double-breasted suit looking out of fashion. Modern tailoring offers softer cuts and trimmed fits, transporting this classic look to the modern day.
The Evolution of Double-Breasted Suits
The double-breasted suit has long been associated with a more formal and sophisticated time, where tailoring and style were often symbols of power and authority. In the later decades of the twentieth century, the wider shoulders and pinstriped suits were worn by business leaders and icons across the world – it was an ultimate showing of confidence.
Lighter fabrics also mean the double-breasted suit is no longer reserved for stuffy boardrooms. Its versatility means it can be styled anywhere, whether as a formal wedding suit or for a day at the races.
Double-Breasted Suit Styles, Fabrics and How to Wear Them
When searching for the perfect suit to fit your needs, versatility is your friend. Luckily, double-breasted suits are made in a variety of fabrics and cuts to ensure they can be tailored and matched for every occasion. Let’s dig a little deeper into the details you need to know before choosing your suit.
Different Styles
The classic six-button double-breasted suit jacket remains a staple look for anyone trying to replicate the traditional look. This is a perfect choice when trying to find an outfit for formal events like weddings or a particularly dressy day at the races.
If you’re preference is a more modern, sleek aesthetic, the four-button double-breasted suit jacket provides a more relaxed fit for those searching for a less prominent silhouette from their outfit. This type of jacket can also be paired with a smart pair of chinos or even denim jeans if you’re going for a smart-casual look.
Choice of Fabric
Fabric can also play a big part in defining someone’s style. For example, slightly heavier materials such as wool and wool-blend suits are the typical choice for formal settings. However, if you are attending a summer wedding or an event during the warmer months, a lighter fabric like linen or lightweight cotton are more popular choices due to their breathability and softer feel. On the opposite side, fabrics such as tweed suits can add a more layered look that offers added warmth in colder seasons.
Modern Styling
When wearing a modern double-breasted suit, there are a range of styling techniques to give you the effortless confidence that comes with the outfit. If you’d prefer to show off the whole jacket and its tailored shape, keeping all the buttons done up will provide a cleaner style that accentuates the jacket’s natural shape. If a natural drape is your style, don’t be afraid to leave the jacket slightly undone for a more relaxed feel, or to show off any accessories and extra elements of the outfit you may be wearing.
Accessories to Complement a Double-Breasted Suit
Do you want to add another bit of detail to take your outfit to the next level? A double-breasted suit can be a statement piece in its own right, but will still work perfectly with any accessories you might want to add.
If you’re searching for must-have accessories, a pocket square is just that. This simple element not only adds a splash of colour, but it also provides an added touch of texture without overwhelming the jacket. You can even opt for a classic silk or a patterned pocket square to enhance your double-breasted jacket’s sharp lines.
If it’s advice on ties you need, keeping it simple and sophisticated is always a good option. Depending on the colour and pattern of your suit, a slim tie in a solid colour will keep the attention on the sleek jacket while offering an extra layer of style.
Maybe go a step further and lean into a modern style by skipping the tie altogether and leaving the shirt collar open. If you’re delving into the finer details with your accessories, adding an understated pair of cufflinks to finish off the look will make sure your outfit is fit for any event you’re attending.
Do You Agree That Double-Breasted Suits are in Style?
Whether you’ve never worn a double-breasted suit before, or are looking for a modern-day twist on the traditional style, our advice is always to wear what you feel comfortable and confident in. For more information, contact us today.