How to Wear a Double Breasted Suit

Double-breasted suits have been the epitome of distinguished mens fashion for decades. While a plain two- or three-button suit is fine for the office, every man should own at least one double-breasted suit for special occasions. They are great for weddings or other formal occasions and they are the perfect compromise between the casual, everyday suit and an uber-fancy tuxedo.

Most men never invest in a double-breasted suit because they arent sure how to wear one correctly. They assume that the coat will be complicated and so they choose a regular two-button suit like most other men wear.

If you have never experienced the comfortable, classic style of a double-breasted suit, there are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping.

Follow these guidelines to choose the appropriate double-breasted suit for your shape and size.

Body Shape
Tall men always look more dignified in a double-breasted or three-button suit. The shape created by a double-breasted coat is very flattering on all body shapes, but shorter men will need to have it tailored in the torso to get the perfect fit. Double-breasted suit jackets make a mans shoulders appear more prominent and hide any bulge in the midsection. They are the most flattering suits available to compensate for any imperfections in a mans body shape.

Lapels
When you visit the suit store, look for double-breasted jackets with distinguished peak lapels. Some designers have toyed with the idea of notched lapels on double-breasted suits, but the look was generally unflattering. Always opt for peak lapels on double-breasted jackets.

Buttons
Double-breasted suits are identified by two rows of vertical buttons on the front of the jacket. Look for suits with two rows of three buttons, for a total of six. Six-button suit coats are a classic choice for any man.

Fabric and Color
When you choose a suit, you should look for something versatile that can be worn for both business and formal occasions. Choose a fabric that will be comfortable year round, such as an all-season wool blend. You should also select a color that can be worn throughout the year and combined with various suit shirts and neck ties to create different looks. If you select a dark blue or black pinstripe suit, you can mix and match with dozens of suit shirts and mens ties. Pinstripes are a great choice for both, day or evening wear.

Trousers
While most men prefer to wear trousers without pleats for the sake of comfort, a double-breasted suit doesnt look right with flat front pants. You should choose a pair of trousers with a heavy pleat in each leg and a thick ankle cuff as well. The double-breasted suit jacket will look overdone if you dont pair it with a pair of formal, pleated trousers.

Shirt Styles and Accessories
You can change the look of any suit with the help of a smart shirt and a tie. Suit shirts come in a variety of styles and color choices. Choose a shirt with a wide collar when you wear a double-breasted suit to complement the formal appeal. If you want to go ultra formal, choose a shirt with French cuffs and pair it with a high quality silk tie and cufflinks.

Some men shy away from silk ties, cufflinks or pocket squares because they feel too formal. You may think you look silly when you dress so formally but when you enter a room dressed to the nines you will be perceived at once as someone who has class, style and sophistication. Double-breasted suits will boost your profile in any professional or social setting. You might even get a little extra attention from the ladies.

Customize Your Look
Most stores carry a small selection of double-breasted styles and you can be a trend setter by wearing one to work. You can customize your look further by asking a designer to make a suit to your specifications or shop for a vintage suit with some James Bond appeal.

Dont be afraid to push the envelope and create a look that works for you. A double-breasted suit will make you stand out as a gentleman among the many two-button professionals in this world.

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