9 Things to Look for in a Double-Breasted Suit

Handsome elegant man in the park wearing a double-breasted suit and coat

Double Breasted Suits Are Back in Style

Double-breasted suits are making a comeback within the fashion industry, and their stylish look is here to stay. This suit has an extra sense of sophistication and style and makes a great alternative to the single-breasted jacket. A double-breasted jacket can be worn for many occasions and paired with more trousers than standard suits. They offer you a high-class look without needing to be dressed in business attire

A double-breasted suit contains two front buttons, and the front lapels overlap. There are also usually more buttons on a double-breasted jacket; often, a design will include 4-6 on a suit, giving it a more distinguished look. 

Consider These Tips Before Buying a Double-Breasted Suit

Before buying a suit, here are a few tips to make your purchase worthwhile. Follow along for these nine things to consider before purchasing a double-breasted suit jacket to help you find a suit that’s up to the quality, style, and function right for you. 

1. The Budget

You’ll want to consider the price whenever you buy any piece of clothing. A suit is a centerpiece for special occasions and business events and can often be expensive. Consider how frequently you think you will wear it, the material’s quality, and what event or occasion you need it for. Find a double-breasted suit that you can afford but be aware you often have to pay for quality. 

For instance, if you need a double-breasted suit jacket for a wedding that you’re in or you’re close to the wedding party, you may want to splurge and allow a little wiggle room in your budget. If you need a new suit for a work event or a meeting where your outfit doesn’t have that much impact, you may want to try to find a cheaper option. Double-breasted suits are superb for work attire, so if you intend to wear yours for work, investing in a high-quality, well-made suit is essential because it’s an outfit you’ll wear frequently, and you’ll want it to be comfortable and long-lasting. 

closeup on man's gray double-breasted suit with striped tie

2. Dress Code

Always consider the dress code of the event that you need your suit for. Double-breasted suits have a unique style that will set you apart from anyone wearing single-breasted suits. If you’re planning on going to a more casual event, you may not want to wear your double-breasted suit to avoid standing out. 

If you’re attending a work event representing yourself as your role within the company, you will want to be more mindful of what you’re wearing because you represent more than just yourself. Try to determine how other people will attend the event and dress accordingly. Double-breasted suits are elegant suits that will add a sense of style to your outfit and help give you a distinguished look. Even if your double-breasted suit stands out from the crowd, being overdressed is much better than being underdressed.

3. Matching Your Partner

Are you attending an event or wearing your double-sided suit alongside your partner or spouse? If so, you’ll want to choose a suit that pairs well with the outfit they plan to wear. Figure out what they’re wearing and take note of the fabric, color, and any patterns if applicable. This is especially important if you’re attending a formal event, such as a wedding or a funeral. If you plan to take pictures together, this is another reason you’ll want to make sure your outfits match or at least compliment each other because there will be photo evidence. Matching your outfit with your partner is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also fun to do!

elegant man in a double breasted suit holding his date's hand and looking to the side

4. The Material

The material of your double-breasted blazer is essential for many reasons. The first reason is comfortability. If you’re uncomfortable in your suit, you won’t enjoy your time in it. Secondly, different materials have specific aesthetics that may or may not be what you’re looking for. 

Twill Weaves Suit Material 

Twill is a type of fabric made from cotton, wool, or a synthetic blend. It is known for its durability and wrinkle resistance. Twill can also be tailored to create various looks, making it a versatile choice for suits. 

Wool Suit Material 

A wool suit is a classic garment that will never go out of style. It is perfect for a day at the office or a formal event. The fabric is smooth and has a natural sheen that gives off an air of sophistication. Wool suits are available in various colors and styles, making them versatile enough to wear for any occasion. 

Flannel Suit Material 

The flannel suit material is a popular choice for suits in the wintertime. It is made from wool and is soft to the touch. The flannel suit material is also thick, which makes it a good choice for colder weather. It can be worn by men or women and comes in various colors. 

Tweed Suit Material 

Tweed is a rough, woolen fabric usually made from a blend of wool and cotton. It is a popular suit material because it is durable, comfortable, and stylish. Tweed suits are often associated with British country style and are perfect for cold weather climates. 

Worsted Suit Material 

Worsted wool is a type of wool made from long-staple fibers, and it is considered one of the best materials for suits. It is solid and durable, yet it is also lightweight and comfortable to wear. This type of fabric creates a much more sophisticated look than other suit types. 

Man in a dark double-breasted suit standing in a wooded area

Polyester Suit Material 

Polyester is one of the most popular materials for suits due to its versatility and low cost. While it may not have the same luxury feel as wool or silk, polyester is a good choice for those on a budget or who need a suit that is easy to care for. It can be made in various weaves and weights, making it suitable for both summer and winter wear. Polyester is also wrinkle-resistant and can be easily cleaned. 

Linen Suit Material 

linen suit is a summer must-have. Linen is a natural fiber that is cool and breathable, making it perfect for hot weather. It also wrinkles easily, giving your suit a relaxed and casual look. A linen suit can be dressed up or down, making it versatile for any occasion. Linen suits can often be quite expensive because of the high cost of the production behind making the fabric. 

5. The Fit

Everyone has a different preference regarding how they want their suit to fit. When purchasing a double-breasted blazer jacket, always make sure you choose a size that will feel comfortable for you. If you are buying your suit online, try to reference a similar suit you already own and match the sizing accordingly. If you enjoy a tighter fit, consider buying your standard size or going a size smaller. If you prefer a loose fit, you may want to buy a suit jacket in size up. 

One significant advantage of buying a suit online is that you can read reviews of others who have purchased the suit. Skim through the comments to see if anyone references how the suit jacket fits and if they thought it was too small or too big. 

Buying a double-breasted suit for a child or anyone still growing can be tricky because you want them to look nice but don’t want to spend a fortune on a suit they’ll outgrow within a year. If this is the case, always buy one size up. Even if it looks a little strange initially, it will be no time until they grow into it, and then it will likely last for a few more years to come. If you’re someone who fluctuates in weight, you’ll also want to consider this and not buy a suit that is designed for a tight fit. 

tailoring equipment on double breasted suit, such as measurement tape, scissors, thread coil

6. The Style

Not all suits are created equally, and some are styled with current trends that are meant to hold their style for years to come. If you plan to buy and invest in a high-quality suit, you probably want to be able to wear it for more than just a couple of occasions. If this is the case, find a double-breasted suit with a timeless style. Make sure your suit jacket pairs with a dress shirt or pair of trousers you already have as well. Your suit should be a color that pairs well with other clothing and will be well received for various events. 

7. Shoes 

There’s nothing more important than matching your shoes with your suit. If you’re on a strict budget, you may not have the means to purchase a new pair of shoes to fit your double-breasted suit. So, finding one that matches a pair of dress shoes you already have is essential. If you’re unsure how to match your shoes with your suit, you should consider a few things. There are so many styles and colors of shoes that it can be hard to know which ones will look good with a suit. 

Consider the color of the suit. A black suit looks great with black, brown, or burgundy shoes. A navy blue suit looks great with navy blue shoes or brown shoes. If you’re not sure what color your suit is, bring the fabric swatch to the shoe store, and they will be able to help you pick out the perfect pair of shoes. 

It would help if you also considered the style of the shoe. If you’re wearing a more sophisticated suit, such as a double-breasted style, you’ll want to ensure your shoes are of the same quality and standard. 

Close up of mannequin wearing light grey double-breasted suit jacket with bow tie

8. Buying Online vs. In Person

Nowadays, you can buy almost anything online, and a double-breasted suit is no exception. Both online and in-person have advantages that should be considered before making a purchase. 

Advantages of Buying a Suit Online 

Buying online can be a better choice than buying your suit in person, as it gives you a more comprehensive selection. This is especially true if you live in a small or rural area that doesn’t have many stores or access to these types of suits altogether. The internet allows you to browse through businesses from all over the world, opening up the market in which you can find a suit that best suits you. 

Depending on where you buy, you may also be able to read customer reviews on how they thought about their purchase, how it fit, the quality, and the overall worth of it. These reviews can help you decide if purchasing your suit is beneficial and allows you to weed out the potentially poor purchases. Buying online can also give you a more customized size. Not all stores carry specific sizes, such as petite or oversized, making it hard for a particular body type to find a suit that fits them in person. Opting to buy your double-breasted suit online can make finding a suit that fits your body easily. 

Advantages of Buying a Suit in Person

Buying a suit in person has some advantages over buying one online. First, you can see and feel the quality of the material up close. Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell the quality of a suit online, but in person, you’re easily able to the overall worth of the suit. In person, you’re also able to try the suit on. This allows you to know exactly how it fits, which is helpful if you need to plan to have it tailored to your specific measurements. 

After trying it on, you may not even like how the suit looks, or the color may not pair well with your complexion. Trying a suit in person before purchasing it can save you time and money, allowing you to continue looking for a suit that is a better fit for you. You also won’t have to worry about sending it back through the mail for a return, as you would if you bought a suit online and ended up not being happy with it upon its arrival. 

9. Neckwear

Regarding neckwear for a double-breasted suit, there are a few things to consider. The first is the type of shirt you will be wearing. A dress shirt with a spread or cutaway collar is the most common choice and looks best with a bow tie. A necktie is a way to go if you wear a polo shirt or T-shirt. The second consideration is the color of your suit. A dark suit looks great with a black bow tie, while light-colored suits work well with colorful neckties or bow ties. A black bow tie is perfect for formal events, while a brightly colored necktie can add some fun to more casual occasions. The last thing to think about is the occasion. You’ll also want to consider pocket wear, complementing your suit as an added accessory. Pocket wear is beneficial if you choose not to wear a tie but still want to add a touch of style to your suit. 

Robert Talbott, CEO of Talbott, has said, “I believe the pocket square is the tie of the decade. The explosion of beautiful pocket squares in every business took up the slack from neckwear. As neckwear went down, pocket squares went up dramatically, and I think that as pocket squares get more colorful and more beautiful, they will morph into neckwear, and ties will again become hot. I don’t know how soon, but we’re ready for it.” – Robert Talbott, Mr.Magazine

Stylish business man wears a double breasted suit with a pocket square

Embrace Variety

There will be many instances where you’ll be required to wear a suit sometime in your life. Each instance will have its degree of professionalism, standard, and function. It’s important to introduce variety into your closet by having more than just one type of suit. If you’re prone to sticking to the single-breasted suit type, it’s time to invest in a double-breasted suit. Not only will this give you the option to choose how professional, laid-back, or stylish you want to appear, but you’ll also be well prepared for the different occasions that arise in your life. The next time you’re in the market for a double-breasted suit, take these top 9 things to consider before making your purchase to ensure that you fit the best suit for you, with the best fit, price, and overall comfort. 

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