Men's Double-breasted Suits

A double-breasted suit features a jacket with two columns of buttons and overlapping front flaps. They usually have a peak lapel and are considered a more formal, traditional style than a single-breasted suit. It’s a more structured suit style that’s popular for formal occasions and dressed up business events.

As a double-breasted suit is more on the formal side, pair it with a well-fitting dress shirt, ideally white or in a lighter colour for a clean and crisp look. The jacket should always be buttoned when standing, with only the top button of the inner row fastened. Pair the suit with a classic tie or bow tie that works with the colour and style of suit. Finish the outfit with polished dress shoes, a matching pocket square and a belt.

A double-breasted suit is most appropriate for formal and business settings, like corporate meetings, formal dinners and events where there’s a smarter dress code. It can also be worn at special occasions like weddings or galas. While traditionally seen as very formal, modern interpretations can be suitable for smart-casual events with the right styling.

A double-breasted suit should fit snugly but comfortably, emphasising a more tailored silhouette. The jacket should fit well across the shoulders and chest without pulling, and the waist should be slightly tapered to create a V-shape. The sleeves should end at the wrist bone, allowing some shirt cuff to show. The trousers should have a slim fit with a slight break at the shoes too. The overall fit should be clean and structured, enhancing the wearer’s frame.

A classic dress shirt in white or light blue is an ideal choice for a double-breasted suit, though you can choose your colour or pattern accordingly. A spread or cutaway collar works well with the wider lapels of a double-breasted jacket. Depending on the occasion, you can relax the look a bit more, just make sure your shirt fits well.

To dress down a double-breasted suit, go for a more casual shirt, such as a chambray and skip the tie. You can also choose a roll neck or a fine-gauge knit sweater underneath instead of a shirt. Pair the suit with loafers or brogues instead of formal shoes, and consider lighter or more textured fabrics for the suit itself to reduce formality. Linen or cotton blends can work well in a double-breasted style.

With a double-breasted suit, a classic shoe style works best, unless you’re deliberately dressing it down. Oxford, brogues or dress shoes in black or brown leather are the most traditional choices to go with a double-breasted suit. For a less formal, more modern look then loafers or more casual boots can work well.

A double-breasted suit jacket should generally stay buttoned when standing to maintain its structured look and prevent it from appearing loose or messy. However, it can be unbuttoned when seated for comfort. The jacket should be re-buttoned immediately upon standing for more formal occasions, but realistically if you feel more comfortable with it unbuttoned that’s fine.