Fashion is incredibly cyclical; however, the styles do change a bit each time around. Last weekend The Financial Times covered Milan fashion week, and double-breasted jackets were definitely on everyone’s mind. On top of that, the February issue of GQ features a six-page spread on the resurgence of Nick Jonas sporting nothing but double breasted suits. Needless to say, the double breasted suit craze is on its way, and only one questions remains. Will you partake?
The last two times the double breasted suit was in vogue (mid twentieth century and the 1980s), the typical suit was cut with a decent amount of room. These cuts were pretty forgiving, and helped to hide some of the extra girth many men were holding on to. This time through the style cycle, the slimmer trend of recent years continues to hold fast. I don’t think prior to the last few years most people would have envisioned what a slim-cut double-breasted suit might look like, but they are here and they look fantastic.
A double breasted suit is typically more formal, but more formal attire can sometimes lack the standout style that a more contemporary look achieves. This new trend in double-breasted suits brings that contemporary style to a formal look. The brilliant combination of the current slimmer trend with a resurrected suit style has it all. You can really pack a punch at almost any event regardless of its formality with one of these new suits.
A few words of caution, before suiting up. First, your tailor will be your best friend here. While slimmer fitting suits are what we’re talking about, you will still want your suit to fit you personally. As I recommend with almost any clothing purchase, a few alterations can make a world of difference. Buy your suits online or at your favorite store, but take them to your local, independent tailor. Don’t have one? Ask around. Having a tailor who knows you and your body, will bring you the best bang for your buck on all your clothes. Second, remember, this look is different from the double-breasted suits of the past. If you are carrying around a bit more weight in your mid-section than you would like, this may not be your time around the cycle. I have always preached that buying clothes that fit your body and personality will always look better than just hopping on the next style. Use some honesty and discretion here. If it’s not for you, don’t worry, the next look probably will be. Finally, this is a trend. At some point this look might fall out of favor. Be prepared to hang it up and wait for it to come around again. It always does.
Are you going to take the double breasted suit plunge? Let me know!
Regards,
Tailor & Barber
