scorecardThe best double-breasted suit

The best double-breasted suit

This double-breasted suit from Charles Tyrwhitt blends a classic 1920s look with a slim cut for a modern look.

When you imagine a double-breasted suit, you might imagine the "Great Gatsby," "Boardwalk Empire," and other visions of the roaring '20s and '30s. But like the old-school wingtip shoe, this iconic suit has come back in a big way in the 21st century as more and more men are rediscovering classic menswear (due in no small part to the internet) and wondering why these great styles ever faded away in the first place.

As the double-breasted peak lapel jacket is a more unique style than your standard single-breasted two-button, I recommend avoiding a suit with any loud patterns or lighter colors. It's also a good idea to keep the jacket a little slimmer than the double-breasted suits of old, which usually featured a boxier cut and were wider in the trousers than today's menswear.

Our favorite is this double-breasted example from Charles Tyrwhitt. Made of super 110's wool, this suit features an English cut with all of the style details we love: soft shoulders, a slimmer fit, and dual vents in the back. You can customize the jacket and trouser size, but the unfinished pants offer enough material for you to go cuffed when you take it to the tailor if you prefer.

If you really want to nail that old-school look, and assuming it's appropriate for your workplace or wherever, wear your double-breasted suit with a pair of wingtip oxfords. Monk straps are another fine choice. Steer away from accessories that might make your outfit look too garish or costumey, and pair the suit with a nice modern dress shirt and necktie to bring your retro ensemble tastefully into the 21st century.

Pros: Great retro style that's been nicely updated with a modern English cut, made of 100% wool, and a half-canvassed jacket

Cons: The old-school aesthetic can enter "costumey" territory if not carefully paired with the right accessories

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