Oct 15, 2024
Types of Double Breasted Suits: A Guide to Stylish Menswear
When it comes to men’s suits, few styles have as much timeless appeal as the double-breasted suit. Known for its bold look and striking button configuration, the double breasted suit style is ideal for men who want to stand out. With a history dating back to the early 20th century, these suits have been worn by fashion-forward men, Hollywood icons, and even royalty.
One of the distinguishing features of the double-breasted suit is its button arrangement, which adds a sense of structure and elegance to the jacket. But not all double-breasted suits are the same. With different button configurations and lapel styles, each variation brings something unique to the table. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of double-breasted suits, how they differ, and when you should wear each style.
The Most Popular Style: The 6x4 Double-Breasted Suit
The 6x4 double-breasted suit is the most widely recognized version of this classic menswear piece. Featuring six buttons arranged in two columns, with only the middle two buttons actually functioning, the 6x4 configuration provides a balanced look that is both structured and sophisticated. This version often comes with wide peak lapels, which add a touch of drama and flair to the overall look.
Key Features of the 6x4 Double-Breasted Suit
- Six-Button Configuration: This style has two rows of three buttons, with only the middle two being functional. The top and bottom buttons are purely decorative.
- Wide Peak Lapels: The 6x4 suit jacket is known for its wide peak lapels, which can be so expansive that they almost reach the shoulders. These lapels draw attention to the wearer’s face and shoulders, enhancing the overall look.
- Classic and Versatile: The 6x4 double-breasted suit is ideal for both formal and semi-formal occasions, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
Why Choose the 6x4 Double-Breasted Suit?
The 6x4 double-breasted suit is perfect for men who want a classic, timeless look. It’s suitable for formal events like weddings and church services, as well as for professional settings where you want to make a lasting impression. The wide lapels also make this style ideal for men who want to project confidence and sophistication.
How to Wear the 6x4 Double-Breasted Suit
- For Formal Events: Pair your 6x4 suit with a crisp white dress shirt and a patterned tie for a polished look that’s perfect for weddings, church, and other formal gatherings.
- For Semi-Formal Settings: You can dress down the 6x4 suit by pairing it with a lighter shirt and a tie in a complementary color. This look is perfect for dinner dates, business events, and upscale social gatherings.
The Italian-Inspired 4x2 Double-Breasted Suit
The 4x2 double-breasted suit is a more streamlined and minimalist version of the traditional double-breasted style. This jacket features four buttons in two columns, with only the bottom two buttons being functional. The 4x2 style is often associated with Italian tailoring, known for its sleek lines and attention to detail.
Key Features of the 4x2 Double-Breasted Suit
- Four-Button Configuration: With only four buttons on the front, this suit offers a cleaner and simpler look compared to the 6x4 style.
- Narrower Peak Lapels: The lapels on a 4x2 suit tend to be narrower, giving the jacket a more streamlined and modern feel.
- Italian Style: Known for its elegant and sophisticated design, the 4x2 suit is perfect for men who want a polished yet understated look.
Why Choose the 4x2 Double-Breasted Suit?
The 4x2 double-breasted suit is ideal for those who appreciate Italian style and craftsmanship. This suit has a refined and elegant appearance that’s perfect for formal occasions, yet it’s versatile enough to be worn in more casual settings as well. The simple button configuration makes this style easier to wear and more comfortable, especially for men who are new to double-breasted suits.
How to Wear the 4x2 Double-Breasted Suit
- For Professional Events: Wear your 4x2 suit with a solid dress shirt and a tie for a classic, sophisticated look that’s perfect for business meetings and professional settings.
- For a Modern Look: Pair your suit with a patterned shirt and a bold tie to create a fashion-forward outfit that’s perfect for evening events and upscale social gatherings.
The 6x3 Double-Breasted Suit: A Banker’s Classic
The 6x3 double-breasted suit is known for its distinctive button placement, with six buttons in two columns, and only the top three buttons functional. This style has a higher button stance than the 6x4 version, which gives it a more formal and structured look, ideal for professional settings. Because it buttons higher, it shows off less tie, making it perfect for bankers and businessmen.
Key Features of the 6x3 Double-Breasted Suit
- High Button Stance: The 6x3 double-breasted suit has a high button stance, which gives it a structured look and shows off less tie, focusing attention on the suit itself.
- Classic Style: This style has a timeless, vintage feel that makes it ideal for formal and business settings.
- Narrower Lapels: The lapels on the 6x3 suit are often slightly narrower, as they are designed to complement the high button stance.
Why Choose the 6x3 Double-Breasted Suit?
The 6x3 double-breasted suit is perfect for men who want a classic, professional look. The high button stance and structured design make it ideal for business meetings, office settings, and any occasion where you want to project a sense of authority and confidence. This style has a vintage appeal that’s both timeless and sophisticated.
How to Wear the 6x3 Double-Breasted Suit
- For Business Settings: Pair your 6x3 suit with a classic tie and a crisp dress shirt for a professional look that’s perfect for the office.
- For Formal Events: Add a pocket square and polished dress shoes for a sophisticated look that’s ideal for weddings, church, and other formal gatherings.
The 4x1 Double-Breasted Suit: Italian Fashion at Its Best
The 4x1 double-breasted suit is a fashion-forward version of the double-breasted suit, featuring four buttons in two columns and only the bottom button functional. This style is more fashion-oriented and is often associated with Italian designers who prioritize style and sophistication.
Key Features of the 4x1 Double-Breasted Suit
- Single Button Closure: With only one functional button, the 4x1 suit has a relaxed, open look that’s ideal for more casual and fashion-forward settings.
- Italian Design: Known for its elegance and style, the 4x1 suit is a popular choice among fashion-conscious men who appreciate Italian tailoring.
- Narrower Lapels: The lapels on a 4x1 suit are typically narrower, giving the jacket a streamlined and modern appearance.
Why Choose the 4x1 Double-Breasted Suit?
The 4x1 double-breasted suit is ideal for men who want a fashion-forward look. This style is perfect for casual settings and semi-formal occasions, where you want to make a statement without looking too formal. The relaxed fit and single button closure give the 4x1 suit a unique and stylish appearance that’s sure to turn heads.
How to Wear the 4x1 Double-Breasted Suit
- For Casual Events: Pair your 4x1 suit with a turtleneck or a patterned shirt for a casual yet stylish look that’s perfect for parties and social gatherings.
- For Semi-Formal Settings: Add a tie and dress shoes for a look that’s ideal for evening events and upscale dinners.
Peak Lapels: The Defining Feature of the Double-Breasted Suit
When it comes to double-breasted suits, peak lapels are the most popular choice. These lapels have a unique shape that draws attention to the shoulders and upper body, giving the suit a bold and powerful appearance. While some designers have experimented with notch lapels on double-breasted suits, this style rarely works as well as the classic peak lapel.
Why Peak Lapels Work So Well
- Focus on the Shoulders: Peak lapels direct attention to the shoulders, creating a balanced and powerful silhouette that complements the double-breasted style.
- Timeless Appeal: Peak lapels are associated with classic menswear, making them ideal for formal and professional settings.
- Versatility: Peak lapels work well with all button configurations, from the 6x4 to the 4x1, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your personal taste.
In the 1940s, the double-breasted suit reached a peak of popularity, characterized by a style that was both bold and authoritative. This decade was known for its distinctive tailoring, which gave the double-breasted suit a unique, almost exaggerated look that reflected the era’s fashion-forward mentality. During this time, designers made suits with extremely wide peak lapels and slightly broader shoulders, creating a powerful silhouette that became iconic.
Key Features of the 1940s Double-Breasted Suit
- Wide Peak Lapels: The peak lapels of 1940s double-breasted suits were exceptionally wide, often spanning nearly half the width of the chest. These lapels extended upward in a dramatic fashion, nearly reaching the shoulders, and gave the suit a look that was both commanding and flamboyant. The exaggerated width was a bold statement, helping the wearer project confidence and strength.
- Broader Shoulders: Double-breasted suits from the 1940s featured padded, wider shoulders that enhanced the masculine silhouette. The slightly broader shoulders complemented the wide lapels, creating a sense of power and emphasizing an athletic build. This look was often paired with tapered waists to complete the “V-shaped” silhouette that was popular at the time.
- Structured Fit: Suits in the 1940s were designed with a more structured, almost boxy fit, which gave the jacket a bold outline and helped men achieve a polished, put-together look. The use of strong shoulder padding further enhanced this structured design, adding to the suit’s overall presence.
The Influence of Hollywood and Wartime Fashion
The dramatic look of 1940s double-breasted suits was greatly influenced by Hollywood’s Golden Age. Actors like Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, and Clark Gable often wore double-breasted suits on and off the screen, showcasing the style’s versatility and timeless appeal. You would be hard pressed to find a movie back then where the actors were not wearing one. These suits became closely associated with power, sophistication, and masculinity. Wartime also influenced fashion during this era, as men’s suits were designed to convey a sense of strength and resilience. The slightly broader shoulders and wide lapels added to the feeling of stability and purpose, as the suit’s silhouette reflected the time’s militaristic influence.
The 1940s Double-Breasted Suit’s Modern Appeal
Today, the 1940s-inspired double-breasted suit has seen a resurgence in popularity. Modern designers have embraced the wider lapels and broad shoulders, giving the suit a retro-inspired twist while incorporating contemporary elements for a balanced look. Some designers maintain the vintage aesthetic by sticking to wide lapels and padded shoulders, while others adapt the look with a slightly more fitted, streamlined shape for a modern update.
How to Wear the 1940s-Inspired Double-Breasted Suit
To capture the essence of the 1940s double-breasted suit:
- Choose Wide Peak Lapels: Look for double-breasted suits with peak lapels that are slightly wider than today’s standard. You’ll make a bold style statement that evokes the sophistication of the 1940s.
- Opt for Broader Shoulders: Some modern designers incorporate a bit of shoulder padding to create a broader look, which pays homage to the era.
- Vintage Styling: Pair a 1940s-inspired double-breasted suit with classic accessories like a silk tie, a pocket square, and even a fedora for a timeless look that’s perfect for formal events, social gatherings, and even retro-themed parties.
The 1940s double-breasted suit has left an indelible mark on men’s fashion, with its bold lapels and structured fit remaining a source of inspiration today. This suit style is perfect for men who appreciate vintage-inspired elegance with a touch of modern flair.
Making a Statement with Double-Breasted Suits
Double-breasted suits are designed for men who love to stand out. These suits are perfect for making a bold impression at formal events, social gatherings, and professional settings. Over the years, mature celebrities and style icons have embraced the double-breasted suit, wearing it to red carpet events, award shows, and more.
Why Choose ContempoSuits.com for Double-Breasted Suits?
ContempoSuits.com has been a trusted source for double-breasted suits for over 15 years. With a wide selection of styles and colors, they offer double-breasted suits that are perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a classic 6x4 suit for a wedding, a sleek 4x2 suit for a business meeting, or a fashion-forward 4x1 suit for a night out, ContempoSuits.com has you covered.
Wearing Double-Breasted Suits to Church and Weddings
Double-breasted suits are an excellent choice for church services, weddings, and other formal occasions. The structured design and peak lapels create a look that is both sophisticated and timeless, making you look your best and feel confident. Whether you’re attending a formal event or a special occasion, a double-breasted suit will help you stand out and make a lasting impression.
Benefits of Wearing Double-Breasted Suits
- Confidence: Double-breasted suits are designed to make a statement, giving you a bold and confident appearance.
- Versatility: With a variety of styles and configurations, there’s a double-breasted suit for every occasion.
- Timeless Style: The double-breasted suit has been a staple of men’s fashion for decades, and its timeless design ensures that it will never go out of style.
Conclusion: Look Your Best in a Double-Breasted Suit
Double-breasted suits are perfect for men who want to make a serious impression. With styles ranging from the classic 6x4 to the sleek 4x1, there’s a double-breasted suit for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re attending a formal event, a business meeting, or a social gathering, a double-breasted suit will help you look your best and feel your best. So why wait? Explore the selection at ContempoSuits.com and find the perfect double-breasted suit for your next big event!
