A double-breasted jacket or coat has two vertical rows of buttons down the front, with the option to button on the right or left side. The number of horizontal rows of buttons can vary, and more buttons mean more coverage but also more bulk. Shorter men may prefer a four-button coat, while double-breasted sport coats are associated with older businessmen and should always be worn with a tie.
In fashion, double-breasted refers to a jacket or coat with two vertical rows of buttons down the front. The double-breasted coat’s two rows of buttons distinguish it from a double-breasted coat, which has only one vertical row of buttons. While the double-breasted coat may be more common, the double-breasted coat has its place as both a winter jacket and a sports coat.
The two vertical rows of buttons run parallel to each other on a double-breasted coat. A person wearing the coat usually has the option of buttoning on the right or left side, although sometimes a row of buttons is only decorative and does not have corresponding buttonholes. In some cases, one row of buttons will be fully functional, while the other row only has one or two matching buttonholes.
The number of horizontal rows of buttons a double-breasted jacket has can vary. Many coats have three horizontal rows on the outside, for a total of six buttons. Usually, two buttons on the right or left side close the jacket, and the top button is left undone. Some coats also have an additional button hidden on the inside panel.
The more buttons a coat has, the higher the neckline and the more coverage it will offer in the front. More coverage can be beneficial in colder climates, as the extra fabric will help keep a person warm. Wool pea coats are popular in the winter months for this reason. However, the extra fabric also contributes to bulking up the jacket and may not look good on all body types. Skinny men may appear to be suffocating a double-breasted jacket while short men may appear even shorter.
Shorter men may find a jacket with just four buttons, or two horizontal rows, more flattering on them. The four-button coat is often called a Kent. Four buttons reduce the bulk of the jacket and allow more of the shirt and tie the man is wearing to be seen, which in turn seems to add height to a man’s torso.
Double-breasted sport coats are generally associated with older businessmen. This style of sport coat usually has peak or peak lapels. Peak lapels, where the top of the lapel points upwards, add to the elegant look of the jacket. While men can sometimes get away with wearing a single-breasted coat without a tie, you should always wear a tie or bow tie with a double-breasted sport coat, as the look will appear incomplete without a tie.
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