Jeremy Hackett - The Mr Classic Blog

In the 1980s, no man stepped out of the door to the office unless he was kitted out in a double-breasted suit. It was the status symbol of the decade and in our shops we barely sold any other style. By the 90s the popularity of the double-breasted suit had rapidly declined along with the property market and wearing one became seen as a symbol of excess. At the time I regularly wore double-breasted suits but such became their reputation that I quickly abandoned them for a more sober single-breasted 3 button style.

I now feel so removed from those days that I have once again been tempted to adopt the double-breasted suit. Now it is more softly tailored and more relaxed, the shoulder is narrower and the coat length shorter, somehow it looks new and fresh and distinctly smarter and I believe there is a whole generation of men who have never worn this style and therefore are unaware of its historical baggage.


It was unfortunate that the double breasted suit became so vilified, because its silhouette is so flattering for many men - which is why The Prince of Wales has consistently worn this style to great effect. But whether the double-breasted suit ensues its past popularity and appeals to the youth of today remains to be seen.