Double-Breasted Jacket Redux

OK, so some readers wrote in taking umbrage with what they thought was assessment about the recent (or would that be upcoming?) spate of double-breasted jackets in my recent post on the Paris/Milan Spring 2005 menswear collections. In this one case, you're right to think that it's possible to look cool in a double-breasted suit. (Of course, I didn't actually say this wasn't the case, but it's not like most of you read what I write too closely, otherwise you wouldn't keep asking whether Seven jeans are still cool or pleats have come back in yet. The answer is no, with extreme prejudice, to both.)

Lest I digress further, there have been cases in which you can look cool in a double-breasted suit.



See? Of course, this is rare. As pictured above, the suit is cut very slim, is white, and sports a different button layout (compare to below.) Consider also that this is in the 70s, and the material (think something synthetic and form-fitting) adds to the effect. The overall result is slimming, rather than bulky -- which is how many double-breasted suits appear on many men today. A skinny tie, sharp boots, and yes, a skinny frame all help dramatically. As they do often. Ask Karl Lagerfeld if you don't believe me.