A double-breasted suit is the one garment that’s genuinely, unavoidably better made to measure. Off the rack, it often doesn’t work – the overlap sits wrong, the lapel collapses, and the whole thing hangs like a coat someone lent you.
Cut properly, it does something no single-breasted suit does: it builds a shape rather than following one. Which is why it has always been the choice of men who want the suit to do some of the work. We’ve been cutting them in Bangkok since 1972, each from a pattern we make for you and keep on file.
Come and see the cloth in person, or contact us with any questions.
What you choose
- Configuration: 6×2 is the classic. 4×1 is leaner and more modern. 6×1 is a statement, and we’ll tell you if it’s the wrong one for you.
- Lapel: peak, always. A notch lapel on a double-breasted jacket is a compromise nobody needs to make.
- Overlap and button placement: this is the whole garment. Where the button sits against your waist decides whether it flatters you or fights you.
- Vents: side vents, normally. You could also go with no vents at all.
- Pieces: two or three, though a double-breasted jacket rarely needs a waistcoat under it.
Who it suits
Almost everyone, if cut correctly. This isn’t the received wisdom, but the received wisdom is based on ready-made jackets that were never cut for anyone in particular.
It’s more forgiving through the middle than people expect, and more flattering on tall men than anything else you can wear. Come in and we’ll pin one on you before you decide.
The cloth and how it’s built
Cloth starts at good wool blends and runs up through pure wool, fine Italian wool and wool-cashmere blends. Linen for the heat. Nothing we make is pure synthetic – and a double-breasted jacket carries a cloth with some weight to it better than a very fine one, because the structure needs something to hold.
Most clients choose half-canvassed construction; whichever you choose is agreed with you. If you’d like to understand the options, read our guide to fabrics and construction.
How long it takes
Allow five or six days and time for two fittings.
Make a bold statement with a double breasted suit tailored by Romeo & Juliet Tailor’s House. Choose from a variety of fabrics, and customise each detail of your double breasted suit to meet your requirements, whether you’re looking to wear one for a wedding, a business meeting, or another formal occasion.