What is a double breasted overcoat?

A double-breasted garment is a coat, jacket, or vest with wide, overlapping front flaps which has on its front two symmetrical columns of buttons; by contrast, a single-breasted item has a narrow overlap and only one column of buttons.

What is a peak lapel jacket?

In a peak lapel, the tip of the lapel points upwards, standing proud from the collar. It is considered more formal and is perhaps most commonly found on double-breasted and dinner jackets. The formality may come from the fact that being able to cut a peak lapel is also considered one of the hardest tasks in tailoring.

What is a double-breasted coat called?

The double-breasted jacket originated in the sporting world as a casual garment called the Reefer Jacket.

What is the difference between single-breasted and double-breasted coat?

Single breasted suit jackets have one row of buttons to the front. In a double breasted jacket, the front is cut to overlap in order to accommodate a double row of buttons. The other difference is in the jacket lapels.

Why is it called double-breasted?

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: FRIVOLITY. When we first started tailoring suits in the latter half of the 1800s, double-breasted suits were the casual offering compared to formal tails. Taking inspiration from the naval reefer jacket (a style like today’s pea coats), they were mostly worn for leisure and sports.

How do you wear double breasted overcoat?

If you opt for a double-breasted overcoat, make sure it has peak lapels because that’s a classic style or an Ulster collar which is also appropriate for DB overcoats. Stay away from notch lapels in double-breasted overcoats because it makes it look like from the 80s and it’s just historically incorrect.

What is lapel coat?

A lapel is the collar of a coat or jacket. There are three main types of lapels including a notch lapel (most common for suits), a peak lapel (used in both suits and tuxedos) and a shawl lapel used almost exclusively for tuxedos). In the most basic terms: the lapel is the foldy flappy thingy by the neck of your jacket.

What is the purpose of a lapel?

Purpose of Lapels Being that they are nothing more than folded bands of fabric, you might be wondering what purpose lapels serve. Lapels don’t serve any functional purpose. Rather, they are used for aesthetic purposes. With lapels, suit jackets offer a more formal style that’s synonymous with men’s formalwear.

Where did the term double-breasted come from?

Contrary to popular belief, the double-breasted jacket has its origins in the early nineteenth century as a casual garment also called the ‘reefer’ jacket. It was considered quite casual and worn by people for sporting events and events taking place in the countryside.

What is notched lapel?

The notched lapel (American English), step lapel or step collar (British English) is sewn to the collar at an angle, creating a step effect. This is the standard on single-breasted suits, and is used on nearly all suit jackets, blazers, and sports jackets. The notched lapel double-breasted jacket is a rare setting.

Who invented double-breasted?

The drape cut was originally invented in the late 1900’s by a man named Frederick Scholte, the then-Prince of Wales’ (later known as the Duke of Windsor) personal tailor from 1919-1949.

Are double-breasted coats in style?

The double-breasted suit’s somewhat extravagant, show-offy energy makes it especially relevant in this extremely confident era in menswear, but it’s probably too classic to call a trend. The truth is, the double-breasted suit has always been, will always be a solid move.

Can a double breasted coat have a peak?

As with a jacket, a double-breasted coat will always have a peak lapel. But a single-breasted coat can have a peak or a notch – and it is perhaps more common to see a peak lapel on an SB coat than on a jacket.

What kind of jacket has a peaked lapel?

A detail borrowed from and found in formalwear, peaked lapels are a must on morning coats, tailcoats, and anything else that could be described using the word “formal.” Nevertheless, it can also be found on sport coats and overcoats as well as dinner jackets.

What’s the difference between peaked and notched lapels?

Peaked lapels are the standard on double-breasted suits. This is sartorially harmonious; double-breasted suits are incrementally dressier than their single-breasted counterparts, and peaked lapels are incrementally dressier than notched ones.

Is it bad to have a peaked lapel in a suit?

Often the angle of the “peak,” or the proportions can look off. While a nice peak (ed) lapel makes a suit look super sharp and classy, an oddly shaped, angled, or sized one can ruin the way a suit frames your body and face.