There has been somewhat of a comeback for the double-breasted look. But is it suited for the work place?
Perhaps the style’s comeback is attributed to the modern anchor button, which holds the suit together well, even when seated at a desk for hours. Maybe Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo, a boss often caught rocking the DB, has something to do with the fad’s uptick. After all, we were told to dress for the job we want, not the one we have.
Undoubtedly, wearing a double-breasted to work says a lot about moral character. For one, you’re not afraid to take risks. Although Harvard’s crew team might look down on the occasional sprezzatura, wearing a DB to work may allow for well needed “face time” to take more notice. Indeed, sales of ties spiked in 2007 when men tried to avoid layoffs by attempting to stand out with their new ties. Everyone wears a tie, but only the brave covers a three piece with a double-breasted.
To the older readers, the new double-breasted cut is a lot slimmer than before. Rarely do we find the gaudy gold buttons on the new designs. I think these features allow the new DBs to go a little more under the radar than one might assume.
So, should an analyst pull a Montezemolo and wear a double-breasted to work?
man the "Double Breasted in the Office" in the subject really threw me off :P
NO, God no...corporate America, and especially finance, aren't forgiving of creativity.
The big shots can do whatever they want, and that includes following silly fashion trends.
Knew better, but still was hoping this post was about boobs.
DBs are not a silly fashion trend, they've been around forever. That said, they just are more formal than single breasted suits, so it might not be appropriate to wear them at the office unless you are pretty senior.
I don't find a reason for not wearing a DB to work. It is still a suit, it looks good if it is your size (as anything). It should me something you like, not something to stand out and chances are that if you like it, you are going to feel comfortable wearing it.
"After all, we were told to dress for the job we want, not the one we have."
Nailed it. As for me, I've always wanted to run a sovereign wealth fund, personally; this is why I wear a turban and flowing robes.
+1
LdM is a cool guy and great dresser but 23 year old corporate finance analysts in New York should not dress like 65 year old Italian industrialists.
In fact, when I was just starting, one of the data room companies that came to sell themselves to us had a guy in monk straps, double breasted suit, puffy pocket square and lavender tie speak and no one took him seriously. He looked like he watched too much gossip girl.
I think it looks boxy.
I don't think anyone's doubting that. Reminded me of this for some reason...
"The hardest part about learning to roller skate is telling your parents your gay."
http://www.bherdclothing.com/RollerPimp_sm.gif
http://www.bherdclothing.com/RollerPimp_sm.gif[/quote]
Haha watch this if you haven't already...
You better be a senior member of your firm, either wise NO!
lets clarify the very cloudy rules of corporate attire suitable as a lower level employee in investment banking as it relates to the double breasted suit... only under 3 very well defined circumstances should anybody EVER wear a double breasted suit:
1) you are over 50, you make 7 figures (preferably well into 7 figures, cuz like 1.25 mil a year is really walking a fine line on this one), you have lost most of your hair and all thats left is prodominantly grey or white, the accompanying shirt and tie combo must have costed over 500 dollars, you wear slip ons with tassles to meet clients, and your title includes one or any combination of "partner", "managing director", "chairman", "global head of", or "senior advisor"...
please note that any one of the above criterion can be ignored for each badge of personal or family prestige you may have, including duke, earl, sir, count, governor, congressman, etc
2) those selling the double breasted suits to the men described in point 1) would likely be permitted to wear double breasted suits themselves, but only because nobody really has to take them seriously
3) if you aspire to be fired, go right ahead
dont forget the inside button, gentlemen
I won't usually have to suit-up at my office, so this isn't fully applicable to me. I probably wouldn't wear one personally, but I stand by my golden rule on whether or not I'm allowed to hate on a certain fashion:
Q: Would Roger wear that shit? A: Fuck yeah he would!
...so I therefore refuse to look-down on it, even if I don't think it's for me. Because Roger is the fucking man.
If you wear it, make sure you have the right body type. Ie: tall and skinny.
Roger is the man.
Is a double breasted suit okay for FT analysts? (Originally Posted: 02/22/2013)
Is a double breasted suit okay for FT analysts?
Double-breasted suits are extremely rare on the Street. Would shy away from that look.
Thanks NorthSider.
Would anyone else like to contribute?
Don't just shy away, run away as fast as you can. A double breasted suit might be the hardest clothing item in history to pull off... About 99% of the time they just look ridiculous and the other 1% (Boardwalk Empire) they look badass.
its pretty bright, might wanna get a darker colored suit in addition to getting a single breasted suit
so you agree that double breasted is a definite nono?
too many buttons, awfully bright. Just stick to normal blacks and dark greys/charcoal until you're ready to be a BSD.
double-breasted is a no-no
double breasted, wide lapels, garish color!!! Definitely NOT a good idea.
Just get a normal three button black suit, you can get a decent one and not pay more than $200. This looks like something they wear in the Great Gatsby.
Charcoal*
Rule 1: if you have to ask...don't wear it Rule (comment) 2: who the hell raised you that you would think that is a normal look?
You should wear it to your first day. Please. And report back with the reaction.
I'm not sure that a double breasted suit is okay in any profession really unless you run a drug cartel or (as mentioned above) a boot leg prohibition era alcohol scheme.
waiter's wear black suits, go charcoal or navy blue
I would avoid double breasted, not just for work, but altogether. Double breasted is going the way of pleated pants.
Double breasted is actually very in style at the moment, but i would not wear it to work, ever.
If you are really dying to wear one, at least get something modern. I don't really like this material, but this is an example of how it should fit. You could get a blazer for social situations.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/topman-grid-check-double-breasted-tuxedo-ja…
[quote=WellsNotice]Double breasted is actually very in style at the moment, but i would not wear it to work, ever.
If you are really dying to wear one, at least get something modern. I don't really like this material, but this is an example of how it should fit. You could get a blazer for social situations.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/topman-grid-check-double-breasted-tuxedo-ja…]
Haha that outfit is absolutely ridiculous
It is like something right of Zoolander, I know. I couldn't be bothered to find better example but they are all over the style blogs I read.
hey if you purposely wear an outfit that stands out you show non conformity in a place wear conformity and solidarity is the backbone of operations. I you want to stand out get some monogramed cuff links like everyone else or monogrammed dress socks.
thats all the extreme fashoin your allowed if and when the entire outfit desides to take a step back in time then you will do so as well but until the monogrammed socks and cuff links and on friday wacky tie day you can really go wild
Minus voluptas quam et omnis. Officiis voluptatem eligendi sapiente esse et aliquam. Quis dicta mollitia nisi.
Excepturi consequatur dignissimos deleniti id veritatis itaque suscipit. Beatae commodi eos at tenetur ratione aut. Odit et odio non dolore et in non.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...
In dolores atque et dolorem ut. Earum dicta sequi ad quis et. Debitis error impedit mollitia excepturi qui beatae. Blanditiis accusamus iusto facilis incidunt. Nulla ducimus facilis quos nemo nihil. Deserunt quod in sed occaecati vel at delectus est.
Dicta aut quia vero harum eaque. Eum odio quos voluptatem eveniet quaerat maxime unde. Libero quisquam molestiae sint repudiandae. Minus qui maxime molestias ad et ducimus. Distinctio quos tenetur non reiciendis consequatur. Dignissimos ipsum rem rem laborum error.
Laudantium rem perferendis consequuntur. Earum numquam mollitia sit voluptatem quisquam. Sunt nam excepturi vero facilis voluptas rerum molestias. Molestiae vitae rerum sunt.