Double breasted 4x2

[Brian SD]

Particularly looking at this suit: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws....17&rd=1 The measurements match up to be identical to my current suit that fits wonderfully, and I've really always wanted a navy DB suit, but I'm curious - is 4x2 against the rules? I believe I've heard that 6x2 is the only way to go. I think it looks great, but I don't want to be the only one who thinks so.

 

[sirgarnetwolseley]

Sir, There is certainly nothing wrong with a 4x2 double-breasted suit. I have a wonderful vintage navy stripe suit made by Hogg & Sons in 1962 from some sort of indestructable 18 oz hard-finished wool. I've received a few compliments when I whenever I've worn it. The best one was when someone told me I looked like I'd stepped out of the 1930's. I don't know anything about the quality of that brand but as it is designer, it isn't likely to be top drawer. There is a significant problem with that suit you link to though; it is single-vented and that is totally unnatural for a double-breasted suit. I would avoid this particular model but endorse the 4x2 wholeheartedly. Regards, Sir Garnet Wolseley

 

[Brian SD]

I appreciate the feedback. As far as the brand name goes, it's my personal favorite designer and I already own two suits by her - so that's cool. However, you did note that the jacket is single vented which is unusual for double breasted... I'll investigate a bit before I buy anything. I assume the suit is probably of $1500 - 1600 retail (which is surprisingly under average for a fashion designer, especially one who has full-canvas suits), and $250 seems like a deal to me, even as a collector of Jil Sander. Now that my love for JS has been established, do you still think that a single vented DB is outright absurd, or just different / contemporary? I have never bought a DB suit before, so I really do appreciate the feedback.

 

[Doctor Crane]

I would say that if you love the designer and know first hand the quality of the suit, in addition to actually wanting the darned thing, why not?. While personally I would never buy a single vented double breasted suit, mostly because I hate single vents, I've also been known to harbor an odd respect myself for the 6 x 6 DB which I would consider just as unconventional as the double breasted, single vented suit. To each his own I guess. Besides, it's not like someone's going to be snickering behind your back about the absurdity of your vent. (Then again...

)

 

[A Harris]

The vent can be closed so it is not an issue. That cut would look awful on me, but something tells me it might work on a slim guy.

Oh, and 4x2 is perfectly acceptable. Not common, but still a classic option. The Duke himself used to wear them.

 

[Classic]

A close friend just returned from the US where he purchased a JS, single vent 4x2. (is this a coming trend?) Although I must admit to having problems with the single vent, the suit looks great on him and recieved several compliments from women at a night out last Friday, a fact that did not go unnoticed by his wife.
Go for it.

Classic

 

[Nick M]

I'd never thought of a single-vented DB before, but I could see myself wearing it as a 'sporty' DB suit - maybe with an open-collared, colorful shirt or a ribbed turtleneck, some chelsea boots... With a white shirt, burgundy tie and black oxfords, however, I would say no - it would just look like a holdover from the eighties.

 

[STYLESTUDENT]

All I can add is that I have had a good experience with this seller. The weave seems like a hopsack-good texture.

 

[tdial]

I own three Jil Sander suits and love all three. I don't wear them for the most formal and conservative business functions, but they are great if you want to look a little more modern.

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you're a 36R, that would indicate that you are smallish in stature. I have never thought that double breasted jackets look good on smaller men. Again, don't take this the wrong way--I'm also too short to wear one, in my opinion.

 

[kabert]

That is a cheap price for Jil Sander, but at least here in DC, Filene's Basement received hundreds of JS items that Filene's had an impossible time selling -- everything from heavy wool overcoats to dozens of flimsy cashmere shirts and sweaters. Alot of it was a little too fashion forward for conservative downtown Washington. Thus, it doesn't surprise me that someone might try to flip a JS item picked up for slightly more than nothing at Filene's.

 

[Keith T]

Oh, and 4x2 is perfectly acceptable. Not common, but still a classic option. The Duke himself used to wear them.

All you need to know....  

 

[Brian SD]

Wow, didn't expect to receive so much feedback. Thanks guys.

Don't take this the wrong way, but if you're a 36R, that would indicate that you are smallish in stature. I have never thought that double breasted jackets look good on smaller men. Again, don't take this the wrong way--I'm also too short to wear one, in my opinion.

This is something that I am worried about as well. I am generally very picky about suits being slim enough, and while Jil Sander does better than nearly all other designers to fit the bill, I am afraid that a DB just will not look right on me.

EDIT: I reread your post and am thinking you are referring to height alone (horrible reading comprehension here). If so, I don't think it should be an issue, I'm about 6 ft. even.

That is a cheap price for Jil Sander, but at least here in DC, Filene's Basement received hundreds of JS items that Filene's had an impossible time selling -- everything from heavy wool overcoats to dozens of flimsy cashmere shirts and sweaters.  Alot of it was a little too fashion forward for conservative downtown Washington.  Thus, it doesn't surprise me that someone might try to flip a JS item picked up for slightly more than nothing at Filene's.

I am going to visit a friend in Providence at Brown U next spring, perhaps I'll hold my wallet together until then, so I can check out the selection there.

 

[BGW]

Are you crazy? Buy the suit.

I doubt you will find a suit a) by your favorite designer b) in exactly your measurements c) in a style you've "always really wanted" d) by a very reputable ebay seller e) at a hugely discounted price.

I almost want to buy it just to spite you. Besides, if you buy it and hate it, I bet you could flip it with not much trouble for only a small loss (if that).