Double-breasted tuxedo lapels: Go big or go home?

[WahoowaATL]

I'm considering the vintage tuxedo below, which has so many features I like (besom pockets, no vents, peak lapels, fishtail trousers, and most importantly, good fit). However it has bigger lapels than I had previously considered. Looking here for SF's thoughts.

I am about 5'9", 145lbs, medium to narrow shoulders. My general sense is that for my body type, wider lapels have the advantage of broadening my shoulders, but the disadvantage of adding a horizontal line to my figure, which is somewhat on the shorter side.

Tags: Tuxedo, double-breasted, peak lapels, big lapels

 

[Magnanimist]

My recommendation: Take a pass on this one. Get something that aligns with your size/proportions.

You will look much snazzier that way.

 

[whnay.]

I actually really like that - buy it.

 

[edmorel]



I actually really like that - buy it.

I like it also, but at 5'9" and 145, those lapels will be bigger than his thighs.

 

[whnay.]

Yeah, so. It's a lounge suit - its meant to have a little attitude.

 

[GBR]

It just looks old, not smart.

 

[robbersarb]

I'd take a pass.
Some Tailors can re-cut the lapels if you have the cash but those look very 70s and if you have a narrow figure as you say it will make you look almost comical and will not make your shoulders look broader but narrower.
To avoid looking dated follow the advice of Will Boehlke and Alan Flusser who both recommend going for something that falls about halfway out across the chest, anything else will become a victim of fashion marching on.

 

[Ivar]

It's a nice jacket for sure. But the breast pocket sits too close to the armscye, which is gonna look odd when you square it up.

 

[add911_11]

that tux is sick, I am going to get my next project exactly like that.

With proportion, I don't think it matters too much, as long as the fit is good. A famous member here is quiet petite and still rocking huge lapels from the famous Italian tailors.

 

[aizan]



if you have a narrow figure as you say it will make you look almost comical and will not make your shoulders look broader but narrower.

this. if you have narrow shoulders and are on the short side, you should look for something with a narrower lapel that rolls down and fastens on the lower button below your waist. the points should be higher up on the chest as well.