Most flattering suit coat style for a heavy-set man?

[Shoe City Thinker]

I'm 5' 11", weigh 222. I have a slightly prominent beer belly. I've received conficting advice on which suit coat style is more flattering. Two button? Three button? Can I get away with a dark solid-color double breasted?

Personally I like three-button but I'm more concerned on what downplays my mid-section.

 

[polar-lemon]

Originally Posted by Shoe City Thinker

I'm 5' 11", weigh 222. I have a slightly prominent beer belly. I've received conficting advice on which suit coat style is more flattering. Two button? Three button? Can I get away with a dark solid-color double breasted?

Personally I like three-button but I'm more concerned on what downplays my mid-section.

Double breasted is probably a good choice. I'm not sure about 2 button vs. 3 button for a SB suit, though I'd imagine that 2 is more flattering.

 

[js4design]

there was actually an article in an old issue of GQ awhile back...

suit your shape

doesn't go into a ton of detail but its a start...

 

[antirabbit]

I think a DB is the worst choice, it makes your legs look like match sticks attached to a marshmallow.
A correctly sized 2 button with the right gorge height would be perfect for you, you do not need a 3 button because of your height.
Get side vents, they are very forgiving as single vents tend to skew and look aweful.

 

[Faded501s]

^^^ +1

 

[spence]

Originally Posted by antirabbit

I think a DB is the worst choice, it makes your legs look like match sticks attached to a marshmallow.
A correctly sized 2 button with the right gorge height would be perfect for you, you do not need a 3 button because of your height.
Get side vents, they are very forgiving as single vents tend to skew and look aweful.

Generally agree, but watch the side vents. Unless the coat fits perfectly they won't sit right either and it's more effort to tailor.

-spence

 

[MLIW]

Chuck Lidell does look pretty good in a suit!

 

[porcelain monkey]

Actually I think the GQ piece is pretty good. The key takeaway is think about proportion and fit. Don't buy a suit too big, thinking it will hide a gut - it will look like a tent. Also I like the bit on wider lapels. That will make the proportions right. Suspenders strike me as a personal choice, but buy all means go for it if it makes you look and feel better. I, too, would avoid double breasted unless it is quite well fitted to your body. Too much fabric will draw attention to your girth. As with most things style related, if you feel good and are confident in your choices, chances are it will come across in your appearance.

 

[antirabbit]

Originally Posted by spence

Generally agree, but watch the side vents. Unless the coat fits perfectly they won't sit right either and it's more effort to tailor.

-spence


In the case of a heavy person, there is much more forgiveness with side vents, tailored or not.
And when you consider tailoring, I often see the most ****** tailoring done on a single vented suit.
Hence, side vents on a larger man is going to be the best choice.

 

[Steve Smith]

No 3 button, unless it is 3 roll 2. A well cut, well tailored DB could be the best answer for your question, assuming that your beer belly is indeed slight. A poorly done DB would be among the worst. Take a look at the thread "Double Breasted Style" to help determine whether DB would work for you.

 

[TC11201]

Originally Posted by antirabbit

I think a DB is the worst choice, it makes your legs look like match sticks attached to a marshmallow.
A correctly sized 2 button with the right gorge height would be perfect for you, you do not need a 3 button because of your height.
Get side vents, they are very forgiving as single vents tend to skew and look aweful.
+1

 

[globetrotter]

I've done well with DB, but I have very wide shoulders, and that may be a contributing factor.

 

[polar-lemon]

Originally Posted by Steve Smith

No 3 button, unless it is 3 roll 2. A well cut, well tailored DB could be the best answer for your question, assuming that your beer belly is indeed slight. A poorly done DB would be among the worst. Take a look at the thread "Double Breasted Style" to help determine whether DB would work for you.

This is what I was saying. Assuming good fit, I think a DB is the best choice. Think of the more portly members on here who post very well tailored DBs, they look great.

 

[unpainted huffheinz]

Rent the film 'The Hustler' and take note what Jackie Gleason is wearing.

 

[TheFoo]

Yachtie is not a skinny man and his suits are very flattering on him. I don't think there's a good rule of thumb as to whether single or double breasted jackets look better on a bigger guy. The way the thing is cut and fits is far more determinative.