Q: Can a short man wear a double-breasted suit?

TheFoo · Feb 27, 2008

This is sort of a follow-up question to my inquiry about flannels. I tend to think that anyone can wear a double-breasted suit, even the shorter of us, so long as you've got the right build. It seems that leaner is better in that regard. But how lean is lean enough? I'm not skinny, but far from fat, too. To be precise: 5'4", 135 lbs, 38-inch chest, 18-inch shoulders, 29-inch waist, gigantic head. Too stocky, too short, plain unimaginable?

edmorel · Feb 27, 2008

I break your chops often here (although I love your shirt and pant choices) but I truly mean no ill will towards you in my following comment, I think at 5'4" wearing a DB looks wrong. I am sure many will disagree, but I think it looks costumey, somehwat like a boy wearing his dad's clothes. I really can't explain it, it just looks weird to me.

T4phage · Feb 27, 2008

Yes you can wear one. Look at the old pics of the duke of Wales, and more importantly in your case, DeSica or Toto.

haganah · Feb 27, 2008

Originally Posted by edmorel

I break your chops often here (although I love your shirt and pant choices) but I truly mean no ill will towards you in my following comment, I think at 5'4" wearing a DB looks wrong. I am sure many will disagree, but I think it looks costumey, somehwat like a boy wearing his dad's clothes. I really can't explain it, it just looks weird to me.
I was thinking the same. It would look like you are about to go grab a frozen hot chocolate with your mom at Serendipity.

TheFoo · Feb 27, 2008

Originally Posted by edmorel

I break your chops often here (although I love your shirt and pant choices) but I truly mean no ill will towards you in my following comment, I think at 5'4" wearing a DB looks wrong. I am sure many will disagree, but I think it looks costumey, somehwat like a boy wearing his dad's clothes. I really can't explain it, it just looks weird to me.

Oh, there's no ill will perceived. I appreciate the candid opinion, in fact. So, even if the suit fits properly, you think it would still look costume?

Originally Posted by T4phage

Yes you can wear one. Look at the old pics of the duke of Wales, and more importantly in your case, DeSica or Toto.

I hope you're right, but I don't think DeSica was as short as me, and I actually don't know what Toto looks like.

itsstillmatt · Feb 27, 2008

Despos · Feb 27, 2008

Proportion, or lack of, is more evident on DB. Button position, stance, amount of overlap, shoulder, lapel, all contribute to the proper balance of proportion.

Can work on any body type.

HomerJ · Feb 27, 2008

Is age a factor then? Seems like an older man could pull it off more readily.

edmorel · Feb 27, 2008

Originally Posted by mafoofan

^^^ Oh, there's no ill will perceived. I appreciate the candid opinion, in fact. So, even if the suit fits properly, you think it would still look costume?

I'm sure you'll look fine I just think that DB's look better on people a bit taller than average. I find that they "shorten" you for some reason. The Duke wore them, but I think he looked much better in the SB's. How tall was he anyway? Anyway, yuo are in the hands of masters so I wouldn't worry too much about it. I'm not that tall (5'9-10") and I have a DB sportcoat.

Holdfast · Feb 27, 2008

I'm a touch over 5'5" and about the same weight as you. Your other measurements aren't too far off. I have a few DB suits and jackets. Some work in my opinion, some don't.

I think the key is a shorter length and tailored, fitted style.

Here are a few photos for you to decide what works and what doesn't:

edmorel · Feb 27, 2008

Originally Posted by Despos

Proportion, or lack of, is more evident on DB. Button position, stance, amount of overlap, shoulder, lapel, all contribute to the proper balance of proportion.

Can work on any body type.

Maybe that is one of my issues. So many buttons on a short swath of fabric seems odd to me.

nioh · Feb 27, 2008

Originally Posted by HomerJ

Is age a factor then? Seems like an older man could pull it off more readily.

I don't believe so. Rather it's a matter of cut and style.

Despos · Feb 27, 2008

Originally Posted by nioh

I don't believe so. Rather it's a matter of cut and style.

confidence and attitude as well

Qasimkhan · Feb 27, 2008

How would you tailor a DB for a shorter/stockier man?

Originally Posted by Despos

Proportion, or lack of, is more evident on DB. Button position, stance, amount of overlap, shoulder, lapel, all contribute to the proper balance of proportion. Can work on any body type.

globetrotter · Feb 27, 2008

I used to wear a lot of double breasted suits. While they didn't add to my hieght, and they may have made me look ever more stocky, I don't think that anyone would have thought they made me look younger. I think that this has to do with a certain gravity, maybe not an age issue but a dignity issue.

Q: Can a short man wear a double-breasted suit?

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