Style
Choosing the Right Men’s Suit Jacket – A Discussion.
When it comes to buying men’s suit jackets, it can often seem like a never-ending show. Two jackets can look the same on the rack, but look insanely different on two different men. For this reason, it’s useful to first know what different types of suit jackets there are, and secondly, how to determine the right one for you.
The three main types of men’s suit jackets
2-Button Single-Breasted Suit
Arguably the most common type of men’s suit jacket out of all three, the 2-button single-breasted jacket is a classic. Pockets can vary between jetted and flaps, depending on the style of the jacket.
3-Button Single-Breasted Suit
A little less common that its 2-button cousin, the 3-button single-breasted jacket is often a favourite of taller men because of the way that it defines their frame. Most times, only the top and middle buttons are buttoned up with this suit jacket.
6-Button Double-Breasted Suit
The most complex and formal out of all three, the 6-button double-breasted suit is usually reserved for weddings, galas and other events like these. This jacket is perfect for a fancier look, as it definitely makes you glance twice at its regality. With this design, the bottom buttons are left undone.
The Men’s Suit Jacket: Choosing your suit jacket.
Now that you know the difference between men’s suit jackets, it’s time to see which one is perfect for you. It’s all about dressing for your body type. The better you understand how to flatter your body type, the better you’ll look.
Just FYI, We go in depth on suiting in our men’s suiting guide as well as suits and jackets for when you are dressing for the office so check them out too; when you’re ready!
Minimizing a tall frame
Tall men pair well with 3-button, single-breasted suit jackets. Jackets with slightly longer sleeves are also a win, as they shorten the appearance of long arms and focus others’ attention on your face instead.
Side-vented jackets are perfect for the tall, thin man, as it gives the impression of a fuller form.
Longer hems also shorten the leg, which can reduce a ‘gangly’ appearance and balance out the torso and the legs. Wide lapels are also suitable, as they broaden the chest and shoulders a bit.
Lengthening a short frame
Whereas you minimize height with tall men, maximizing it is the key to choosing men’s suit jackets for shorter men. A jacket with just one or two buttons fits nicely, as it gives a deeper ‘V’ at the chest and lengthens the torso.
Slim, high lapels are another feature to look for. If you do decide to wear a double-breasted jacket with more than two buttons, this will ensure that you still get the illusion of more height.
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Flattering a round frame
Suiting for the round-bellied man? No worries! There’s a suit jacket for him too. One or two buttons is your best bet. Remember to keep those buttoned when standing, but unbutton them while sitting to avoid that bunched-up stretching across your midsection.
The fancy, six-button double-breasted suit jacket is also great for providing a clear balance to a rounder frame and slimming the waist, but stick to jetted pockets rather than flaps. Horizontal lines tend to emphasize a larger fame.
Wrapping it up.
When it comes to dressing well and looking your best, no body is left out. No matter your weight or height, you can find the suit jacket that enhances all of your best features and downplays your not-so-flattering ones. All it takes is a little searching!
