The double-breasted suit, with its closed front and rows of buttons, emanates an unsurpassed air of authority. From its origins as a military outfit, it has evolved to become a wardrobe mainstay for royal personages everywhere.

However, compared to its single-breasted brethren, the relative rarity of the double-breasted suit at any gala event or business function is markedly apparent. Double-breasted suits, besides being less readily available off the rack, are also less forgiving to the wearer when incorrectly fitted. Many young men deem it too "old" and many men of girth worry that it might make them look larger. The options available (like buttons and lapels) on the double-breasted might also be confusing to many.

Yet therein lies its appeal to informed sartorialists. The bespoke double-breasted suit's stylistic features offer more options to flatter men of all body types. If tailored well, it flatters men of generous proportions and adds gravitas to more youthful wearers.

Therefore, nothing, it seems, should hold one back from bespeaking one though social conventions do warrant a word of caution to younger wearers. That the double-breasted suit is considered more formal than single-breasted suit should make one consider the possibility of upstaging superiors at business gatherings.

In the first of a two-part article, we will highlight the intricacies of this marvelous piece of attire that is the double-breasted suit.