The best double-breasted blazers for men offer a direct line to some of the 20th century’s most stylish dudes. From proto-influencers like the Duke of Windsor and Errol Flynn to game-changing designers like Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, it’s no accident that some of the best-dressed guys of all time have all been devoted fans of the DB. Thanks to its unique spot at the intersection of sophistication and swerviness, if worn right (and tailored to perfection) a double-breasted blazer can take any look from nice to niiice.
For anyone new around these parts, a double-breasted blazer is a tailored jacket, usually in a dark solid color like navy blue or charcoal gray, with an overlapping front flap and two symmetrical columns of buttons. Like the single-breasted blazer—which in its most classic form comes with gold buttons and a crest on the breast pocket—the DB is not typically part of a suit, and tends to be understated in its color, texture, and pattern.
Within this genus, you’ll find a variety of button combos with designations like 4×1, 6×1, and 6×2 (the first number is the total number of buttons, while the second indicates the number of buttonholes), each of which offers its own unique vibe. Whichever you choose, and whether you opt to wear it buttoned up over a shirt and tie or open over a tee and jeans, you’ll always be in stylish company.
The Best Men’s Double-Breasted Blazers, According to GQ
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Best Double-Breasted Blazer Overall: Todd Snyder Italian Tropical Wool Wythe Jacket
For anyone in search of suiting that’s both classic and of the moment, Todd Snyder will rarely disappoint. Such is the case with the NYC designer’s new Wythe silhouette, which channels the soft-shouldered ease of Giorgio Armani’s early ‘80s heyday, minus the exaggerated waist-to-shoulder ratio. The result, thanks to an understated navy blue three-season wool with a hint of stretch, makes a perfect entry point into the world of the double-breasted blazer. Better still, if you love the fit of the jacket, it’s easy to upgrade to a full DB suit thanks to Snyder’s matching Wythe trousers.
Best Budget Double-Breasted Blazer: Natalino Double-Breasted Sport Jacket
The cost of a jacket is mostly down to the quality of the fabric and the amount of hand-sewing that went into it, so the more you skimp on cost, the more you’ll likely sacrifice in quality and longevity. Conversely, Natalino’s Italian-made DB sport jacket—and pretty much everything else from the London-based indie brand—stands out by virtue of its impeccable provenance and impressive attention to detail.
That includes a 100% wool flannel from Vitale Barberis Canonico (an Italian mill backed by more than 300 years of heritage), horn buttons, a half-canvassed construction, and unfinished sleeves (all the better to tailor it to your exact specs). Like every quality piece of tailored clothing, the value of these differences will become more evident the more you wear it, and—thanks to its versatility and easygoing Neapolitan cut—you can expect to wear it a lot.
Best Upgrade Double-Breasted Blazer: Polo Ralph Lauren Iconic Doeskin Blazer
In addition to establishing the Canadian tuxedo as a menswear staple, Ralph Lauren has been teaching a masterclass in how to wear a double-breasted blazer for the better part of 50 years. The product of much tinkering from the designers at RL HQ, everything from the matte sheen of its deep blue fabric to its internal architecture has been precisely calibrated to make the Doeskin Blazer a definitive take on the genre.
In keeping with Lauren’s love of all things Anglo-American, the soft shoulders, trim waist, and gold-tone buttons make it a natural companion to repp ties, and loafers for cocktail hour at the yacht club. Or you could just do as Professor Ralph does and pair it with a denim shirt and some perfectly faded bootcut jeans.
Best Double-Breasted Blazer for Fashion Guys: Our Legacy Sharp DB Blazer
This Stockholm-based brand has been on a serious heater for the last couple of years, fueling its ongoing global expansion—and steadily growing hype—with collections that marry ‘90s influences with a dry Scandinavian sense of humor. Designer Cristopher Nying’s take on the classic DB is cut from the same conceptual cloth as many of his other recent bangers, with a boxy fit, super wide peak lapels, and a crinkly black viscose-polyester blend fabric that’s the antithesis of traditional navy blue wool. In addition to being extremely right now in terms of its look and feel, the oversized cut makes it easy to layer over a tee, a button-down, or a V-neck sweater.
Best Double-Breasted Blazer for Menswear Nerds: Anglo-Italian Double-Breasted Wool Sport Jacket
Anyone with strong opinions about button stance or sleeve head construction will probably already be familiar with Anglo-Italian’s signature Southern Italian tailoring-meets-old-school British textile ethos. If not, this incredibly natty blazer cut from a custom-woven tweed with a distinct “barleycorn” texture makes an ideal intro.
