Let Prince Charles show you how to rock the double breasted jacket
On the day of his 68th birthday, we look to one of Britain's best and biggest style icons...
Words: India Gladstone
On the day of his 68th birthday, we look to one of Britain’s best and biggest style icons – none other than the future King of England, HRH Prince Charles. Although there are whispers around that Prince William could be surpassing him in the style stakes, we truly believe that the heir apparent is still the most stylish royal around. And if there’s one man whose going to inspire you to wear a double-breasted jacket this season, it’s him:
Like the blazer and most other men’s jackets, the double-breast (originally born the reefer jacket) came from a sporting background, often worn by gentlemen in their casual attire heading to the likes of tennis or badminton. Whilst today it’s seen as one of the smartest pieces of outerwear a gentleman can own, back then it was considered too casual even for the office. Overtime, it’s become more synonymous with smarter and more formal events, partly due to its heavy affiliation with the Duke of Windsor. The double-breast has been worn by stylish gentleman all over the world and Prince Charles has been a serious aficionado for the piece. Here are his best moments:
It’s commonly believed that the double-breast should be reserved for the colder months, but HRH proves the opposite. Portraying the piece’s versatility and ability to be worn whatever the weather, Prince Charles rocks the double-breast in lighter fabrics and materials for the warmer months ahead and shows that you can, too.
The quintessentially classic take on the double-breast, a navy style in this thicker material is the perfect piece to tackle all situations, all occasions and all seasons. If you’re looking to invest in a piece that’s going to last you years and that you’ll never tire of, this is it. Make like Prince Charles and wear it as a traditional gentleman would, with all of the right accessories and paired with a matching pair of navy trousers.
If you want to mix things up but don’t want to push the boat out too far, go for something like this. It’s a modern take on a classic and can work perfectly worn with a suit as well as its own entity as a blazer. Keep the rest of your outfit subtle and muted and always follow the same colour palette as your blazer.
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