double-breasted

American  

[duhb-uhl-bres-tid] / ˈdʌb əlˈbrɛs tɪd /

adjective

1. (of a coat, jacket, etc.) overlapping sufficiently in front to allow for two rows of buttons.

2. (of a suit) having a coat or jacket that so overlaps.

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double-breasted British  

adjective

1. (of a garment) having overlapping fronts such as to give a double thickness of cloth

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Etymology

Origin of double-breasted

First recorded in 1695–1700

Compare meaning

How does double-breasted compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• double-breasted vs. single-breasted

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

double-breasted

He became a fixture on television news, wearing either military style tactical gear or a long, double-breasted green overcoat with wide lapels that critics said was meant to echo Nazi German military garb.

From Barron's ● Mar. 17, 2026

Barack Obama was criticized for answering reporters’ questions in an “informal” tan suit, while Secretary of Labor George Shultz was once lampooned for appearing in an “old-fashioned” double-breasted suit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026

Indeed, the collection taps into 1950s-era silhouettes and trends: slim pencil skirts, double-breasted jackets and nipped-in waists.

From Salon ● Nov. 9, 2025

Other racks hold the matching skirts and pants as well as stylized denim shawls and double-breasted, patchwork coats she made for special occasions.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2025

He stood before her in his dark blue double-breasted suit, fresh white shirt with the soft turned-down collar and a polka-dot bow tie.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith