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

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

Infiniti wore a sleeveless yellow Louis Vuitton number, while Taylor's menswear-inspired look by Saint Laurent included a wool double-breasted jacket adorned with feathers.

From BBC • Jan. 5, 2026

Bill Whitten, the store, didn’t sell single- or double-breasted jackets — too basic.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

His beard is trimmed to a goatee, and his uniform is a white double-breasted suit with gold trim.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman