Kingsman Double Breasted Suit

From Silver Screen to Your Wardrobe: The Ultimate Guide to Acquiring Sartorial Excellence

When I first laid eyes on a perfectly tailored Kingsman double breasted suit, something changed within me. There was an immediate understanding that this wasn’t merely clothing—it was armor for the modern gentleman. The clean lines, the authoritative silhouette, the unmistakable presence it commands when entering a room—all of these elements spoke to me on a level that transcended mere fashion. A Kingsman double breasted suit isn’t just something you wear; it’s something you become.

After years of personal exploration in the world of fine tailoring and countless hours spent researching, purchasing, and wearing these magnificent garments, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about what makes these suits special and how you can add one to your wardrobe. This isn’t just a buying guide—it’s a journey into understanding the philosophy behind one of menswear’s most compelling statements.

What Exactly Is a Kingsman Double Breasted Suit?

The Kingsman double breasted suit represents the pinnacle of British tailoring, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. Born from the successful film franchise, these suits embody the ethos that “manners maketh man”—but I would argue that in this case, the suit plays a significant role too.

At its core, a Kingsman double breasted suit features a jacket with two parallel columns of buttons and overlapping front flaps. The signature Kingsman style typically presents a 6×2 button configuration (six buttons with only two functional). The silhouette is distinctly British with structured shoulders, a nipped waist creating a subtle hourglass shape, and high armholes allowing freedom of movement despite the tailored fit.

What distinguishes Kingsman suits from other double breasted options is their perfect balance between traditional formality and contemporary versatility. They maintain the authoritative presence of classic double breasted suits while incorporating subtle modern touches in cut and proportion that make them wearable in various contexts beyond the boardroom.

The craftsmanship is immediately apparent in details like hand-rolled lapels, pick stitching, working buttonholes, and canvassed construction—all hallmarks of true bespoke quality.

The Masterminds Behind the Kingsman Suit

When Matthew Vaughn created the Kingsman film franchise, he partnered with renowned British tailors to bring authenticity to the screen. The original Kingsman collection was born through a collaboration with Mr. Porter and Savile Row tailor Huntsman, whose heritage dates back to 1849.

This collaboration married Huntsman’s impeccable craftsmanship and understanding of traditional British tailoring with the cinematic vision of the Kingsman aesthetic. The result was a collection that transcended mere movie merchandise to become a legitimate luxury menswear line.

Today, the suits continue to be produced under careful supervision, maintaining the same standards that made them instant classics when they first appeared on screen. Each suit carries with it not just the legacy of British tailoring but also the distinct character of the fictional intelligence agency that inspired them.

Where Can You Purchase an Authentic Kingsman Double Breasted Suit?

Finding a genuine Kingsman double breasted suit requires knowing where to look. The primary official retailer remains Mr. Porter, which features the complete Kingsman collection developed in partnership with the film franchise. Their curated selection offers various styles including the iconic double breasted model that has become synonymous with the Kingsman aesthetic.

For those seeking an even more elevated experience, Huntsman on Savile Row offers bespoke services that can create suits inspired by the Kingsman style with personalized adjustments. While these won’t carry the official Kingsman label, they come from the same tailoring house that influenced the original designs.

I’ve also discovered several authorized luxury retailers in major cities worldwide that carry selections from the Kingsman line. Boutiques like Harrods in London, Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and select high-end department stores occasionally feature pieces from the collection, though availability varies considerably.

Be wary of retailers claiming to offer “Kingsman-style” suits without the proper credentials. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in authentic pieces cannot be easily replicated, and many imitators fall short in quality while attempting to capitalize on the name.

Investment Value: Understanding the Price Point

Let’s address the elephant in the room—Kingsman double breasted suits are significant investments. Current prices typically range from $2,500 to $4,000 for ready-to-wear options, while bespoke versions from Huntsman can easily exceed $5,000.

This pricing reflects several factors: superior fabrics sourced from heritage mills, traditional hand-crafted construction techniques, the exclusivity of the brand collaboration, and the premium associated with the Kingsman name itself.

When I purchased my first Kingsman suit, I experienced momentary sticker shock. However, after years of wear, I’ve come to understand that this represents value in a different way than most clothing purchases. These suits are built to last decades rather than seasons, improving with age and wear rather than deteriorating.

Consider that a quality Kingsman suit could easily provide 15-20 years of regular use with proper care—suddenly the cost per wear becomes much more reasonable than cycling through inferior suits every few years. They also hold their value remarkably well on the secondary market should your needs change.

The Unique DNA of Kingsman Tailoring

What makes a Kingsman double breasted suit immediately recognizable to those in the know? Several distinctive elements set them apart:

First, the proportions are meticulously calculated. The peak lapels are wider than contemporary fashion trends but not as exaggerated as vintage styles. This creates a timeless quality that resists looking dated as fashion evolves.

The shoulder construction is moderately structured with slight roping at the sleeve head—a quintessentially British approach that creates a strong silhouette without the extreme padding found in some Italian suits.

The jacket length is carefully calibrated to flatter the male form, typically covering the seat completely without extending too far down the leg. This creates a balanced proportion that makes almost any man appear both taller and more athletic.

Perhaps most importantly, Kingsman suits feature a true hourglass shape with a suppressed waist that creates a powerful V-shaped torso, regardless of your actual physique. This is achieved through careful internal construction rather than simply taking in the sides.

The trousers typically feature a higher rise than contemporary fashion, sitting properly at the natural waist rather than the hips. This not only creates a more elegant line but also increases comfort substantially—a lesson many modern men have unfortunately never experienced.

The Fabric: The Foundation of Excellence

The selection of fabric is perhaps the most crucial element in creating a truly exceptional suit, and Kingsman double breasted suits use only the finest available materials.

Most Kingsman suits feature wool from historic British and Italian mills with pedigrees stretching back centuries. The standard offerings typically include Super 120s and Super 150s worsteds that balance durability with luxury. These fabrics offer a natural sheen, exceptional drape, and remarkable resilience without being so fine that they become impractical for regular wear.

For winter collections, you’ll find heavier wools including flannel and cavalry twill options around 11-13oz that provide structure and warmth while maintaining the sharp lines essential to the Kingsman aesthetic.

Summer offerings often incorporate lighter 7-9oz fabrics with open weaves that allow breathability without sacrificing the suit’s architectural integrity. Some feature small percentages of silk or linen blended with wool to enhance comfort in warmer conditions.

What impressed me most when examining these fabrics up close was the depth of color achieved through traditional dyeing processes. Rather than flat, uniform colors, Kingsman fabrics display subtle variations that create richness and dimension under different lighting conditions.

The Critical Element: Achieving the Perfect Fit

No matter how excellent the craftsmanship or materials, the defining factor in how a Kingsman double breasted suit presents itself is the fit. This becomes even more critical with double breasted models, which can either look magnificent or disastrous depending on how they conform to your body.

When properly fitted, a Kingsman double breasted jacket should:

• Close cleanly at the buttoning point without strain or gapping
• Show no horizontal pulling across the chest or back
• Present a smooth drape from the shoulders with no bunching
• Allow enough room to slide a flat hand inside comfortably but no more
• Show approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch of shirt cuff when arms are relaxed
• Cover the seat completely with the jacket bottom
• Feature sleeves that end precisely at the wrist bone

The trousers should:

• Sit comfortably at the natural waist (near the navel, not the hips)
• Show no significant wrinkles at the front when standing
• Break slightly over the shoes without excessive pooling
• Provide comfortable room through the thigh without excess fabric

These fit parameters aren’t merely aesthetic considerations—they directly impact how the suit moves with you. A properly fitted Kingsman suit allows remarkable freedom of movement despite its tailored appearance. This is achieved through precise pattern cutting and internal construction that creates a three-dimensional garment rather than simply a flat fabric covering.

When purchasing, I strongly recommend working with an experienced fitter who understands the Kingsman aesthetic. Even ready-to-wear options will likely require some alterations to achieve optimal fit.

The Palette: Available Colors and Patterns

The Kingsman collection typically embraces a restrained, classic color palette that enhances the versatility of each piece. The core offerings usually include:

• Navy blue (the most versatile and my personal recommendation for a first purchase)
• Charcoal gray
• Mid-gray
• Subtle chalk stripes
• Prince of Wales check in muted colorways
• Midnight blue (appearing almost black but with richer depth)

These choices reflect the practical philosophy behind the brand—these are suits meant to be worn, not merely admired. The colors are selected to work across multiple contexts, from business to formal evening events.

Limited seasonal offerings occasionally introduce more distinctive options like bottle green, burgundy, or brown, but these represent a smaller portion of the collection and require more considered styling.

Pattern-wise, the approach is similarly restrained. When patterns are incorporated, they’re usually subtle and traditional—pin stripes, glen checks, or small herringbones that add visual interest without becoming the focal point of the outfit.

Styling Your Kingsman Double Breasted Suit

The strength of a Kingsman double breasted suit lies in its versatility despite its formal appearance. I’ve worn mine in contexts ranging from board meetings to evening events, and with the right styling choices, these suits can work across an impressive range of scenarios.

For business settings, pair your Kingsman suit with:

• A crisp white or pale blue shirt with a semi-spread collar
• A silk tie in a solid color or subtle pattern
• Black or dark brown Oxford shoes
• Minimal accessories (perhaps just a watch and simple pocket square)

For more creative or social contexts:

• Consider shirts with subtle patterns or textures
• Experiment with knitted ties or more expressive patterns
• Try brown suede shoes for a softer appearance
• Add personality with more distinctive pocket squares

For evening events:

• A white shirt with French cuffs
• A dark tie or bow tie depending on the formality
• Patent leather shoes for black tie optional events
• Elegant cufflinks and a coordinated pocket square

The key to styling these suits effectively is maintaining balance. The Kingsman double breasted suit already makes a strong statement, so other elements should complement rather than compete with it.

The Storied History Behind the Style

While the Kingsman brand itself is relatively new, the style of suit it champions has a rich history worth understanding. The double breasted suit as we know it evolved from the frock coats of the 19th century, gaining popularity in the 1920s and 1930s among business leaders and Hollywood stars.

The style reached its zenith in the 1940s before gradually giving way to the simpler single-breasted models in subsequent decades. The 1980s saw a brief resurgence, though often with exaggerated proportions that haven’t aged particularly well.

What makes the Kingsman interpretation successful is how it draws inspiration from the golden age of double breasted suits while refining the proportions for contemporary tastes. It respects tradition without being trapped by it.

The specific details of the Kingsman suit—from the button stance to the lapel width—represent a carefully considered balance between different historical periods, creating something that feels simultaneously classic and contemporary.

Understanding this history helps explain why these suits feel so substantive. They’re not simply products of current fashion but rather part of a continuing evolution of men’s tailoring that spans centuries.

Choosing the Right Occasion

One question I frequently encounter is when exactly to wear a Kingsman double breasted suit. The beauty of these garments lies in their adaptability, but certain contexts do showcase them particularly well.

Formal business environments remain ideal settings. The authoritative presence projected by a well-tailored double breasted suit can be particularly valuable in situations where you need to command attention—presentations, important meetings, or negotiations.

Evening events from cocktail gatherings to formal dinners also provide perfect opportunities to showcase these suits. Their elegant silhouette looks particularly striking in dimly lit venues and photographs exceptionally well.

Seasonal considerations matter too. The structured nature of Kingsman suits makes them particularly well-suited to cooler months when the additional fabric and layering feel appropriate. However, lighter fabric options can work beautifully in warmer weather as well.

Where these suits might feel inappropriate is in extremely casual environments or settings where making a strong sartorial statement might seem out of place. However, even this limitation can be mitigated by styling choices—wearing the jacket open with more casual trousers can dramatically change the effect.

Value Proposition: Are They Worth It?

After owning several Kingsman suits for years, I can address the crucial question: are they worth the considerable investment?

The answer depends entirely on your personal priorities, lifestyle, and relationship with clothing. If you view suits primarily as necessary functional items with limited lifespans, the premium pricing may be difficult to justify. However, if you appreciate craftsmanship, heritage, and the transformative power of exceptional tailoring, the value equation changes dramatically.

What you’re paying for extends far beyond fabric and buttons—it’s the accumulation of generations of tailoring knowledge, the hours of handwork that create structure and shape, and the intangible confidence that comes from knowing you’re impeccably dressed.

For me, the value became apparent after experiencing how different a properly constructed suit feels and performs compared to mass-produced alternatives. The suits I purchased five years ago still look virtually new despite regular wear, while less expensive options purchased around the same time have long since been replaced.

Consider also the psychological impact—there’s measurable value in how you present yourself and how others perceive you. A Kingsman suit creates an impression that can open doors in professional and social contexts alike.

Custom Options: Creating Your Personal Kingsman

For those seeking the ultimate expression of the Kingsman aesthetic, custom options provide the opportunity to create a suit tailored precisely to your preferences and physique.

Working directly with Huntsman on Savile Row offers the most authentic experience, though at a premium price point. Their bespoke process involves multiple fittings and complete freedom to specify every detail from button placement to pocket styles. The result is a garment that fits not just your body but your specific posture and movement patterns.

Several other Savile Row tailors offer made-to-measure programs that can create suits with Kingsman-inspired styling at somewhat more accessible price points. These typically involve adjusting existing patterns to your measurements rather than creating entirely new patterns from scratch.

For those outside London, traveling tailor services occasionally offer trunk shows where measurements can be taken for suits inspired by the Kingsman aesthetic. While not carrying the official branding, these can capture much of the style at potentially lower price points.

When pursuing custom options, bring specific references to details you admire from the Kingsman collection. Most tailors are familiar with these suits and can incorporate elements like the distinctive lapel shape or button stance into your commission.

Complementary Accessories: Completing the Look

A Kingsman double breasted suit creates a powerful foundation, but the right accessories elevate it to truly exceptional status. Based on my experience, these are the key pieces that complement these suits most effectively:

Shirts should be of comparable quality to the suit itself. Look for high thread counts (at least 120s two-ply), mother-of-pearl buttons, and unfused collars that will age gracefully alongside your suit. White and light blue remain the most versatile options, though subtle patterns can add personality.

Neckwear offers opportunities for personal expression while maintaining the overall elegance. For Kingsman suits, ties in heavier silks with substantive knots balance the stronger silhouette of the jacket. Consider grenadines, repps, or subtle prints rather than overly shiny or thin options.

Footwear should match the suit’s quality and formality. Oxford shoes in black or dark brown represent the traditional choice, though dark suede can work beautifully for less formal contexts. Ensure your shoes feature Goodyear welted construction for longevity comparable to your suit.

Pocket squares offer a final flourish that completes the ensemble. With Kingsman suits, I prefer simple white linen with a presidential fold for business settings or silk squares with subtle patterns for social occasions. Avoid overly complicated folds that can appear fussy.

The watchword with accessories should always be balance—they should enhance rather than distract from the suit itself.

The Pedigree: Where Kingsman Suits Are Made

The provenance of Kingsman suits reflects their quality and positioning within the luxury market. The collection is primarily manufactured in the United Kingdom, leveraging the country’s rich heritage of fine tailoring.

The main production is centered in and around London, with various specialist workshops handling different aspects of construction. This localized production allows for strict quality control and preservation of traditional techniques that have been refined over generations.

Certain components may be sourced from other traditional centers of excellence—Italian fabrics appear in some collections, and specific hardware elements might come from specialist providers across Europe. However, the cutting, construction, and finishing remain proudly British.

This commitment to local production contributes significantly to both the quality and the pricing of these garments. British tailoring workshops maintain some of the highest labor standards globally, with many tailors completing extensive apprenticeships before working independently on components of these suits.

Celebrity Endorsements and Cultural Impact

The Kingsman aesthetic has found enthusiastic adoption among celebrities and style influencers who appreciate its balance of tradition and contemporary relevance.

Beyond the film’s stars like Colin Firth and Taron Egerton, who brilliantly showcase these suits on screen, numerous other celebrities have embraced the look. Tom Hiddleston, Eddie Redmayne, and David Beckham have all been photographed in double breasted suits that clearly draw inspiration from the Kingsman silhouette.

What’s particularly interesting is how these suits have helped redefine masculine elegance for a new generation. By appearing in action-packed films rather than staid dramas, the Kingsman suit has shed stuffiness while retaining sophistication—an impressive cultural repositioning.

The influence extends beyond celebrity adoption. I’ve noticed increasing numbers of young professionals embracing double breasted suits with proportions clearly influenced by the Kingsman aesthetic, suggesting a broader cultural impact that extends beyond mere fashion.

Care and Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment

Proper care significantly extends the lifespan of a Kingsman double breasted suit. Based on years of experience, I recommend the following practices:

Rotation is essential—wear your suits no more than once per week to allow the wool fibers to recover and return to their natural state. This alone can double the effective lifespan of fine tailoring.

Invest in proper hangers specifically designed for suits. These should feature wide, contoured shoulders that support the jacket properly and maintain its shape. Cedar hangers offer the additional benefit of moisture regulation and natural protection against moths.

Between wearings, brush your suit gently with a clothing brush to remove surface dust and debris before hanging it in a well-ventilated closet. Allow at least 24 hours of rest before storing in a garment bag if needed.

Pressing should be minimized to preserve the three-dimensional shape created by the canvassing. When necessary, use only cool or medium heat, and always press through a damp cloth. Better yet, use professional pressing services familiar with fine tailoring.

Dry cleaning should be considered a last resort rather than regular maintenance. The chemicals used gradually degrade natural fibers and can damage the internal structure. Instead, spot clean when possible and limit full cleaning to once or twice per year depending on wear patterns.

For minor repairs, always return to specialists who understand the construction of these garments. Small investments in maintenance prevent larger issues from developing.

The Distinguishing Factors: Kingsman vs. Standard Double Breasted Suits

What objectively separates a Kingsman double breasted suit from other options on the market? Several key differences become apparent upon close examination:

The internal construction of Kingsman suits features full floating canvas, where layers of horsehair canvas are hand-stitched to the wool shell. This creates a jacket that molds to your body over time, unlike the fused construction of most mass-produced suits that simply break down with wear.

The armhole height in Kingsman suits is notably higher than in most commercial options. This might initially feel different when trying on the jacket, but it creates greater range of motion and a cleaner silhouette through the chest and back.

Button placement follows specific proportions that have been carefully calculated for visual balance. The top row of buttons typically sits higher than on many contemporary double breasted suits, creating a more elongating effect.

Lapel rolling is another distinctive element—the lapels are hand-pressed to create a gentle three-dimensional curve rather than lying flat against the chest. This subtle detail catches light beautifully and demonstrates the handwork involved.

The patterns used for cutting Kingsman suits allow for a cleaner drape with minimal wrinkling, achieved through subtle shaping that accommodates the natural curves of the human body rather than forcing the body to conform to the garment.

Women’s Options: Expanding the Kingsman Universe

While the Kingsman collection was initially focused exclusively on menswear, the growing popularity of tailored clothing among women has led to adaptations of these iconic styles for female customers.

The women’s interpretations maintain the key elements that define Kingsman tailoring—structured shoulders, nipped waists, and quality construction—while adapting the proportions for feminine physiques. Jackets typically feature slightly raised waistlines, modified armholes, and subtle adjustments to accommodate different body shapes.

These adaptations are handled with remarkable sensitivity, preserving the powerful presence of the double breasted silhouette while ensuring the garments flatter rather than simply mimicking menswear proportions.

For women interested in the Kingsman aesthetic, both ready-to-wear options and bespoke services are available, though the selection remains more limited than the men’s offerings. Custom commissions through Huntsman provide the most flexibility for women seeking to capture the essence of Kingsman tailoring in garments designed specifically for them.

Authenticity Verification: Ensuring Your Investment is Genuine

With the popularity of Kingsman suits has come the inevitable appearance of counterfeit or misleadingly labeled products. Protecting your investment requires knowing how to verify authenticity.

Genuine Kingsman suits feature distinctive labels with clear branding and manufacturing information. These should be stitched rather than glued and use consistent typography across all elements.

Construction details provide another verification point. Examine buttonholes, which should be hand-sewn with slightly irregular stitching that indicates handwork. Machine-made buttonholes show perfect regularity that’s a clear indicator of mass production.

Internal finishes offer further confirmation. Genuine Kingsman suits feature hand-finished seams, pick stitching, and properly secured canvas—details that counterfeiters typically cannot economically reproduce.

Provenance matters too. Purchasing through authorized retailers like Mr. Porter provides assurance of authenticity, while secondary market purchases should be approached with greater caution. When buying pre-owned, request detailed photographs of labels, construction details, and preferably original purchase documentation.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Expression of Modern Masculinity

After exploring every aspect of the Kingsman double breasted suit, from its construction to its cultural significance, one thing becomes abundantly clear: these garments represent far more than fashion. They embody a philosophy about how modern men can present themselves to the world—with confidence, authority, and elegance that transcends trends.

What I find most compelling about these suits is how they manage to feel simultaneously timeless and contemporary. They draw on centuries of tailoring tradition while remaining relevant to modern contexts and lifestyles. This balance is extraordinarily difficult to achieve, yet the Kingsman aesthetic manages it seamlessly.

For those considering making this investment, my advice is simple: view it not as a purchase but as acquiring a tool that will serve you for decades. The confidence that comes from wearing something crafted with such care and precision extends far beyond mere appearance—it influences how you carry yourself and how others respond to you.

In an era of disposable fashion and fleeting trends, a Kingsman double breasted suit stands as a deliberate rejection of the ephemeral—a statement that quality, craftsmanship, and timeless style remain values worth preserving. It’s not merely something you wear; it’s a standard you uphold.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore fine tailoring or are a seasoned enthusiast looking to elevate your wardrobe, the Kingsman double breasted suit represents one of the most compelling expressions of modern masculine elegance available today. The investment may be significant, but for those who appreciate the difference quality makes, it’s one that pays dividends with every wearing.