Bradley Wiggins, Royalty and the double-breasted jacket - recreating the look

Monday, 17 December 2012

Bradley Wiggins, the first British winner of the Tour de France and winner of 2012 Olympic Gold in the Men's Time Trial, won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2012 award with typical double-breasted mod swagger, set off by a large gold pocket square.

Wiggins's suit was made by Mark Powell, tailor to the stars. But isn't the double-breasted jacket the preserve of the older man, the every-day wear of the Establishment and Royalty? Grey Fox investigates.

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The two grainy images below must have been taken many years apart, but they show the timelessness of the classic double-breasted blazer, and how it has been loved by the British Royal Family for over 70 years. The naval origins of the blazer are obvious, as would be expected of a nation with salt running in its veins, and whose Royals have a strong naval link.

Many of the Royal males wear them, in particular for less-formal events.

So how does Bradley Wiggins fit into this very traditional, Establishment look? Well, it's often said but true, it's not what you wear, it's how you wear it. Royalty make the DB blazer look elegant, Wiggo makes it look young, mod and, again very elegant - helped by the slim cut, an athletic frame and the daring use of velvet.

How can we recreate the look for the man of style, suiting any age? All images below from Mr Porter.