Not as popular today as they once were, back in the Golden Era, Double breasted suits were part of almost every mans closet. I think the biggest problem with the modern versions is that they are too low cut and look dopey rather than fashionable.
You're absolutely right...I have 5 double-breasted suits, one modern, the rest vintage. The modern suit is the one in my avatar. The others consists of two wool winter suits, a palm beach, and a tuxedo. The modern suit only buttons on the bottom button of the jacket. When I had it tailored, I asked if a buttonhole could be added and the upper button be used, and the tailor responded, 'Nah, that's the style, it's supposed to look that way.' I didn't push the issue any further as I didn't know my stuff at the time. I'll still wear the modern suit, as it's a bit lighter weight and color, but it just doesn't scream vintage the way my other suits do. In my modern suit, I look as if I'm in a costume. In my vintage suits, I look as if I stepped out of the past. The cut, look and feel of the fabics makes all the difference in the world.