Are you scrambling to find the perfect outfit for a wedding and searching for help? Many men find themselves in this situation, especially if they typically dress in casual clothes. For a wedding however, you would need to step up your game and dress to impress. And we have created this guide to help you.
We’ll guide you through everything from beach wedding attire to decoding black tie. Even if you’re new to suits, we’ll show you how to look great and accessorize appropriately. We’ll help you strike a balance between dressing respectfully and standing out. Plus, we’ll give you some tips on colors and styles to consider.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A suit is generally a two or three-piece outfit comprising of a pair of trousers, a blazer, and sometimes a waistcoat. A tuxedo is more formal and is typically worn for black-tie events. It consists of trousers with a satin stripe down the leg, a suit with satin lapels, and sometimes a waistcoat. A tuxedo is always worn with a shirt that has a stiff collar and a bow tie
The groom isn’t required to foot the bill for his groomsmen’s suits, but it would be a kind gesture if he could pitch in and help with the cost of their attire.
It’s common for groomsmen or members of the wedding party to match their attire to the overall theme or color scheme of the wedding. Coordination with the bride and groom or other members of the wedding party can help create a cohesive look.
When it comes to accessories, it’s best to choose items that complement your overall outfit. Classic dress shoes in black or brown, ties or bow ties that match your suit or the wedding’s color scheme, and a coordinating pocket square can add a polished touch to your attire.
It’s a good idea for the groom to match the color of his shoes with his suit or tuxedo. Common options for groom’s shoes include black, brown, or tan dress shoes. For example, if the groom goes for a black suit, it’s likely he would choose black shoes to complete the ensemble and create a cohesive appearance.
Dark suits in navy, black, and charcoal are traditionally worn at formal weddings, while light blue, soft gray, and tan are suitable choices for semi-formal weddings held during the summer or daytime.
Wearing cultural or religious attire to a wedding can be appropriate, especially if it’s part of your heritage or customs. However, it’s always best to consider the dress code and overall formality of the event, and ensure that your attire is respectful and appropriate for the occasion.
It’s generally best to avoid wearing all-white attire to a wedding as a guest, as white is often reserved for the bride or groom. Opt for other colors to avoid unintentionally overshadowing the couple on their special day
Wearing a hat to a wedding can be acceptable, depending on the specific style of the hat and the formality of the event. For example, a well-matched fedora or straw hat may work for a summer outdoor wedding, while a casual cap may be too informal for most weddings. It’s best to use discretion and consider the dress code and overall tone of the event when deciding on wearing a hat.
Open-toed shoes, such as sandals or flip-flops, are generally considered too casual for most weddings, especially formal or semi-formal events. It’s best to opt for closed-toe dress shoes, such as loafers or oxfords, for a more polished and appropriate look.
SHOULD YOU RENT OR BUY A SUIT FOR A WEDDING?
This is a difficult question and the best answer is that it depends on the needs and the budget of each groom. However, sometimes it is difficult to realize that owning a suit that fits you well means that you will have a perfect fitting suit and trousers to be worn separately whenever you want.
Advantages of renting / hiring a suit
Cost
Renting groomsmen’s suits could be a good option, even though it may seem like a waste of money. It can be difficult to ask your friends to spend a considerable amount of money on a suit that they’ll only wear once.
It can also be a good option if you’re on a budget but want good quality. Some rented suits are much better quality than cheaper purchased suits and will get you a better look without the price tag.
Flexibility
Renting the suit also gives you more flexibility to stick to a theme without worrying about whether or not everyone involved will be able to afford it or if they will ever wear theirs again. Renting is generally cheaper, too, and suit rental services often make shipping the suit back as easy as possible by providing boxes, labels and even bags to use to ship them back.
Practicality
If you don’t wear suits often or already have enough of them or you’ll be wearing something that you’re not likely to wear again, renting can be a great choice. Interestingly, about 18% of grooms actually rent a suit for their wedding.
Advantages of buying a suit
Fit and customization
Renting a suit typically involves selecting from standard sizes, which range from small to extra-large and are based on different body measurements. However, some rental retailers may ask for your body measurements to help you find the right size.
Even with standard sizes, some parts of the suit may not fit perfectly, such as the shoulders, arm length, leg length, and waist, which can vary in size among individuals. This can result in issues like coat sleeves being too long or pants being loose around the waist and tight on the thighs.
When renting a suit, your options for alterations and customization are generally limited. While you can still choose accessories to go with your suit, the choices are not as extensive as when buying a suit.
Sentimental value
Another important factor to think about is the personal significance of the wedding suit and the sentimental value it holds. For a special occasion like your wedding, it’s nice to have it as a souvenir to remind you of the big day, including what you wore when you exchanged vows with your partner. If you decide to purchase the suit, it can become a cherished item for years to come.
UNDERSTANDING THE SIZE AND FIT FOR YOUR SUIT
Standard size suits don’t always fit well. If you want your suit to look good on you, don’t go for the nearest thing you can physically squeeze into and call it a day, this is where an understanding of fitting is crucial
A good fit is the difference between looking average and looking fabulous. On the other hand, you don’t want to look like you are wearing an oversized suit – or like your jacket will explode if you happen to sneeze, let’s have a look at various aspects to consider regarding the fit of a suit
Jacket Length
This is a difficult question and the best answer is that it depends on the needs and the budget of each groom. However, sometimes it is difficult to realize that owning a suit that fits you well means that you will have a perfect fitting suit and trousers to be worn separately whenever you want.
Middle length
The professional standard (middle-length) is the suit jacket length you should aim for if you’re not even sure what you need.
When you stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides, the bottom of the suit jacket drapes down to the middle of your middle thumb. The rear of the suit jacket also covers your buttocks entirely but it should not extend any lower, otherwise it falls under the long length category, which tends to give an oversized look.
Short length
Do you consider yourself the center of attention, one who will wear a swanky suit to a party with white trainers? Are you confident in a suit and dare to be different? Then this option would work for you. The short jacket is a strictly casual look however and isn’t suitable for professional work settings.
When you stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides, the bottom of the suit jacket drapes down to about the same level as the end of the arm sleeve.
Long length
This length is typically reserved for the classic gentleman look, one who has more ties than we might typically have socks.
When you stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides, the bottom of the suit jacket drapes down past the tips of your fingers and well below your buttocks.
Sleeve Length
When your arms are relaxed by your sides, about a quarter of an inch to three-quarters of an inch of your shirt cuff should be visible. That means the jacket sleeve should end just before your wrist bone, or where your wrist becomes your hand. When you move your arms around or sit at a desk, it is normal for the sleeves to slide up slightly
Of course, for this to be accurate, your shirt also has the correct sleeve length, which should be at your wrist bone. One thing to keep in mind is that your suit jacket sleeves should never start to creep over your hands.
Bear in mind that both the jacket length and the sleeve length should follow the same fit style. For instance, if you choose a mid-length jacket, you should also aim for mid-length sleeves. A classic-length jacket with short sleeves, or some other mismatched combination, will disrupt the proportions of your suit and leave you with a look that just looks off somehow.
Collar
Getting the best suit collar fit combines two key elements:
Neck width
When you wear a shirt that fits properly, with all the buttons done up, the collar of your suit should align with the edge of your shirt collar. If your jacket collar is too narrow, it will squish your shirt collar, while if it is too wide, some of the shirt’s shoulders will be visible.
Collar gap and collar roll
When your suit doesn’t have enough fabric in the upper back or lower neck area, you might notice a collar gap. This gap is visible as the collar doesn’t sit snugly against your neck, leaving some space between the suit and shirt.
A collar roll is the opposite of a collar gap. This happens when the suit collar sits nicely on your neck, but there’s too much fabric at the back of your suit, causing visible “rolls” to form under your collar. It doesn’t look great and can feel quite uncomfortable.
These two issues are most visible from the back and the side. Since that’s not something you can easily judge for yourself for but rather by asking someone else to check.
Shoulder
When we see someone in a suit, our attention is often drawn to the shoulders first, making it a critical aspect to get right. A suit that fits perfectly can enhance the shape of your shoulders, giving you a boost of confidence that makes you feel fantastic.
- The jacket shoulder should lie flat against your shoulder, following the contours of your body and your shoulder line.
- The sleeve seam should start where your shoulder bone ends.
- You should see straight lines – no creasing or divots. These would usually indicate that the half-shoulder size is off (more on this in a minute) or that the cut for the slope of the jacket’s shoulder is a poor match with your build. These issues are tough to repair, so it’s better to get a good fit to start with.
- When worn, your jacket should feel slightly snug, but it shouldn’t restrict your movement. If you’re muscular at your shoulders, this will be particularly important.
Jacket Waist
The way your jacket’s waist is cut is quite important in how your suit looks and feels. But getting it just right can be a bit tricky.
How much the jacket hugs your body is called ‘tapering’. There are three different fits to choose from – Slim, Tailored, and Classic – each with varying levels of tightness around the waist. Slim is the tightest, while Classic is the loosest.
Tailored waist
The Tailored waist fit is the middle ground between Slim and Classic fits, and is actually the most popular choice among customers. It’s considered the gold standard for a great fit, no matter the occasion. This fit is versatile and timeless, with a flattering silhouette that complements modern style while also respecting traditional values. So, if you’re not sure which fit to choose, the Tailored waist is a great place to start.
Slim waist
To achieve a slim-cut look, the waist of the suit is often tapered to fit closer to the body, with slightly shorter sleeves, a shorter overall jacket length, and narrow sleeves. These types of suits, also known as “skinny suits,” are more appropriate for trendy casual wear than formal or professional settings.
However, it’s important to note that a slim waist doesn’t mean a tight waist. Many people mistakenly think that a tight waist equals a slim fit, but this is not the case. An overly tight waist will result in a distorted ‘X’ shape in the front of the jacket when buttoned. A slim-fitting jacket should feel snug but not tight.
Classic waist
The classic cut suit offers the greatest level of movement and comfort when it comes to jacket fit, but the downside is that many people describe this cut as ‘boxy’. It is more suited to gentlemen who enjoy a more old-fashioned look, or men who don’t want to highlight their body shape. A classic fit does not mean you should be drowning in fabric. The suit jacket should still be relatively close to your body; otherwise, it’s just a suit that’s too large for you.
UNDERSTANDING THE DRESS CODE / WEDDING THEME
The bride, groom, or wedding planner has given you the dress code, now what? Let’s have a look at the different types of wedding dress codes
Black-tie wedding
Dressing for a black-tie wedding is straightforward for men and doesn’t offer much opportunity to express your individuality. The dress code is quite strict.
What to wear
Typically you would just wear a black or midnight blue suit/tuxedo. If there’s any reason to avoid those colors, pick another dark color. Use dress shoes – think black or any dark leather formal shoes. You’ll also need a collared white shirt, preferably a proper tuxedo shirt. You can spice up the look with a white or black bowtie, lapel pins, or tuxedo studs, but you don’t have a lot of room for individuality.
Formal wedding
A formal wedding isn’t just a description, it’s actually a dress code. While a tuxedo is still a great choice for a formal wedding, it’s a slightly less formal option compared to a black-tie event. If there’s no dress code specified, a tuxedo is the safest option, but at the very least, men are expected to wear a full formal suit. If you’re unsure whether the dress code is formal, going formal is a safe option.
Formal weddings can take many forms, but they generally tend to lean towards traditional styles of formalwear.
What to wear
Pick a dark suit (but not black). A 2-piece suit is ok, but a 3-piece is very suitable too. Charcoal, navy, gray, and midnight blue are fantastic. Use a collared shirt. White shirts are a safe choice. However you can consider various colors, textures, and patterns. Pinstripe, or a lovely pastel look can add some personality.
Cocktail or semi-formal wedding
This is the wedding dress code that allows for some personal style. Cocktail or semi-formal weddings are sophisticated and stylish events, usually held in the evening, where a slightly more casual look won’t raise any eyebrows.
This type of wedding can take place anywhere, but there will be an overall sense of elegance and likely some hints of tradition. For example, it could be a destination wedding in the middle of a game reserve or on a yacht deck, but everyone will still be dressed up. The ceremony could be either traditional or glamorous. Many modern weddings fall under this dress code, but it’s always best to check with the couple.
What to wear
For this dress code, stick with a suit. Choose tasteful patterns like plaid, pinstripe, or windowpane. For an evening cocktail event, a navy blazer is a good choice, but you can also opt for colors like forest green or saturated blues. Match your outfit with a necktie (no bow tie), but feel free to loosen it up later when the dancing begins. You can add some personal touches with jewelry, and accessorize with a tie or pocket square, but keep it chic, think of an “Italian billionaire.”
Casual wedding
Deciding what to wear to a casual wedding as a man can be a daunting task. You may assume that casual attire for men would be easier to understand than more formal dress codes, but that is not always the case. The dress code can be quite broad and confusing, making it easy to underdress or overdress. While it is better to overdress than to underdress, it can still make you feel uncomfortable and out of place. To determine what to wear, you need to consider various factors such as the location and time of the reception and ceremony, the type of invitation you received, and the attire of the wedding party. In general, a smart dinner jacket paired with pants is a safe and stylish option, but a more casually styled suit may also be appropriate.
What to wear
To dress appropriately for a casual wedding as a man, it’s best to leave the suit at home, unless you’re part of the wedding party. Instead, consider a smart-casual blazer for an added touch of sophistication, and feel free to experiment with some pops of color. A smart pair of chinos and a crisp shirt are always a safe bet. When it comes to shirts, patterns and colors are both acceptable, and in fact, we encourage you to incorporate some color into your outfit. The casual dress code for weddings doesn’t mean you have to stick to dark, plain colors, as you might end up looking overdressed.
TIME AND SEASONS
The time of the wedding and the season play a significant role in determining the style, fabric, and color of the suit
Morning Wedding
Opt for a classic style suit if the wedding takes place before noon.
A morning suit typically consists of a tailcoat, striped trousers, waistcoat, and formal accessories.
Stick to traditional colors like black, gray, or navy for a timeless and elegant look.
Afternoon Wedding
For an afternoon wedding, consider a traditional three-piece suit or a stylish two-piece suit.
Choose lightweight fabrics like lightweight wool or linen to ensure comfort during the warmer weather.
Experiment with colors, such as shades of blue, charcoal, or even lighter pastel hues, to add a touch of personality.
Evening Wedding
Evening weddings call for more formal attire.
Opt for a classic tuxedo or a tailored suit in a darker shade, such as black, charcoal, or midnight blue.
Pair your suit with a crisp white dress shirt, a bow tie, and nice leather shoes for a sophisticated and polished look.
Spring Wedding
Embrace the freshness of spring with lighter suit colors like light gray, beige, or pastel shades.
Consider fabrics such as cotton or lightweight wool blends for breathability and comfort.
Incorporate patterns like subtle checks or pinstripes for a touch of texture.
Summer Wedding
For summer weddings, choose lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen or seersucker. Opt for lighter shades such as light blue, tan, or even light gray to reflect the season.
Consider a suit with a half or unlined construction for improved airflow.
Autumn Wedding
Embrace the earthy tones of autumn with suits in shades of brown, olive green, or burgundy.
Fabrics like tweed or heavier wool blends provide warmth and a sense of texture. Incorporate patterns like herringbone or windowpane checks to add visual interest.
Winter Wedding
For winter weddings, choose heavier fabrics like wool or flannel for insulation. Stick to darker colors like charcoal, navy, or deep burgundy for a formal and elegant look.
Consider a three-piece suit or add a waistcoat for an extra layer of warmth and style.
CONCLUSION
Having covered some essentials for men looking to find their ideal wedding suit, whether you’re considering renting or buying, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your personal preferences and budget. Additionally, understanding the dress code and sizing of your suit is crucial to ensure you’ll be comfortable and looking spectacular on the day. By following the tips and advice in this guide, we hope you’ll be well-equipped to make a confident decision and look your absolute best on the big day.