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Let’s be real. Most guys don’t wear suits every day – or even very often. And I would venture to say most don’t like wearing them at all. But when it comes to an extra special occasion like your wedding, well, it’s time to embrace dressing up. And that means a stylish suit that really suits you. Now that may sound stressful and uncomfortable, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be.
I know there are a lot of concerns when it comes to suit shopping. Most notably, there’s how it feels. No groom wants to feel restricted, stiff, or sweaty on the most important of days, stuck in a too-tight or ill-fitting outfit. And then there’s the matter of how it looks. Even the least fashion-conscious gent will still want some polish and style - especially in front of your nearest and dearest.
But fear not. Before you tie the knot, we’re here to help solve your style dilemma, with a guide to all aspects of suiting you’ll want to consider. From whether you should buy or rent wedding suits, to why the right attire matters, to all the decision-making details, you’ll easily be on your way to finding the ideal fit – and be suited up for your perfectly stylish wedding.
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The Right Suit: Why It Matters
So why is a suit actually important? Well, for starters, it’s much more than just fabric on your body. Consider it a representation of you. Not just your physical appearance, but how you feel. A great suit has the power to unlock your confidence and enhance your wedding day. It’s also how you are presenting yourself to the world: your future spouse, your family, and all your friends. And trust us, it’s the one piece of clothing that will leave a lasting impression (and forever immortalized in photos). It’s also worth noting that most of us only get one wedding day. Why not make sure your attire rises to meet the momentous occasion? For a most likely once-in-a-lifetime day, it’s worth taking the time to find a suit that’s just as special.
Should You Buy Or Rent?
Now that you know why a suit is essential, next comes the decision of how to acquire said suit.
You’ll have the option of choosing between renting and purchasing, and there are definitely things to debate when choosing between the two. Let's weigh the pros and cons of both attire options.
Renting
The thought of a rental tux or suit may seem super cheesy – and bring to mind a strip mall rental spot. In actuality, there are now online rental options with a variety of suiting options. If you really want a cost-effective option, renting can be the way to go. You can almost always bundle your accessories as well, making it a simple one-stop-shop for shirt, shoes, tie, and cufflinks too (your groomsmen will probably appreciate this option as well). And if you don’t plan to wear your suit again, it makes sense to spend less for a one-time affair.
Buying
While purchasing a suit will cost you more in the short term, it can be a solid long-term investment. A classic suit can be re-worn for years to come, providing you with a wardrobe staple for future occasions. Purchasing a suit also means you can get it customized and perfectly tailored to fit you, instead of relying on an off-the-rack size. You’ll then have a special suit that is all yours, and a garment to memorialize the day.
Picking the Perfect Suit Style
When it comes to the suit itself, it’s not quite as simple as just a jacket and some pants. Selecting your suit style requires you to think about a handful of factors. First and foremost, I would start with your personal style. Are you clean-cut and polished? More a minimalist? Or perhaps laid back and chill? Stick to what truly feels like you, and this will guide you to a suit that you’ll want to wear. (Of course, the style of your bride or groom is also worth noting to create a cohesive look.) The location or weather at your wedding can affect your style decision too. A hot-weather wedding should steer you toward lighter fabrics, while winter nuptials mean heavier weight. And a wedding venue that has an elegant interior vs. a casual outdoor setting can also influence your choice.
You’ll also need to consider the jacket style. A single-breasted, two-button style is the most common, but you can also opt for a one-button tuxedo jacket or a more dashing double-breasted. And let's not forget the lapels (that’s the part on the jacket below the collar that is folded back). There are 3 different options – notch, peak, and shawl – that offer slight variations in the cut. Pant-wise, it comes down to a style detail that can make or break a suit: the “break”. A pant break refers to a slight crease in the bottom of the pant leg where it hits your shoe. Choosing where the pants break (or don’t break if you prefer) can complement the overall suit style as well.
The Classic Tux
For the most formal suiting on offer, opt for the classic: a tuxedo. This is the go-to wedding attire for a reason. (A) It’s always going to look good and (B) it checks a lot of boxes. Stylish? Check. Elegant? Check. Black tie appropriate? Definitely. There are also a number of details to choose from that allow you to put your own signature spin on this look.
Featuring a classic one-button jacket with satin peak lapels and tuxedo trousers, this is the go-to wedding look. Taking a timeless silhouette, The Blk Tux has perfected the fit to flatter many body types - and offers the pants in both classic and slim. But the biggest selling point? Renting this tux is ⅓ the price of purchasing, and you have the option to create a package deal with a shirt, vest, and shoes included for an additional $65. Plus, if you’re worried about fit, you can order a home try-on prior to purchasing to ensure it’s just right.
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For gents looking for an easy, elegant, and affordable suit, look no further than Suit Shop’s shawl lapel tuxedo. The slim cut and slender shawl lapel has modern appeal, and built-in stretch means this tux will move with you as you move from the ceremony to the reception to the dance floor. Now keep in mind, this option costs less because, unlike most tuxes, it’s made of a synthetic recycled poly and rayon blend (instead of wool). So it won’t be breathable, but it will look great and save you a considerable amount.
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For a twist on the tux, try an equally elegant but less expected navy color. This exquisite option from Suit Supply is constructed of the highest quality wool you can find (from the world’s oldest fabric mill in Italy, no big deal.) The peak lapel and slim cut strike a balance of traditional and today, but should you wish, you can also fully customize it as well, modifying it down to even the smallest detail.
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The Modern Suit
Consider yourself a more modern man? You’ll want a suit to match. The term “modern” is certainly open to interpretation, but sartorially speaking, it could be anything from a dressed-down look to a shorter jacket, to the fabric choice. How you style the suit can also create a modern look, by say, forgoing a tie or choosing a more casual shoe. Whatever you opt for, going for a suit that’s got a slight variation on the expected is certainly the future of men’s formal attire.
While most suits are constructed of wool, you don’t have to shy away from other less formal fabrics. A cotton suit, like this Jetsetter Khaki, will make things a bit more casual but still look pulled together. Consider it the suit version of your favorite pair of chinos, a wardrobe staple that has universal appeal and looks good on just about everyone. You’ll also appreciate the added stretch and three different fit options (slim, athletic, and standard) for the blazer.
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A double-breasted suit with wide peak lapels may be a more classic, formal look. But when rendered in a light brown linen, it has instant contemporary appeal. This suit is perfect for an elegant yet understated summer ceremony and will look equally good dressed up or down with just an open dress shirt. The high-quality linen fabric feels truly amazing, and the construction of this suit - which includes an extra layer of canvas in the chest- ensures it will form to your body and keep its crisp shape.
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What makes this suit modern isn’t so much the suit itself (although the slim fit and style do have minimalist appeal.) It’s actually the fabric that has a whole lot of modern advances. XSuit’s Tech Wool is super stretchy, odor, stain, and wrinkle resistant, and wildly comfortable. And for a warm-weather wedding, you’ll certainly appreciate that it’s also breathable, leaving you looking and feeling great even after ample time on the dance floor. Plus, a classic black suit like this will never ever go out of style.
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The Statement Suit
Looking to truly stand out at your ceremony - and maybe do a bit of peacocking? You’ll want a look that speaks for itself, and a statement suit is just that. It might be a bit showy, a bright color, patterned, or all of those combined. While it’s most definitely not for everyone, those who want eyes on them will want to consider a suit that stands out.
A classic suit can become a conversation piece - if it happens to be cut in a lovely lavender color. The soft shade of this suit is equally matched by a soft, textured linen, and the fit is ideal (you can also get measured at one of Indochino’s locations). While a purple suit will undoubtedly make some heads turn, this pastel tone is still somewhat understated, and may actually blend right in with the blooms at a Springtime ceremony.
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Considering Color
There’s just one more component deserving of your scrutiny when it comes to suits. (Last one, I promise!) And that is the question of color. Of course, you have the safe bet of black, or you can go with a more eye-catching color (like some of the options shown above). However, even if you’re averse to brighter tones, it’s still worth considering color. So how do you decide on a shade? Try starting with the color scheme for your big day. Chances are, you and your better half (or a wedding planner) have picked a palette to take center stage. You’ll certainly want your suit to be visually cohesive and complimentary to this overall look, and of course, the attire of the bride and possible bridesmaids. With this in mind, know that certain colors will pair particularly well together. There also happen to be three standout suit colors that are suited to different styles and are great choices for your suit.
Navy
The slightly less formal but no less dapper cousin to black, navy can be a versatile choice for your most special of occasions. While it’s still a darker tone, navy has a bit more liveliness, and the ability to convey polished or unpretentious. It pairs well with lighter, warm tones (say, a coral-colored tie) and can be found in every fit and fabric too. Whether inky indigo or midnight, navy makes for a well-rounded suit worthy of any wedding.
A single-breasted one-button suit is a staple in every man’s wardrobe. And this navy wool sharkskin option (a weave with just a bit of sheen) from Bonobos is a contemporary version that can shine on your wedding day, and be a go-to for any formal moment. The slightly brighter navy color is a nice update to the typical navy tone we’re used to seeing, and a hint of stretch ensures it’s a suit you will feel comfy in as well.
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Grey
The color grey may bring to mind ominous rainclouds, but when considering a wedding suit, grey should make you feel anything but overcast. This shade is refined, understated, and elegant, a neutral that can be subtle or striking. From light grey to charcoal, the breadth of tones only adds to its appeal, making it a fine selection for any type of wedding (and a compelling pairing with any other accent color.)
Here’s a suit that has plenty of selling points. It’s made of an Eco Stretch fabric that ensures comfort and comes in that classic grey fabric that works with all sorts of looks. Want to make it more formal? Add a vest and a grosgrain tie. More casual? Go for an unbuttoned dress shirt. But perhaps the biggest appeal is the price point. Coming in at under $200, you’ll have a great-looking and non-budget-busting wedding suit that you (and your groomsman) will actually wear again.
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Green
Looking for a color that can do it all? Go green! It can be bold, soft, earthy, easy or anything in between. Selecting the ideal shade can also compliment the season, location, or theme of your wedding. For formal affairs or fall nuptials, go for deeper greens like forest or hunter. For a casual or spring/summer wedding will be enhanced by fresh-feeling greens such as mint or sage. Depending on your skin tone (and that of your groomsmen), green can also be a flattering choice that negates the appearance of redness and compliments a more olive complexion.
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How about a wedding suit that fits like a glove but feels like a pair of sweats? Here’s an option (that is custom-made) for you. Thanks to Sene’s FlexTech athleisure fabric, this suit offers 4-way stretch and comfort you never thought possible in formalwear. The custom tailoring also ensures the fit is spot on too. After filling out a questionnaire and determining a few style details, the FlexTech suit is digitally cut and sewn to your exact specifications. In just 2 weeks, it arrived at my door and fit my lanky frame (I’m 6’5”) just right. Plus, the moss green color is an ideal medium tone that works in most seasons and settings.
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So before you say I do, take into consideration all these crucial criteria when picking the perfect wedding suit for you and your groomsman, and let this serve as your go-to suiting guide for the big day.
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