How to choose your wedding suit: 6 things every groom should know.
Far too often, wedding suit shopping is seen as an afterthought – something to ‘just sort’ amidst the table settings, floral arrangements and venue shortlists for a wedding. But (and, sure, we might be a tad biased), it’s genuinely one of the most personal parts of your wedding day. Because this is your moment too. Your opportunity to find a suit that looks and feels amazing; a suit that fits the person, and not the other way round.
So when it comes to the question of ‘how to choose a wedding suit’, it’s safe to say we’ve been around the block a few times. Here are our 6 expert tips on wedding suit shopping that we think every groom needs to know.
SAVE FOR LATER: THE ULTIMATE WEDDING SUIT CHECKLIST.
Tip 1: Start with you, not the suit.
A lot of grooms come in thinking they already know what they want based on something they’ve seen on Pinterest or at someone else’s wedding. The reality is that this could be completely wrong for them.
The best wedding suits start with a conversation about you: your personality, your body, how you want to feel and how you’ll look back on the photos in 20 years. This isn’t a place for assumptions or running with trends. It’s your chance to think about what makes you unique and how a suit can not just fit in with that, but enhance it.
It’s something we prioritise here at Hunter & Grey’s. There’s never any pressure to fit into a certain box. Just genuine, expert conversations.
This is important, because your suit needs to be a reflection of who you are on one of the biggest days of your life. That’s worth taking seriously, right?
RELATED: WHAT MAKES YOUR SUIT FITTING ACTUALLY ENJOYABLE?
Tip 2: Let the wedding inform the suit (not dictate it).
Context is super important, but it shouldn’t box you in. So, while it’s vital to try and keep everything beautifully in sync – such as the formality, the venue and the season – try not to be overly attached to it. Rules are made to be broken, after all.
Instead, use them as a starting point (instead of the finish line). Take your colour palette, for example. Do you want it to coordinate or contrast with the wedding theme? Both have the potential to work and have a brilliant impact.
Enjoy playing around with creative license. Sure, a church ceremony in January calls for something different to a barn wedding in August – but, within those parameters, there’s enormous room to experiment.
It’s all about personal taste. Let the ‘rules’ be more of a guide.
RELATED: THE ULTIMATE WEDDING SUIT GUIDE BY SEASON.
Tip 3: Fit is everything. Everything!
Tailoring is where your suit moves from so-so to total standout. It’s a craft, and something we place front and centre of our suit recommendations.
Yes, it’s about how it looks. Afterall, off-the-rack suits are made for a hypothetical average body (and who’s actually average?). It’s never going to look as good as something that’s actually designed to fit your unique body.
But the really special thing about a tailored suit, is how it actually feels vs one that’s ‘close enough’.
Wedding suit alterations pay attention to shoulders (a non-negotiable!), chest, jacket length and trouser break. The beauty of a well-fitted suit is that not only will it move with you, it’ll also feel comfortable all day and look sharp without trying too hard. That’s why wedding suit alterations aren’t just a “nice to have” – they’re a crucial part of the process.
It’s worth noting that what’s possible with a wedding suit alteration will depend on whether you’re hiring a suit, buying off-the-rack or going made-to-measure. Each one comes with different levels of flexibility when it comes to tailoring. It’s important that you consider this before making your final decision.
READ NEXT: WHAT WEDDING SUITS TO WEAR FOR YOUR BODY TYPE.
Tip 4: Don’t underestimate the details.
If fitting is king when it comes to how to choose a wedding suit, those unique details are a close second place.
Picture the suit as your foundation: it’s the added details that are going to make it truly yours.
You’ll want to consider tie vs bow tie, pocket square, braces or belts, cufflinks, what shoes to wear (don’t let these be an afterthought!)… The list goes on, but every small decision really does add up to something attention-worthy and cohesive.
Rather than making the mistake of matching every tiny detail, strive for coordination – especially when it comes to differentiating groom vs groomsmen outfits.
Tip 5: Know your route before you book anything.
We’ve mentioned this, but we wanted to dive in a bit deeper – are you going to buy or hire your wedding suit? The answer will have a major influence on how to choose a wedding suit.
Buying, hiring and made-to-measure all come with their different levels of flexibility, timelines and what’s possible alteration-wise. The decision impacts everything downstream: it’s so much more than just a budget question.
When it comes down to it, the best way to make your choice is to ask yourself the following questions:
- Frequency of use: Will I wear the suit multiple times?
- Wedding vibe: What’s the overall style or theme of our wedding and does my suit need to match that?
- Longevity: Do I want to keep my wedding suit as a keepsake or wear it again for anniversaries and other special occasions?
- Budget: What is my spending limit?
- Style preference: Do I prefer a custom fit or am I open to off-the-rack options?
Whichever route you end up choosing, decide early!
LEARN MORE: SHOULD I BUY OR HIRE A WEDDING SUIT?
Tip 6: Trust the expert in the room.
There’s a reason why brides (normally) see a wedding dress specialist rather than just ordering one online. Why should it be any different for the groom?
A good suit specialist will tell you what you need to hear, not just what you want to hear. And they’ll back it up with the skill to actually deliver the most iconic wedding wardrobe. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your wedding, doing everything it takes to give you a suit that looks and feels like utter perfection.
In short? They’re there to help you find ‘the one’.
So, lean on the people who do this every day.
Lean on the people who do this every day. And remember – your consultation is your starting point. It should never feel like a sales pitch.
NEXT: STRESS-FREE SUIT PLANNING: YOUR TIMELINE, SORTED.
Let Hunter & Grey’s show you how to choose a wedding suit that ticks all of the boxes.
The suit that’s right for you is out there. Let’s find it together.
Book your private consultation at our Shedfield showroom. We can’t wait to meet you.
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