While so much time and effort goes into finding the perfect wedding dress, the groom’s suit can often come as an afterthought.
Well, the time has come to balance the scales. Whether you’d like to build the entire suit from scratch with the help of a tailor or buy an off-the-rack style from a suiting label, the range of options on offer guarantees that you’ll find a set that’s perfect both for you and your wedding day - especially if you commit some time and effort to the search.
We caught up with Campbell Carey, the Head Cutter & Creative Director at Savile Row tailor Huntsman, to find out his top tips on choosing the perfect wedding suit - whether you’re buying off the rack, or not.
With over 170 years of expertise in the field, the brand is at the top of the bespoke tailoring game - and inspired the blockbuster movie Kingsman starring Colin Firth and Taron Egerton. Every single one of the handmade suits that leave the 11 Savile Row store begins with 28 measurements, is worked on for up to 80 hours and, after three fittings, is guaranteed to fit like a glove.
What's the best type of suit to wear as the groom?
If you’re looking for tradition, you should opt for classic morning wear - a black morning coat, cashmere stripe trousers and a vest look unimpeachably elegant. However, most people today prefer a more relaxed dress code. You can’t go wrong with a well-executed two or three-piece suit.
What are the best colours for a groom’s suit?
Unless you are opting for traditional morning wear, avoid black or grey. You want a suit that looks distinct from your work wardrobe.
A classic navy or a robust blue is a good choice for spring and summer weddings. If you’re guaranteed clear skies, especially if you’re getting married in more tropical climates, you could also consider a tan or light brown.
Do you have any tips for selecting the material?
When it comes to design, subtlety is key. You don’t want to clash with your groomsmen or upstage the bride. Choose something that is timelessly simple and chic and make sure your wedding photos don’t date.
For warm-weather wedding attire, opt for a cloth blend of wool and silk, or wool, silk and linen. Combining the robustness of wool with the softness and lightness of silk and linen means you'll have a suit with all the structure and sophistication that the big day demands, whilst feeling comfortable and cool throughout.
Opt for cloth that is wrinkle-resistant, and suited to travel well. You’re likely to spend a long day on and off your feet and in transit. You don’t want to look creased as soon as you leave the car and should aim to leave your party looking just as pristine as when you arrived. You should also choose something that’s going to let you breathe and keep you cool.
Whilst we can all appreciate cloth with a good lustre, be cautious to avoid that shiny-suit faux pas. Look for a rich depth of colour.
How should the groom's suit fit?
In short, perfectly. If ever there was an argument for bespoke tailoring it would be to ensure you look immaculate on your big day. Focus on the cut, cloth and construction and be sure to avoid overcomplicating your attire with fashionable gimmicks, or unnecessary adornments.
When it comes to accessories, what are your top tips?
Absolutely opt for a tie! Have some fun with your accessories. It’s your big day, so make sure you’re wearing something personal, that has value to you, and that reflects your style.
With that in mind, be cautious not to overcomplicate your ensemble. Your accessories should be cohesive, but be sure not to match everything. A matching tie, pocket square and cufflinks can make your entire suit look thoughtless.
What type of shoes work best?
You can’t go wrong with a classic highly polished Oxford.
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Mr. Porter Kingsman Harry’s Navy Super 120s Wool Suit
Part of Mr. Porter’s collaboration with Kingsman, this double-breasted navy design is designed with the impeccably dressed gent in mind. You’ll give Colin Firth a run for his money.
Buy now £1495.00, Mr. Porter
Huntsman The Weekend Cut Linen Suit
Although Huntman’s bespoke service allows you to build your suit from scratch, you can also invest in impeccably made pieces in the brand’s RTW collection for a fraction of the price - including this checked design.
With a mixture of blue and tan melange yarns and the signature house claret check, it’s an elegant blend of colours that are perfect for when the sun’s shining.
Buy now £2595.00, Huntsman
Turnbull & Asser Green Wool And Linen Blend Barrington Blazer
Founded in 1885, Turnbull & Asser has been dressing men in tailored suits for over 130 years - including royalty and it has the Royal Warrant to prove it.
With a good selection of fabrics and colours, you’re sure to find something that suits (pardon the pun). Our favourite is this mid-green wool and linen-blend design.
Buy now £1095.00, Turnbull & Asser
Hawes & Curtis Men's Dark Charcoal Twill 3 Piece Slim Fit Suit
You can’t go wrong with a quintessential British classic three-piece from the London-based tailoring brand Hawes & Curtis. At once expertly made and affordable, the entire set is £429, and comes in six colours so every taste is taken care of.
Buy now £429.00, Hawes & Curtis
Reiss Belmont Slim Fit Double Breasted Suit
For high-end high-street, Reiss is your best bet - especially when it comes to tailoring. Though wearing cream at your wedding may have, at a time, been considered a fashion faux pas, if you ask us, coordinating with your partner-to-be means you’ll look like a power couple from the moment you say ‘I do’. And, if you’re planning a summer wedding, it’ll keep you cool too.
Buy now £526.00, Reiss
Drakes Navy Seersucker Games Suit
Drake’s is well known for its mix of tailoring and casualwear and has collaborations with the likes of Aimé Leon Dore and Fred Perry in its impressive archive, as well as a great selection of wedding-day-friendly two pieces.
If you’d like a linen suit but you’re worried about creases, seersucker’s a great alternative. A naturally textured lightweight cotton, it always looks fresh whether you steam it or not.
Buy now £1190.00, Drakes
Paul Smith The Brierley Damson Check Wool Suit
When you think of British tailoring, one brand that always springs to mind is Paul Smith, from his impeccably fitting suits to his famous use of colour. This time, it’s a more understated tonal check on the brand’s latest single-breasted silhouette, the Brierley, which lengthens the torso and shapes the waist. Don’t mind if we do.
Buy now £1300.00, Paul Smith
Boglioli K-Jacket Slim-Fit Double-Breasted Unstructured Virgin Wool Suit Jacket
Boglioi is a family-owned Italian tailoring label with over half a century of expertise - so it’s a reliable go-to for men’s wedding attire. If you’re going for a cooler colour scheme, this peacock shade will slot in nicely - you could even be the ‘something blue’.
Buy now £1010.00, Mr. Porter
Zara Comfort Suit
Zara’s suit won’t just make you look the part, but the smooth, lightweight viscose blend will make you feel cool, calm and collected all the way from the altar to the wedding breakfast to the reception. After all, if there’s one day you want to feel your best, it’s your wedding day.
Buy now £115.98, Zara
BOSS Slim-Fit Suit In Melance Virgin Wool And Silk
In BOSS’ trademark style, this suit is cut to an impeccable slim fit using a premium fabric - this time, it’s a virgin wool and silk blend. The patch pockets deliver a relaxed feel perfect for the laid-back groom. If you’re a touch more traditional, though, maybe this classic silhouette is more your speed.
Buy now £1395.00, BOSS
