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Ah, bachelorhood: For many, it wasn’t meant to last. The years of sowing your wild oats may have been great and all, but when you find the one, those days are numbered. Heck, even George Clooney tied the knot. If you proposed and are looking to partake in the bonds of matrimony, welcome to the party, pal. If you've been invited to a frankly shocking number of weddings, ditto. Now let's find you the best wedding suit for every sort of nuptial celebration.
We are currently smack in the middle of wedding season—which typically starts at the end of spring and runs to the beginning of fall—and you’re probably figuring out a suitable fit for the big day, whether it's your own or your friend's or someone you barely know at all (plus ones, baby!). Before you open your closet and think that any ol’ thing will do, think again. Weddings are big occasions, and a sense of dressing for that occasion is very much required. Also, what you have hanging on the rack may be a bit more snug than when you last left it. Enter this guide.
The best wedding suit is all dependent on the overall vibe—read: dress code—of the event. You also have to factor in the venue and whether or not the event is held indoors or out. Yes, marriage is all about the union between a couple, but a wedding, the actual ceremony, is about the photo ops. Pics of you sweating profusely in a wool tuxedo at an altar overlooking the ocean isn’t best for posterity. In the same vein, you don’t want to be the only guy in a khaki cotton suit when your cousin's wedding is held in the gilded halls of the St. Regis.
There is a suit for every occasion; the options are boundless. The only thing you have to figure out is what fit works for what. Better yet, we figured it for you with the options below, so get to shopping and, this is crucial, book a tailor to make sure everything is up to snuff. Whether you're getting hitched or just watching someone else tie the knot, now you're ready to look your best while you're at it.
It doesn’t get any more traditional than the tuxedo. From the lustrous buttons and lapels to the fitted cut and black color, the ensemble is ideal for banquet halls, clubs, and other climate-controlled environments. And if you’re looking for one that won’t break the bank, this option by Tommy Hilfiger will do nicely.
If you prefer the simpler things, but want something spiffy, J. Crew’s Ludlow is the ticket. The suit has been making the rounds in boardrooms for decades, so rest assured that this tried-and-true style, which comes in a variety of colors and fabrics, will usher you into marital bliss with elan.
Cop the matching pants, too.
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Black, navy, and dark colors are usually prescribed, but khaki has steadily crept its way into the lexicon of wedding attire. A suit in this sandy hue is great for a beachside venue, or a spot where the sun is shining. And should the words “dressy casual” be inscribed on the invitations, this cotton fit is the one for you.
A fan of light hues, but not necessarily khaki? Try this pastel-blue suit by Hugo Boss. The effervescent color will have you looking nifty in a bucolic setting. And don’t be scared of the extra-slim fit; the item is made of a super-flex wool blend, making it ideal for cutting a rug to the "Macarena."
If soaring temperatures are on the forecast, look no further than linen. The light, breathable material will definitely mitigate the heat while you’re standing at the alter, or beside it. And though wearing linen can veer toward a more casual vibe, this SKU from Suitsupply, which is cast in an elegant sandy shade and subtle houndstooth pattern, is primed for a formal affair.
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The low-key wedding is quickly gaining steam. Why splurge on a tony venue or book an island getaway when you are a no-fuss kind of couple? If a simple ceremony in your backyard or local park is appealing, this easy fit is all that you need. And this works for guests all-around.
When comes to awhite-tie party,you’re going to need to follow the dress code to the letter: the fit has to be black, the bowtie has to be white (obvs), there needs to be a waistcoat, and the jacket needs to have tails. Steering you in the right direction is Hickey Freeman.
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Toddy Snyder knows how to create a good suit. To wit: He is the mastermind of the Ludlow, during his tenure at J. Crew. For his own namesake label, the designer offers a variety of styles that are cut to fit and are filled with subtle details—like this navy wool option with black silk lapels.
The two-tone surprise extends to the trousers. No belt required.
Traveling to a wedding and have no time to change? Just check out the name of this guy.
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When it comes to fashion-y crops, look no further than the king of, well, fashion-y crops. Thom Browne offers a variety of fits with a school-boy bent that dudes like Pharrell Williams and LeBron James fawn over. And should you want to capture the same feeling on your big day, this blazer and matching pants will show guests that class is in session.
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Sneakers at a wedding? If it's unconventional, most def. And these trousers, with slits at the hem, is actual made for that.
Speaking of fashion, Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo was ahead of the curve when he started his label in 2013, offering roomy, yet elegant fits that characterized the crazy year behind us. This double-breasted blazer, for example, is perfect should you want to wear a hoodie under. It’s casual, yes, but if that's your modus operandi, it doesn’t get any sleeker than this bad boy.
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Giorgio Armani is to tuxedos as Nike is to sneakers. Can you think of a red carpet or glittering event that doesn’t have two, three, or more suits by the Italian label? Short answer: No. The man knows how to make a tuxe for big moments—and it doesn’t get any bigger than your wedding day.
Ah, the classic velvet dinner jacket, or smoking jacket. Sean Connery did the style good inDiamonds are Forever, and so did Colin Firth inKingsman. David Niven inPink Pantheralso showed us that one in red can be equally debonair. So, if Old Hollywood glam is the look you want, the smooth surface of velvet, regardless of color, is more than camera-ready.