Weddings can be a blast, but figuring out what to wear as a man can be a bit tricky.
Don't worry, we got you covered!
In this guide, we'll show you how to dress for any type of wedding, from black tie to beach casual. Whether you're the groom, best man, groomsman, or just a guest, we'll help you look your best version of yourself.
So, let's get started and make sure you're ready to party in style!
What is Your Role?
First of all, what is your role in the wedding you are attending? Are you the groom, one of the groomsmen, or the guest? All of these roles come with different types of attire. Here are a few things you should note:
Groom: If you're the groom, then you should be the best dressed! You should aim to look your best and coordinate with the theme and style of the wedding.
Groomsmen: If you're one of the groomsmen, you should coordinate your attire with the groom and the other groomsmen. Typically, groomsmen wear formalwear that is similar to the groom's attire, such as a tuxedo or a suit and tie.
Guests: If you're a guest, you should dress according to the dress code specified on the invitation or communicated by the couple. Typically, this can range from formal attire (black tie or white tie) to semi-formal (suit and tie for men, cocktail dress for women) to casual (khakis and a button-up shirt for men)
First things first — find out the dress code of the wedding. This is essential, as your entire outfit will be based on this. Here is what you should know about each dress code:
Black Tie:
This is the most formal dress code and typically indicates that the wedding will be an evening event. For this dress code wear a tuxedo or a black suit with a black bow tie, a white dress shirt, and black dress shoes. It's important to pay attention to the details and make sure your tuxedo or suit is well-fitted and in good condition.
Suits: A black or navy tuxedo is most appropriate for the wedding. If you want to wear another color, keep it as dark as possible.
Shoes: Stick with black tuxedo shoes or black oxfords. Ensure they are nicely polished - the shinier, the better.
Shirts: If you're attending a wedding with a strict black tie dress code, stick with a tuxedo dress shirt. The typical features of tux shirts are the wingtip collar, the pleats, and the cufflinks. For a slightly more casual approach, you can go for a white dress shirt, just ensure it comes with french cuffs.
Accessories: A black bow tie should be worn with the tux. A black pocket square and watch also make great accessories. For some extra elegance and warmth, consider wearing a cummerbund ( a belt made especially for a tuxedo)
Formal:
Formal men's wedding attire is a notch less formal when it comes to dress codes. Nevertheless, there are still rules to be followed for this one:
Suits: Although a tuxedo isn't a must, you should still stick to wearing a dark-colored suit. Ideal colors are navy or charcoal grey.
Shoes: Ideal shoes are dress shoes, such as oxfords, or loafers. Just ensure they are nicely polished and in good condition.
Shirts: A white dress shirt works best. In fact, a collared shirt such as a button-down shirt would be most suitable.
Accessories: Keep it simple and elegant. A watch and/or cufflinks are ideal.
Semi-Formal:
This dress code is less formal than formal but still requires a suit and tie. You can even opt for a lighter-colored suit and a patterned tie.
Suit: You can be a bit more creative and opt for a suit. Feel free to opt for a lighter-colored suit and patterned tie for the summer. Separates are also acceptable, so feel free to experiment.
Shirt: Choose a shirt that is made of a nice material, well-fitted, and in a neutral color such as white, light blue, or gray.
Shoes: Go for smart dress shoes, such as oxfords or loafers.
Accessories: Feel free to go for a bow tie/ tie that compliments the color of your shirt. Feel free to add some jewelry or a lapel pin for some extra decoration.
Casual:
If you have been blessed with a casual dress code, then you have less to worry about.
Suit: For this dress code, you can pass on the suit. Feel free to wear chinos, suit pants, or khakis with a shirt. Add a blazer for a smarter look.
Shirt: It's best if you stick with a dress shirt, despite the casual theme. After all, you're still attending a wedding, and a certain amount of formality is still expected.
Shoes: Choose between dress shoes, polished sneakers, and/or loafers. Avoid athletic wear or slippers.
Accessories: You can choose to wear simple and understated jewelry such as a watch, a simple bracelet, or a leather band. Avoid over-the-top or too-flashy jewelry.
Wedding Seasons:
Of course, your wedding attire will also greatly depend on which season the wedding will take place in. You can expect to see a lot of linen and cotton fabrics for the summer, while fabrics such as velvet and wool are much more suitable for the winter.
Summer
Most weddings take place during the warm days of the summer season. This is exactly why you'll want to be prepared and find the right fabric when selecting a suit.
Linen
Linen is a natural fabric that is both breathable and lightweight, making it the perfect choice for a summer wedding. Linen is a porous fabric, which means it allows air to circulate through the fibers, keeping the wearer cool and comfortable even on the hottest of days. If you're the groom or groomsman who may be standing outside for an extended period of time, this fabric may be just the thing for you. Moreover, linen is also durable, which makes it particularly useful for groomsmen who may need to move around a lot during the day, as the suit will be less likely to tear or become damaged.
The lighter colors of linen suits can help reflect the sun and keep you cool, and the natural creases and wrinkles give a casual and elegant look. This makes it perfect for beach or garden weddings.
Cotton
One of the main benefits of cotton wedding suits is their comfort. Cotton is a soft, breathable fabric that is gentle on the skin and will keep you cool and comfortable. Another benefit of cotton suits is their versatility. Cotton suits come in a variety of colors and styles, making them suitable for any type of wedding. They can also be dressed up or down, depending on the formality of the wedding. This makes them a great option for both formal and casual weddings.
Seersucker
Seersucker is a lightweight cotton fabric that is mainly used for summer suits and sports jackets. It has a unique puckered texture that allows air to circulate, keeping you cool and comfortable. Seersucker is also relatively low maintenance and easy to care for. It is machine-washable and can be ironed to remove wrinkles. The fabric's natural wrinkles can be kept by hanging it up after washing.
Winter
When it comes to choosing a fabric for a winter wedding suit, there are several options to consider that will keep you warm and stylish. Some of the best fabrics for a winter wedding suit include:
Velvet
Velvet is a luxurious fabric that is perfect for a winter wedding. It's warm, and soft, and has a rich texture that will add elegance and sophistication to any suit. It's a classic fabric that is often associated with formal occasions, and it will give you a unique look.
Velvet comes in a wide range of colors, including traditional shades such as black, navy, and burgundy, as well as bold and more vibrant colors such as emerald green, purple, and red. There are also different types of velvet, like crushed velvet, which has a unique texture and look, or velvet with metallic threads, which adds a touch of glamour.
Wool
Wool is known for its warmth and wrinkle resistance., making it a great choice for special events. Wool is a natural fiber obtained from the fleece of sheep and other animals, including goats, rabbits, and alpacas. It is composed mainly of protein, specifically keratin, and is known for its warmth, elasticity, and ability to hold dyes well.
Wool is also naturally insulating, which makes it a great choice for keeping the wearer warm in cooler temperatures. This is especially important for outdoor weddings or for weddings that take place during the cooler months.
Tweed
Tweed is a type of woolen fabric that is known for its durability, warmth, and unique appearance. It is made from carded or combed wool, which is then spun and woven into a thick, textured fabric. Tweed wedding suits can be worn with a variety of different accessories, such as a woolen tie or pocket square, to complement the overall look. The earthy tones of tweed can also be paired with other colors, such as a crisp white shirt, for a classic and timeless look.