Let’s be honest: We love to make a giant deal over the process of selecting bridesmaids dresses. From the planning and plotting of colors and styles to the in-store shopping experience. Yet we never give quite the same amount of care to shopping for groomsmen suits.
Well, thankfully, times are changing. There are now more online and brick and mortar retailers dedicated exclusively to selling groomsmen suits, making it easier and more convenient than ever before to make a purchase. But when it comes to wedding suits, where do you begin? In this guide we’ll share what to look for in a groomsmen suit, as well as the best places to buy them. Let’s dive into it!
How Soon Should You Start Shopping for Groomsmen Suits?
The good news? You really don’t have to start shopping for groomsmen suits too far out from your big day. Unlike bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen suits tend to need less tailoring and, therefore, require a shorter timeline. Patrick Kenger, celebrity stylist and men’s image consultant, recommends beginning the process of shopping for groomsmen suits around 2-4 months before the big day.
“Four months may seem excessive, but when you’re trying to fit a lot of guys, some might have challenges with fit and sizing and they may need to get things altered or even made custom if they’re a really difficult size. Have enough time to account for this,” he says. “Nearly all the suits will need to be altered, so this time buffer ensures you’ll actually find something and that it will actually fit.”
Supply chain issues from the past few years are mostly resolved, however it never hurts to start shopping on the earlier side. Some stores may not have full inventory or alternations may take longer, “so plan for that in advance,” Kender adds.
How to Accessorize Groomsmen Suits
Just like bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen suits should also be accessorized and jazzed up. The first rule of thumb, according to Kenger, is to not go too overboard. “Usually, the groomsmen’s suits are all uniform and accessorized the same way with either a waistcoat (vest), tie or the same fabric and color,” he says. “If each groomsman wanted to do something unique, it should be done in a very small way, such as a different color of pocket square, a different fold of pocket square or cufflinks to add a touch of individual flavor.”
Here are other ways you can accessorize your groomsmen suits:
Complement the flowers
Another great tip is to try to have the groomsmen suits complement the flowers. “When you’re buying your flowers, have the same florist put together the boutonnieres, so that the flowers your groomsmen wear either match, or at least complement, the flowers the bridesmaids will be carrying,” suggests Dave Bowden, stylist, confidence coach and founder of the Irreverent Gent. “To really make sure everything looks cohesive, you’ll ideally want to choose flower colors that work well with the suit color you’ve chosen for the groomsmen.”
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Model after the wedding couple
Davide Cotugno, third-generation owner of Executive Tailors, in Brecksville, Ohio, suggests choosing accessories based on the venue and the aesthetic that the bride and groom are going for. “Whether it be a casual and laid-back setting or a more formal wedding, it’s important to choose accessories to match the environment,” he says. “We often recommend that the groom chooses accessories that differ slightly from the rest of the groomsmen so he can stand out.”
Choose fabrics based on season
Just as with bridesmaids dresses, it’s a good idea to factor in seasonality when it comes to groomsmen suits. “If you’re having an outdoor summer wedding, it would be a good idea to choose a lighter, breathable fabric,” says Cotugno. “If the groomsmen are purchasing their suits instead of renting, finding a durable fabric is important for longevity.” Examples of lighter fabrics include linen, wool, and cotton. Wool can also work for cooler temperatures, as well as cashmere and tweed, and velvet.
Match the bridesmaids dresses
A popular option is to color match with the bridesmaid’s dresses. “Often this is where groomsmen’s tie or accessories are the same color as the bridesmaid’s dresses,” says Louise Hall, image consultant with House of Colour. “It gives a very consistent look to the color theme and makes it very easy for the groomsmen to pick their accessories.”
Not feeling the matchy-matchy? A great alternative is choosing a combination of coordinating colors that work well together. “Using colors in the groomsmen’s accessories that complement the bridal party rather than being exactly the same will introduce an additional element of color interest and will add pops of color to your photos,” she says. “For example, if you have a palette of three colors for your wedding, the bridemaid’s dresses might be one of the three colors and the groomsmen’s be a different one.”
What to Know about Alterations for Groomsmen Suits
It’s important to recognize that alterations are always a part of the process. Chances are, your suit won’t need much adjusting if you ordered it in the right size, but it’s a good idea to have it tailored to fit you to a tee. Here, experts share their best tips for making alterations for groomsmen suits.
Cost will vary
Nearly everyone will at least have to have the pants hemmed—an alteration that is often done for free. “Outside of that, shortening the sleeves of a suit jacket and taking in the waist of the jacket would be the second two,” notes Kenger. He recommends planning to pay at least $50 in alterations per suit. “Some will need more, some less; it depends on the person,” he adds.
Not everyone’s alterations will look the same
Unless all of the groomsmen go to the same tailor together, not all alterations will look the same. “This means someone’s pant leg might be a little shorter, or their shirt could be cinched in more than another persons,” says Jackson Cunningham, founder of JJ Suspenders. “Although this is not always noticeable, if you are particular about this, then it is best to try and get alterations as a group or use the same tailor.”
Come to the appointment with the right shoes
Cotugno recommends that all groomsmen come to their alteration appointment with the shoes they plan to wear for the wedding so that the pant lengths can be measured correctly. “Also, make sure that the shirt length is correct so they show a little bit of shirt cuff (suit sleeves should not cover shirt cuffs completely),” he adds.
Double check timeframe
Oftentimes it does not take that long for a tailor to make alterations. However, during the wedding season they are very busy and it can take longer than expected. If they tell you it will be done in one week but you do not get a call, make sure to follow up with them to ensure everything is running smoothly.
The Best Places to Find Great Groomsmen Suits
Purchasing a groomsmen suit can feel like a huge responsibility, especially if you have a few weddings coming up within a year. Don’t worry. Armed with the right know-how, you can make the choice that is best for you. Here, experts share some of the best places to shop or rent wedding suits.
Budget-Friendly
Generation Tux
Founded by Men’s Wearhouse founder George Zimmer, Generation Tux is the modern answer to a tuxedo or suit rental. You can choose from over 25 styles, and have your rental delivered to you 14 days before your event. They also offer great offers, such as a free rental if 5 members of your wedding party sign up. If 7 members sign up, you’ll get to keep the suit or tux for free.
Men’s Wearhouse
With 1,450 stores around the U.S., this well-established retailer of suits of all kinds can help you find whatever you’re looking for. “The suits are discounted and there’s always a nice selection of brands, upscale and lower end as well,” says Doyin Fashakin, event planner and owner of Doyin Fash Events. “It’s never difficult to find a brick-and-mortar store, or you can shop online.”
The Black Tux
With an average price range between $100-$199 for rentals, it’s easy to see why this online retailer is becoming so popular with the groomsmen set. “The Black Tux is a great rental option and the perfect choice for the budget friendly who does not want to invest in a suit they won’t wear again,” says Tavia Sharp, Image Consultant and founder of Styled Sharp. “They have stylish options at an affordable price point and they also have a fit quiz on their website that simplifies the process of finding the perfect fit for your body type.”
Mid-Tier
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is a great place to shop online or in-person to find a large assortment of groomsmen suits, notes Fashakin. “Although they can be on the pricey side, the quality is excellent, and the company stands behind what they sell.” Brands include Armani, BOSS, Peter Millar, and Topman among others.
Indochino
For a wide range of customization and personalization options for suits, tuxedos, and jackets, Indochino is a great choice. Even though they run a bit pricier than other retailers, they offer a made-to-measure process that can fall in a reasonable range—often $300-$700.
High-end
Suit Supply
If you’re open to spending a little more on a groomsmen suit, consider Suit Supply. “They offer many stylish off-the-rack suiting options as well as affordable made-to-measure black tie options that also include accessories,” says Sharp. “This takes the guesswork out of it and simplifies the process of designing your head to toe groomsmen look.”
Alton Lane
When it comes to custom suiting, Alton Lane is Sharp’s number one choice. “They specialize in special occasion dressing and they also have a brand new ‘made for you’ program where you can design and customize a suit on their website and get it delivered in 2 weeks,” she says.
Groomsmen Suits FAQ
Typically, yes. Groomsmen would typically pay for their own suits. Alternatively, the groom might choose to gift a tie, pair of socks, or other accessory as a groomsmen gift. Or, they could pick up the cost of the rental as a gift. Keep in mind however that unlike bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen might not need to buy or even rent a new suit. If all your groomsmen already have a black suit, they can typically just wear what they already have. Then they could wear matching shirts or ties to bring it all together.
You can expect to pay $600-$700 on average for a nice-quality suit. Rentals on the other hand average $150.
Not at all! This is a very common scenario. One way to bring their looks together, however, is to make sure both the tux and suits are the same color. While black is the most common tuxedo color, you could also opt for navy.
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