A groom usually walks into the showroom with three photos saved on his phone, each a different style: a black tuxedo, a grey three-piece, a blue slim-fit. The question is always "which one suits me more?" The answer rarely lies in which style is the most beautiful, but in which suits his build, the ceremony and the groom's own character.
Quick answer
There are five main groom wedding suit styles: tuxedo, three-piece suit, slim fit, single-button and double-breasted. Choose a tuxedo for a formal evening reception, a three-piece for a traditional ceremony, slim fit for a slender groom, single-button for a modern look, and double-breasted for a tall man with broad shoulders.
Five wedding suit styles and when to choose each
| Style | Characteristics | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Tuxedo | Satin lapels, bow tie, trousers with a side stripe | Evening receptions, restaurants, hotels |
| Three-piece suit | Jacket, waistcoat and trousers; formal | Ancestral ceremony, daytime receptions |
| Slim fit | Close fit, neat shoulders, tapered leg | Slender grooms, smaller builds |
| Single-button | Long vertical line, clean, modern | Young grooms, intimate weddings |
| Double-breasted | Two rows of buttons, strong | Tall men with broad shoulders, formal weddings |
Choosing by build
- Tall and slim: a three-piece or double-breasted suit adds volume. Avoid a cut that is too tight.
- Shorter build: a moderately short jacket, a single button and tapered trousers make the legs look longer.
- Fuller build: a dark two-button suit in a cloth that holds its shape, and avoid a close fit across the stomach.
- Broad shoulders: suits most styles, especially double-breasted.
Choosing by venue and time
An outdoor daytime wedding suits light shades such as light grey, beige and pale blue. An evening wedding in a hotel suits navy, black and tuxedo. A wedding in a hot, humid place leans towards thin, light wool, and consider a half-lined suit. Getting it right from the start saves the groom from changing his mind close to the day.
Made to measure or suit rental
Mon Amie offers both:
- Made to measure: a suit made for you alone, kept as a signature suit to wear again for many occasions. See the groom styling service to learn how to coordinate with the groomsmen.
- Suit rental: suits groomsmen, relatives or short occasions. You can see more on the suit rental page. Rental prices are quoted by style on enquiry.
Tips from a Mon Amie master tailor
Fitting is not a one-time affair. For a wedding suit, plan at least two fittings to adjust the shoulder, waist and trouser hem.
Do not choose by a model's photo. A model's build and the groom's build are very different. Choose according to your own body.
Think of the bride too. The suit should sit in the same tone as the gown and the flowers, though it need not match exactly.
Frequently asked questions
What colour suit is most flattering on a groom?
There is no single most flattering colour, only the one that suits you. Navy, grey and black are all safe choices. See the lookbook to picture them.
When should I start having a wedding suit made?
The sooner the better, because there is time to choose the fabric and make adjustments. The showroom will give a specific schedule when measuring.
Should the groom have a spare suit made?
Not necessary. A suit that has been carefully fitted is usually enough.
An invitation from Mon Amie
Bring photos of the styles you like to the showroom, then book an appointment so a stylist can help choose a style that suits your build and your ceremony.
