Let The Suit Shine
Finding the perfect suit for your wedding day can seem like a daunting task. However, Jacqueline Maya reveals what to look out for to ensure your suit fits like a glove.
All too often, the groom’s wedding suit is usually the last thing left on the wedding planning list. Your wedding day is just as much for you as it is for your beautiful bride, and it all starts with a well-fitted suit! Planning your wedding can already be a stressful time, but finding a suit that suits doesn’t have to be, as Melbourne Wedding & Bride explains.
If The Suit Fits
When it comes to suits, there are three types of fits; regular, slim and tailored.
A regular fit wedding suit is a classic style that is ideal for those who prefer a relaxed fit, as it has a little extra room to move. A slim fit is ideal for gents with a slimmer build, and lastly, a tailored fit is a great in-between option, as it allows a little more movement than a regular fit but is less restricting than a slim. There is nothing worse than an ill-fitting suit, so here are a few tips on how to avoid some of the most common mistakes.
Shoulders Above The Rest
The key to ensuring your wedding suit fits perfectly starts with the way it sits on your shoulders. Each shoulder pad should sit naturally on your shoulder and the seam of the sleeve should be at the edge – and be crumple-free!
Keep It To Your Chest
Another common mistake is selecting the wrong jacket size for your build. A great way to tell if it’s the right fit is if your hand – when laid flat – can easily slip into your suit under the lapels when the top or middle button is fastened. In addition, these buttons, depending on the style of the jacket, shouldn’t fall below your belly button. Jacket length is also extremely important. With arms at your sides, your knuckles should be even with the bottom of your jacket.
It’s All In The Sleeve
The correct sleeve length is vital in completing the overall look of your suit. The ideal visible sleeve length should be between a quarter and half inch.
The same goes for the ideal trouser length, which should have at least one inch of break. A trousers’ ‘break’ is the fold or creasing that occurs when the bottom of the front trouser leg meets with your shoe.
The Fitting
Never underestimate a highly skilled tailor! Having your wedding suit custom made will save you the hassle of having to alter it later. With that said, if you decide to purchase something already made, and it doesn’t fit quite right, make sure that you take the time to have it altered.
When you’re being fitted, be mindful of what you have – or don’t have – on your feet. Whether it’s your socks, trainers or thongs, they probably won’t be the same height as your wedding shoes. Try and have the shoes picked out first so you can bring them along to the fittings, which will avoid having to make any last-minute adjustments.
A Style To Suit
Your wedding day should be a reflection of you and your bride’s tastes, styles and personalities. However, when it comes to the style of your suit, remember that you will be the one wearing it. It’s important that it reflects your own style, and – more importantly – you feel comfortable while wearing it.
Tux Or Classic?
Unless you’re a huge James Bond fan, or you’ve opted for a very traditional wedding, wearing a tuxedo on your wedding day isn’t necessary. There is a wide range of classic suits that look just as – if not more – stylish than the old tux. If you want a little something more formal, adding a waistcoat can make all the difference! If the thought of adding another layer of clothing doesn’t sound appealing, you can always experiment with colours and fabrics.
Colour Counts!
If you’re looking to experiment with colour, light hues such as powder blue, cream or grey look incredible. Navy or royal blue also look fantastic, and deep, rich colours like oxblood, plum and dark green are perfect for an adventurous groom. If colour isn’t really your thing, try a patterned, striped, herringbone, plaid or houndstooth suit. Whatever style, colour or fabric you choose, make sure that it’s the right one for you!
Let The Suit Shine
As the age-old saying goes, “less is more” – especially when it comes to selecting accessories for your suit. Melbourne Wedding & Bride recommends selecting no more than three suit accessories to ensure a simple but suave look. A patterned or coloured pocket square, cufflinks or suspenders and bow tie are the perfect accompaniment to an already outstanding suit.
Hip To Be Square
Pocket squares are all the rage, but you can make yours unique by using a handkerchief from your father or grandfather. Alternatively, matching your pocket square to a colour that features in the bride’s bouquet is also subtle but effective.
Off The Cuff
Engraved cufflinks make great groomsmen gifts, while adding a personal touch at the same time.
Throw In The Tie
Bow ties and suspenders are a great alternative to the traditional tie, and with plenty of colours and patterns to choose from, you’ll definitely find a combination that suits you. If you’re already wearing a colourful, patterned or striped suit, keep the rest simple, or vice versa.
Now that you’re adequately accessorised, we have a few remaining pieces of wisdom we’d like to impart.
Don’t Sweat It
While marrying the love of your life can be a nerve-racking experience for some, a good suit won’t let you show it! Consider the season in which your wedding will take place and select your suit accordingly. There is nothing worse than suit sweat!
For weddings in the warmer months, a linen suit will keep you cool and is extremely breathable. If you’re planning a wedding in the cooler season, heavier fabrics such as wool, worsted or wool blends are ideal. Flannel, cashmere and velvet are also excellent options that will keep you cosy.
Lastly, don’t forget to remove the stitch! Stitching is placed to help keep the garment’s shape while in transit, but should be removed as soon as you want to wear it. Common places where stitching can be found are the outer chest pockets, sleeves and the back of the jacket. No one wants to be a tag dag, and this is the suit equivalent!
If you take the following advice on board, shopping for your suit will be stress and wrinkle-free, and you’ll have everything all sewn up well before you need to walk down that aisle.