To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories
To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories 3 Piece Suit For Men Wedding
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
By Heidi Quill and Faye Fearon
Always the usher and never the groom? You're going to want a top-tier wedding guest suit as we move into 2024's peak marital season. Here's British GQ's pick of the very best… and, of course, how to wear them
You've heard the news, got your ‘save the date’, and congratulated all the necessary parties. Now what? Why, the hunt for the perfect wedding guest suit, of course.
Now begin the weeks upon weeks of tedious scrolling, window shopping and browsing until, finally, you settle on that ill-fitting navy thing shoved at the back of your closet, right? Wrong. We at GQ say that it's high time to change your ways. And, fear not, we're here to help you out. As well as picking out our favourite wedding-worthy suits on the online shelves, we've answered your biggest nuptial-based qualms ahead of choosing your look for their big day. Scroll on, and may the size runs be ever in your favour.
You can’t always be the best man or a groomsman, but you can always be the best-dressed wedding guest. Realistically, for a good wedding-worthy look you’re going to need a suit jacket, some tailored trousers, some decent formal shoes and (if you’re so inclined) an accessory like an old-school pocket square or a good pair of cufflinks.
When it comes to finding that perfect suit though, there’s a lot to choose from. You’ve got single-breasted, double-breasted, navy, black, pastel-hued or even a check suit. Simply put, it’s all too easy to get overwhelmed. This is where our selection of the best wedding guest suits comes into play. Just scroll on, and see what takes your fancy.
Ah, the age-old debate of two-piece vs three-piece suits. Whilst your own personal style and interests should guide you the most here, the difference between the two is largely one of formality. If this is a buttoned-up, straight-laced church wedding, then something more classic — like a three-piece — might fit in a little better than at a more casual wedding. But, again, ultimately the decision is yours. Ask yourself: what are you most comfortable in?
Well, and this might sound obvious, you really ought to wear black tie to a black tie wedding. But what does that involve as such? Allow us to paraphrase our own (much more detailed) black tie guide and say that, quite simply, you'll need a tux. A black (pressed, we beg) tux, a white dress shirt, a pair of black formal shoes and always a bow tie. Job done.
Maybe this is a second wedding, a more relaxed wedding, or the union of that envy-inducing cool couple that's oh-so-laissez-faire: either way, it's a more casual affair. For a more relaxed dress code, wedding guests can take a more modified approach to the typical formal style associated with nuptials. Think about swapping out your dress shirt for a polo shirt or a short-sleeved shirt, and your formal brogues for the more louche, Parisian, loafer.
Lest you spend the whole of the reception with your arms pinned to your sides for fear of sweat patches, we'd suggest trading in your woollen constructions for a lightweight, Italian-inspired linen option. A growing fascination within tailoring, linen suits are all the rage, and you can pick up a louche linen pick in just about any silhouette your heart should desire. As for accessories, keep things simple, and stick to pale colours that will deflect the sun's powerful rays.
Attending a traditional, non-western wedding? Then it's time to throw out everything you thought you knew and majorly hit the books. You'll want to do some research here, as well as asking around your fellow wedding guests, as in a number of cultures certain colours and silhouettes are to be stealthily avoided. Best to quiz the wedding party as to what's off/on the table.
So, how exactly do we choose what constitutes the best wedding guest suits for men in 2024? Simple. We know our stuff, we do our research, and we get out there to experience as much product as possible.
Our section head of menswear for GQ Recommends, Heidi Quill, is obsessed with clothes. Joining British GQ in 2021, Heidi might primarily look after clothing content, but she spends a healthy amount of time up to her neck in samples, checking product for the very best quality, price and design, all before recommending it to you. That includes knowing everything there is to know about a good wedding guest suit.
Now, not all wedding guest suits are created equally, and no one wants to upstage the groom(s). The key to a good wedding guest suit, as determined by our team of contributing writers and freelancers (Faye Fearon), is something you feel comfortable in all day long. After all, you're in for a few good hours of eating, drinking, and being merry. Scroll on for the team's findings…
For more fashion, grooming, and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter.
If you're searching for a wedding suit on the high street, we've got some good news: Mango has just started to offer full tailored ensembles. Among its selection, you'll find this comfort stretch suit: made from a recycled polyester blend, shaped to a super slim fit and complete with brilliant pressed creases down the trouser. Simple, sustainably-inclined and affordable at once, it's a big yes from team GQ. Jacket, £119.99. Trousers, £59.99. At mango.com
Hats off to Berlin based brand A Kind of Guise for elevating the single-breasted suit to its most sophisticated standing point. This comes courtesy of the jacket's central details — a billowing set of shawl lapels and a kimono-inspired tie detail — which work to create the right kind of nonchalance whilst wearing. Boasting a soft handle and matte finish, it's also consciously crafted, making it a fashion favourite for team GQ. Jacket, £525. Trousers, £240. At mrporter.com
A brand being favoured by the stylists of such menswear icons as Tom Holland, Percival's SS22 linen collection treated us to a supremely wedding friendly sandy hued suit. Coming with a drapey fit that won't look shabby should you have packed it sans suit carrier (in fact, a few creases in the linen will bring this suit to life), all it's missing is a tonal beige shirt and some slick brown loafers. Jacket, £229. Trousers, £129. At percivalclo.com
Tom Ford knows how to do tailoring – a point that's instantly proven by this single-breasted suit. Exclusive to Mr Porter, it's been tailored in Italy from a puppytooth wool and excels in sharpness via well-padded shoulders, front peak lapels and finishing flap pockets. The ultimate set for those who want to bring a bit of pattern to the party (without drawing too much attention away from the groom). Jacket, £3,390. Trousers, £950. At mrporter.com
Designed in England's acclaimed Alfred Brown Mill, Jaeger's latest approach to tailoring takes a premium linen form for an ultra-soft and comfortable feel. Slightly slub in its texture to give a little look of patina, it's enhanced by a broad set of peak lapels and multiple pockets across both layers. This one is available in two shades – taupe and navy – our top pick being the former to align with the earthy tones of May. £349. At marksandspencer.com
Ever the server of sleek silhouettes, Reiss’ current dogtooth design adapts itself to the warm while still maintaining the heritage nature of its print. Composed of 100 per cent linen (AKA the ideal tailored texture for summer), it’s detailed with notch lapels, patch pockets and a two-button fastening. We suggest leaving the latter open to let your underlayer speak for itself – ideally, a lightly knitted polo shirt. Jacket, £298 £120. Trousers, £158 £68. At reiss.com
Assembled from a lavender hue, this pick from Paul Smith is the perfect suit to accommodate imminent spring weddings. Its seasonally-apt shade aside, the slim fit and high-cut notch lapels also ensure that your frame will be flattered for the occasion. Detailed with a double vent at the back for extra breathability, keep the under layers classic (ideally, a white dinner shirt) to let its popping colour shine. £995. At paulsmith.com
Big yes to Cos for offering a wedding-ready suit which excels in elegance and ethics. The elegance comes through its shape: a relaxed navy frame with a low double-breasted fastening and oversized peak lapels (creating just the right amount of pizazz without drawing too much attention away from the groom). As for the ethics? Those are ensured by its texture: certified by the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard) to protect animal welfare and textile land-management. Jacket, £225. Trousers, £135. At cos.com
No one does Italian elegance quite like Brunello Cucinelli, making the designer a top destination for an effective wedding suit. Our top pick of the season? This beige ensemble. Assembled from lightweight linen (AKA the ideal texture for summer), its single-breasted structure is topped with classic notch lapels and an excellent set of patch pockets. Stylish and practical at once, we guarantee it will see you through a bunch of weddings to come. Jacket, £2,990. Trousers, £930. At mrporter.com
Percival's first double-breasted suit has finally landed, and it's every bit as cool-guy and retro-inspired as we could have hoped for. Hugely boxy, inky and lightweight, this breezy linen number won't easily be forgotten. Plus, it looks great when accessorised with a glass of bubbly. Jacket, £239. Trousers, £129. At percivalclo.com
Searching for a quality wedding suit that won’t put too much of a dent in your bank account? Mr Porter’s in-house range is the place to turn to. This current set is perfect for the summer season ahead thanks to its lightly structured shape, refined to perfection through its neat notch lapels, half-canvas construction and front patch pockets. Easy sartorial win. Jacket, £375. Trousers, £175. At mrporter.com
Arket is a failsafe source for seasonless suits, perfectly proven by this hopsack set. Woven with RWS wool (a status which ensures that it comes from certified farms and is properly tracked through every processing stage), this semi-constructed suit is durable, slim-fitting and resistant to wrinkling – so you can rest assured that its smooth finish will see you through an entire wedding celebration. Jacket, £249. Trousers, £119. At arket.com
Want to keep things polished through your wedding suit of choice? A pinstripe ensemble is the way to do it, as its elongating motif promises to both streamline your silhouette and communicate a classic sartorial stance. Enter Kingsman's latest offering: cut to a double breasted fastening, topped with generous peak lapels and fitted with a double vent for freedom of movement. A symbol of sophisticated style. £1,495. At mrporter.com
An irrefutable classic, you can hardly go wrong with a good black suit. Effortlessly tailored from pure responsibly sourced wool, Cos' single-breasted suit proves that sometimes keeping things simple can majorly pay off. Jacket, £200. Trousers, £115. At cos.com
Searching for a more traditional tailoring option this wedding season? This wool suit from Savile Row brand Huntsman ticks all the classic boxes thanks to its one-button house style, notch lapel and midnight blue shade. Oh, and FYI, the escorial wool has full traceability, elevating its status to sustainable style move, too. £2,079. At huntsmansavilerow.com
You hardly need us to tell you that sage green is having a moment right now. On which, DKNY is ready to capitalise with this suave single-breasted suit. Simply tailored for a flattering slim fit, this is the versatile pick that will pay off for you again and again. Jacket, £219. Trousers, £130. At moss.co.uk
Tweed is so often dismissed as the outfitter of less-than-glam older gentlemen, but after a streamlined update courtesy of Moss 1851, this reputation is no more. In an inky blue hue, this herringbone-woven suit is cut with a tailored fit from a wool-blend material that ensures warmth, style, and total flexibility. Jacket, £159. Trousers, £90. At moss.co.uk
The best white dress shirts to form the foundation of any formal look
The best tuxedos for mastering the black-tie dress code
Prom Suit The best formal shoes to smarten up your footwear