To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories
To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories Royal Blue Suit
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 martial 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 begins 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 sartorial 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.
For more fashion, grooming, and technology releases delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our GQ Recommends newsletter.
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
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
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 proven by this grey wool suit. Fitted with a full lining, well padded shoulders, darts at the front and a single vent at the back, it's guaranteed to flatter your frame in all the right places, so too ensuring a dose of fashionable flair through the subtle sharkskin motif which is stitched into its luxury texture. Ultra-classic from head to toe, it's one to see you through many wedding occasions to come. £3,490. At selfridges.com
Hats off 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
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
Assembled from a forest green hue, Asos' new addition to its design department is the perfect suit to accommodate imminent spring weddings. Its seasonally-apt shade aside, the skinny fit and high-cut peak lapels also ensure that you'll also look impeccably sharp for your occasion – especially if you opt to wear the matching waistcoat between its core layers. Simple, striking and affordable at once, it's a big yes from team GQ. Jacket, £85. Trousers, £35. At asos.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 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. £2,095. At huntsmansavilerow.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
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
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
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
The best formal shoes to smarten up your footwear
Homecoming Suit By The Editors of GQ