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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.
Crockett & Jones Hallam leather Oxford shoes
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.
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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. percivalclo.com
Wearing black, navy and check gets old after a few weddings. If you've got the stones to stand out, Comma's dusty pink linen suit balances the label's key clean aesthetic with utilitarian notes, combining a boxy fit and tied waist with a sleek double-breasted fit and pleated details at the thigh. Jacket, £640. Trousers, £445. At matchesfashion.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. Trousers, £158. reiss.com
If you're not afraid of a little texture, then a suit by Homme Plissé Issey Miyake is always a win. Languid and laidback, this lightweight pick utilises the designer's signature lightweight technical-pleated jersey for a deeply laissez-faire feel primed for a more casual wedding. Jacket, £820. Trousers, £418. At matchesfashion.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. arket.com
When stationery shopping, have you ever cast an eye over the shelves of Blu-Tac and thought, “Now, that's a lovely shade of blue.” If so, it would appear you're not alone: Paul Smith's lightweight linen suit boasts the same dusky sky blue as W.H. Smith's bestseller, whilst its lightweight, crease-resistant fabrication makes it a great pick for those long summer weddings. Jacket, £700. Trousers, £360. 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. percivalclo.com
Searching for a quality wedding suit that won’t put too much of a dent in your bank account? Mr Porter’s house range is the place to turn to. This current set is perfect for the summer season ahead thanks to its unstructured shape, refined to perfection through its neat notch lapels, functioning button cuffs and front patch pockets. Easy sartorial win. Jacket, £225. Trousers, £175. mrporter.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. moss.co.uk
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. cos.com
Door To Door Express 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. huntsmansavilerow.com