Weddings have a way of forcing men to reckon with their wardrobes. In a world where dress codes have steadily relaxed, formalwear has become the exception rather than the rule. And yet, certain occasions still demand it: weddings, funerals and, God forbid, court appearances. The problem is, as suits have receded from daily life, so has the knowledge of how to wear one. In my years writing about menswear, I’ve seen a recurring drama unfold: men who delay, who misjudge, who seek out tailors too late. The suit is too tight or too loose. It doesn’t look terrible, exactly, but it doesn’t look great either. And he’s paid dearly for it.
To avoid that fate, it helps to know what you’re up against. Buying a good suit means accounting for dress codes, tailoring lead times should you need one and the subtle signals clothing can communicate, especially for an event as photographed and emotionally freighted as a wedding. Whether you’re standing at the altar or sitting in the third row, here are a few key considerations that can sharpen the results and lower the stress levels.
