Groomsmen Attire Guide: Coordinating the Perfect Group Look

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Start with the Wedding Formality

   The wedding's formality level determines the groomsmen dress code more than any other factor. Black-tie: tuxedos with black bow ties, no variation. Formal: matching dark suits (charcoal, navy, black) with ties or bow ties. Semi-formal: suits in a wider colour range (lighter greys, blues, greens), with more room for mix-and-match. Casual: separates — dress trousers with button-downs, linen suits, or even chinos with blazers for beach and backyard weddings. Decide the formality first, then choose within that range.

2. 2

   Choose Between Matching, Coordinating, or Mix-and-Match

   Fully matching: every groomsman wears the same suit, shirt, and tie. Easiest to execute and most traditional. Works best for formal weddings with large wedding parties where visual uniformity matters in photos. Coordinating: same suit colour and style, but groomsmen choose their own tie, pocket square, or accessories within a colour palette. Adds personality without chaos. Mix-and-match: different suit shades (navy, charcoal, grey) or different textures (tweed, linen, wool) in a coordinating palette. Looks editorial and modern but requires a confident eye to pull off. The groom should stand out from the group — a different tie colour, a boutonniere upgrade, or a subtly different suit shade accomplishes this without being jarring.

3. 3

   Decide Whether to Rent or Buy

   Renting makes sense when the wedding is black-tie (groomsmen rarely own tuxedos), the group has widely varying body types and budgets, or the suit colour is unusual enough that groomsmen would not wear it again. Buying makes sense when the suit is a versatile colour (navy, charcoal, grey) that groomsmen will genuinely rewear, the wedding is less formal and a well-fitting suit is more important than uniformity, or the group is small enough to coordinate made-to-measure orders. Online rental companies typically charge one hundred fifty to two hundred fifty dollars per person. Off-the-rack suits from mid-range brands cost two hundred to four hundred dollars. Made-to-measure suits cost three hundred to six hundred dollars and fit dramatically better. If you ask groomsmen to buy, choose a brand and style that covers a wide size range and has good return and exchange policies.

4. 4

   Select Fabric and Colour by Season

   Spring and summer: lighter fabrics (linen, cotton, tropical-weight wool) in lighter colours (light grey, tan, sage, light blue). Linen wrinkles are expected and part of the aesthetic — do not fight them. Fall: mid-weight wool in warm tones (burgundy, forest green, brown, rust) or classic neutrals (charcoal, navy). Tweed and herringbone add seasonal texture. Winter: heavier wool or velvet in deep colours (midnight blue, black, deep green). Three-piece suits with waistcoats add warmth and formality. Year-round safe choices: navy and charcoal work in every season with fabric weight adjustments.

5. 5

   Coordinate Accessories

   Accessories are where groomsmen looks come together or fall apart. Ties or bow ties: match the wedding colour palette, not the suit. If bridesmaids are in dusty rose, groomsmen ties in a complementary tone (not identical) create visual cohesion without looking costume-like. Pocket squares: a simple white linen pocket square works with everything and is the safest choice. Patterned or coloured pocket squares should be chosen by one person (the groom or a style-confident groomsman) to prevent clashing. Shoes: the most commonly overlooked element. Specify the shoe colour and style (brown leather oxfords, black dress shoes, tan loafers) and send a reference photo. Belt colour must match shoe colour. Socks: either matching dark socks or a fun coordinating pattern — but decide for the group; do not leave it to chance.

6. 6

   Manage the Fitting and Measurement Timeline

   For rentals: order three to four months before the wedding. Most rental companies ship suits one to two weeks before the event for try-on. Build in time for exchanges — at least one groomsman's suit will not fit right on the first try. For purchased suits: order four to six months out for made-to-measure, or buy off-the-rack three to four months out with two months for tailoring. Every groomsman should get his suit tailored, even off-the-rack — the difference between a tailored and untailored suit in photos is immediately visible. Provide a measurement guide and deadline, and follow up individually. At least one groomsman will procrastinate — send a reminder two weeks before the deadline.

7. 7

   Handle the Out-of-Town and International Groomsmen

   If groomsmen live in different cities or countries, online rental and made-to-measure companies are your best option — they ship anywhere and handle measurements remotely. For rentals, choose a company with a national or international footprint so all groomsmen use the same provider and receive the same fabric, colour, and cut. If one groomsman is buying locally in a different country, send a fabric swatch, the exact colour code, and a reference photo of the suit to minimize matching discrepancies. Ship accessories (ties, pocket squares, boutonnieres) centrally rather than asking each person to source their own.

Frequently Asked Questions