Best Wedding Suits for a Summer Wedding
Summer weddings are the best time to express yourself in a more natural, laid back, and rustic way. But the heat can be quite a challenge, especially when trying to pick out a wedding suit you’ll feel comfortable in. No matter if you are the groom, a groomsman or a guest, you need to don an ensemble that looks effortless, feels comfortable, and still looks sharp. That’s why we have put up a groom’s guide to summer wedding suits, with fashion advice for Australia’s hot season right around the corner.
Choosing the Right Fabrics
Fabric can really make a difference in keeping cool at a summer wedding. Wool suits keep you warm, but you don’t need to ignore this fabric altogether for a summer wedding, since it comes in lighter weights as well such as Fresco, which is an open weave and very breathable.
Other great summer fabrics include:
1. Linen
The classic summer fabric. It’s light, it breathes, and it helps keep the temperatures balanced. Hence it’s ideal for an outdoor wedding. Though linen is infamous for wrinkling too easily, those wrinkles in some amounts strangely work in favour of your wedding attire, making it more rustic and charming. This works quite well especially if it’s a beach or country wedding.
2. Cotton
A versatile choice that’s breathable and cool. Cotton suits are durable and offer a casual, yet polished look—perfect for daytime weddings.
3. Seersucker
This fabric has long been associated with Southern English charm. It is very light and breathable, with a rough texture that allows for better airflow so you feel cooler.
4. Silk or Silk Blends
For those who want to spend a little more money, there’s silk. It’s light and cool, but be mindful of its delicate nature—silk can wrinkle easily, so a blend with other fabrics may be more practical.
Suit Styles for Summer
The type of suit depends on how formal the wedding and reception is going to be. Here are some classic summer suit styles to consider:
1. Single-Breasted Suits
The most common suit style, available in both two- and three-piece options. Then comes the two-piece single breasted suit, much lighter and more casual, perfect for an outdoor or daytime wedding. The three piece includes a vest which is a little fancier, but it can probably feel hotter and uncomfortable if temperatures rise.
2. Double-Breasted Suits
For a more formal and structured look, a double-breasted suit can be an excellent choice. Though it’s not as popular, it definitely qualifies as more elegant, especially for an evening wedding.
3. Unstructured Suits
This kind does not have the heavy linings and padding that most do, hence making it more roomy and comfortable to wear for long hours. Hence it becomes a pretty very smart option for an informal summer wedding. However, this implies that these suits wouldn’t fit you as sharply as a properly bespoke suit would.
To Tux or Not to Tux?
Tuxedos are traditionally reserved for highly formal events, but they can still be a great option for an evening summer wedding. Tuxedos nowadays are made of lighter fabrics and colours so you still get that classic, elegant look without feeling too uncomfortable. But for most daytime weddings a light suit made of linen or cotton would be better suited.
Colours That Shine in the Sun
Summer is the perfect time to embrace lighter, brighter colours that reflect heat and add a fresh, modern touch to your outfit. Here are some of the best summer suit colours:
1. Light Grey
A versatile and classic choice. It’s a very light grey – much lighter shade than the traditional charcoal or navy, making it a good choice for keeping cool in the sun. This shade goes along with most suit and tie options, giving you more room for flexibility.
2. Bold Blues
If you really want to make a statement go for a bright blue. It’s the new age navy and it looks really good on guys with grey or salt and pepper hair. For daytime weddings, go for lighter shades such as sky blue, and opt for deeper blues for evening events.
3. Antique White or Ivory
For a more fashion-forward look, try antique white or ivory linen suits. These colours are perfect for beach or outdoor weddings, though they can be tricky to pull off as a wedding guest—especially if you’re worried about upstaging the groom. But don’t forget to ask the bride or couple if it is ok to wear white or off white.
4. Tan or Beige
Tan is a forever classic that works amazing for an outdoor summer wedding. It’s not as mainstream as grey or blue, but it’s not a stand-out like red or orange, giving you a perfectly balanced look. Hence this colour is your best friend if you want to stand out a little as a groom but don’t want to experiment too much. Tan suits match really well with pastels and muted tones, making them a promising option for summer weddings.
Accessorising Your Summer Wedding Suit
Accessories are opportunities for you to add a personal touch to your summer wedding attire. Here are some summer-specific suggestions:
1. Ties & Bow Ties
If you have a formal day wedding, then opt for a bow tie in a light, summery colour like mint or blush for a playful, elegant touch.
2. Pocket Squares
A colourful pocket square is an easy way to add flair to your suit without the risk of going overboard with your outfit. Stick with light linen or cotton for breathability.
3. Sunglasses
If you’re attending an outdoor or a destination wedding, a stylish pair of sunglasses can be both practical and chic. But keep in mind that certain styles would just not go with your look, such as the ones that are too sporty. Classic styles such as aviator and wayfarer are a safe bet.
4. Hats
If you really want to accent your outfit for a day wedding, you can sport one of those stylish hats that one typically wears to beaches. As a plus it will also keep the sun out of your face. A panama hat or even a straw fedora can give a nice easy-going summertime look to your wedding wardrobe.
5. Socks
There are no-sock rules in a lot of summer weddings to make your look more casual. If necessary, go for socks that keep moisture at bay and help keep the feet cool.
Need More Inspiration?
Want some further help with easy and safe options? Here’s a list we’ve prepared for wedding suits for the groom as well as the guests.
1. Light Gray Linen Suit
It is a classic, flexible option that complements formal and informal weddings. Pair with a crisp white shirt and a pastel tie for a polished look.
2. Bold Blue Suit
For a more vibrant option, go for a rich blue suit. It’s a unique spin on the usual navy and it adds a splash of colour to your wedding attire.
3. Ivory Linen Suit
Perfect for beach weddings, an ivory linen suit is light, breathable, and effortlessly stylish. Add a light-coloured shirt and some simple accessories to complete the look.
4. Tan Cotton Suit
A nice beige linen suit for outdoor weddings looks cool yet classy. Match it with a light blue shirt and brown shoes, completing a charming summer outfit.
Conclusion
When it comes to summer wedding suits, the key is finding the right balance between style and comfort. By choosing the right fabric, style, and colour, you can ensure that you stay cool and confident, whether you’re the groom or a guest. Linen, cotton, and other light breathable fabrics with summer accessories can help you look cool, all the while enjoying your wedding to the fullest in the beautiful summer sun. Want help with a summer wedding suit perfect for you? Drop by at one of our Bentex showrooms in Sydney CBD or Castle Hill, or give us a call.