It can be tough to know which of your summer wedding suits to wear during wedding season, and add in the unpredictable British weather to make it even more complicated.
What’s more, whether you’re the groom or a guest, the wedding’s location, theme and the weather for the day can really influence your choice of your summer wedding suits.
With this in mind, we’re sharing with a roundup of top tips for styling summer wedding suits from the experts at leading menswear retailer Slater Menswear.
Declyn Cooper, Head of Tailoring at Slater Menswear has advised the consider the following (His full onsite commentary is available to view here).
The Suit Material
Linen
“Synonymous with the summer weather, when you think of a wedding in the sun, you think of linen. Not only is it breathable, but it’s perfect for getting you from the church to the end of the night sweat-free and feeling fresh.
“Linen suits provide the ultimate, relaxed look and in most cases, you can forego the traditional three-piece and instead opt for linen trousers with a matching blazer. Stick with lighter colours like beige and cream for a suave image that’s especially hard to beat.”
Cotton Blend
“One of the most versatile choices, cotton suits allow you to have a refined yet casual look that’s summer friendly. In comparison to its linen counterpart, cotton is stiffer and doesn’t crease as easily which is why many grooms and guests favour this material.
“While darker colours are typically the most popular choice with cotton suits, experimentation with lighter shades such as baby blues or even pastels can yield some splendid results.
“A good tip to check if your suit is best suited for the summer months is to hold your fabric of choice against the sunlight. If you can’t see through it, then you’ll know that this fabric is most likely not best suited for warmer weather.”
Woolen
“While the winter months are typically associated with thicker wool count suits, you can also make great use of woolen suits for warmer weddings in the summertime. Whether you’re a guest or the groom, you’ll want to make sure that your woolen suit has a higher super-wool count, which means that the fabric is finer, therefore, making it lighter.
“Many wool-blend suits are made to be crease-resistant. This means that they’ll drape smoothly across the body and present a more streamlined look.
“As a guest, wear a woolen suit with matching suit trousers and a crisp shirt, perfectly finished with a pop-of-colour tie and matching pocket square.”
The Colours
Declyn added: “The colour scheme of the wedding you’re attending can be crucial in deciding the colour of your suit. Whether it’s a ceremony in the countryside or in the city, lighter and bolder colours are more sought-after for weddings that take place in the warmer months.”
Lighter Hues
“Perfect for almost any summer wedding, a lighter tone can complement all colour schemes — from cream through to light greens and baby blues — making it a true statement item to have ready for any groom or guest.
“These paler tones have the ability to be paired and interchanged with a wide range of both lighter and bold shades, so you’re sure to look dapper no matter whether you’re simply a guest or a groom taking the spotlight.”
Bolder Tones
“Taking a different route, bold tones are intense and rich in colour and typically appear visually striking. Brighter colours are standout enough so that they make a statement while still ensuring that you look smart.
“Think bright pinks contrasted against whites for a striking look that’s sure to garner attention.”