How can I make a black suit look intentional as a suit, and not a misunderstood tuxedo?
A good friend of mine from college is getting married, and he wants his groomsmen in black suits. He’s been looking forward to this day for years, so I’m happy to be there for him.
That said, how can I make a black suit look intentional, and not like I have to attend a Black Tie event and don’t own a tuxedo?
We all bought black suits from Suit Supply in the Havana fit in their new budget friendly line. The groom will be supplying ties, I’m not sure what color. I have some Meermin cap-toes coming in the mail and I already have a white spread collar shirt.
I may get some subtly patterned socks, a pocket square, or a lapel pin. Any other ideas?
14 Replies
The biggest things you can do are to not wear tuxedo shirts (ruffles, studs, etc) or black bowties with them.
Sorry, the (bride and) groom chose black tie for the wedding but want the groomsmen in black suits? That's unusual.
I didn't see that the groom is choosing black tie
Anyways, OP, you're by far not the only one. This happens with some regularity. Annoying right?
I would have suggested a loud tie maybe but if the groom is supplying ties that's more difficult.
So let's see. You could go for no square or a print square to not be the standard white linen. (Maybe.) You could wear shoes that aren't black cap-toe (but you already bought shoes.) You could wear a shirt that isn't french cuff (easy.) You could potentially go for a shirt that isn't white (I assume the groom would prefer matching color shirts.)
I will say that the havana cut is pretty far from black tie, so that helps.
I think within the options you have, I'd go for a printed pocket square, and just don't worry too much about people thinking y'all fucked up a tux. It is what it is, your friend made an odd choice and you just grin about it.
You’re wearing what the groom wants you to wear. I wouldn’t worry about it in this instance.
Good way to summarize it
Yeah I misunderstood haha
No problem! If I wasn’t clear, the groom is wearing a black suit as well.
Agreed, it’s their day! Just trying to think of how to add to it. I may get a white pocket square with some pin dots or something similar.
Knowing the groom, I’m sure he’d love a bit of a #menswear vibe if anyone has any ideas/suggestions.
Printed pocket square.
Lol I’m also in the black suit required for a wedding bucket — been trying my luck thrifting and eBay, still on the hunt, 1 month left 😬
Oddly enough, I've been trying to find a good black jacket with peak lapels, with no luck. Something always just doesn't work out. There's a ton of black suits/jackets but none are right for me. Trying to put together a stroller suit :P if you only have one month left you may be better off just renting one, AAE.
Was thinking that too! Spier & Mackay red label is also only like marginally more than rentals I’ve seen
That is true. The red label line is, well, it's passable which is amazing at the price. But it will take some days to ship then you will need to try it on, have it tailored and pressed, and if you're unlucky when you try it on you'll realize you should have got a different cut or size... a month is not much time to make a suit purchased online work out
What Bond said. Don’t try to put your spin on this. Your job as a groomsman is to wear what the bride and groom tell you to. That’s just part of modern weddings in a lot of ways.