Grooms And Tuxedos: Best Man's Role Explained

The best man's role is to support the groom on the wedding day, and this includes helping him choose his suit and get dressed. The best man should adapt his look to the groom's, or the groom's father's or brother's. If the wedding is before 6 pm, the best man will wear a tuxedo or a morning dress, and if it's after 6 pm, a tailcoat. The tuxedo should be black, no matter the season. The most important part of picking out a tuxedo is the confidence and comfort level of the groom. It's crucial to find a tailor who can properly measure and adjust the suit to the body.

Tuxedos should be chosen according to body type

The best man's tuxedo should complement the groom's suit, but it should also be chosen according to body type. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect tuxedo for the big day:

Know Your Body Type

First, it's essential to understand your body type. Measure your chest, waist, and sleeve length accurately, as these measurements will help you choose a tux that flatters your figure.

Choose a Tuxedo Style that Suits Your Body Type

Inverted Triangle Body Type

If you have broad shoulders and chest with a narrower waist, creating a V-shaped torso, opt for a single-breasted jacket that narrows slightly at the waist. This will help accentuate your natural shape. Avoid skinny trousers, as they will make your shoulders appear disproportionate. Instead, choose slim pants that taper subtly at the ankle.

Oval Body Type

If your torso is wider than your shoulders and hips, creating a less defined waist, aim for a slimming effect. A single-breasted suit with a low button stance will help create the illusion of a narrower waist. Avoid double-breasted suits, as they will accentuate your midsection.

Trapezoid Body Type

If your torso is slightly broader at the shoulders than the waist and hips, creating a more rectangular shape, you have a lot of flexibility. Almost any style will suit your body, so feel free to experiment with different cuts and styles.

Tall and Lean Body Type

If you're tall and lean, you have the advantage of being able to pull off almost any style of tuxedo. A classic two-button jacket is always a safe choice, but you can also try a three or four-button jacket for a fresh look. If you want to add bulk to your frame, consider a double-breasted jacket or jackets with shoulder padding.

Tall and Bulky Body Type

If you're tall and bulky, opt for a tuxedo that creates a slenderizing effect. A one-button jacket with thinner lapels will elongate your frame, and pairing it with a narrow tie will add to the slimming effect. For trousers, choose narrow-leg trousers to give you a slimmer appearance.

Short and Lean Body Type

If you're short and lean and want to appear taller, go for fitted clothing that won't add bulk. Avoid double-breasted jackets and shawl collars, as these can make you look bulky. Instead, opt for lower tuxedo buttons, a skinny tie, and a vest to create the illusion of height. V-neck tuxedo jackets and flat-front trousers without pleats will also help elongate your body.

Short and Bulky Body Type

For shorter and stouter men, a shawl collar tuxedo jacket with one or two buttons is a good choice. Slim lapels will elongate your body, and trousers with slender legs will help avoid adding bulk. Stay away from oversized clothing, as it will accentuate your bulkiness.

Final Tips

No matter your body type, remember that fit is crucial. Ensure your tuxedo is tailored to your body, and don't be afraid to consult a professional tailor for adjustments. Additionally, consider the time of day, season, and type of wedding when making your final tuxedo selection.

Tuxedos should be chosen according to the time of day

The best man has a lot of responsibilities, from keeping the wedding rings safe to giving a tear-jerking speech. One of the most important tasks is to help the groom choose his suit and get dressed on the wedding day. The best man should adapt his look to the groom's, or, in some cases, the groom's father's or brother's. This means choosing to wear a tuxedo or morning dress, depending on the main man's preference.

If the ceremony takes place before 6:00 pm, the best man will traditionally wear a tuxedo or a morning dress. If the wedding is after 6:00 pm, the dress code is usually a tailcoat. Tuxedos are generally black, no matter the season, and are best paired with a white shirt.

When choosing the right tuxedo, it's important to consider the time of day, season, and type of ceremony. For an afternoon or evening wedding, a tuxedo or morning dress is appropriate. For a more formal event, a tailcoat is a better option. If you have the freedom to choose, a three-piece suit in a dark shade of grey or blue is a good choice.

The fabric you select is also important. Wool and polyester blends are common choices due to their durability and texture. Wool is breathable and versatile, making it suitable for various climates and events. Polyester provides a smooth finish and helps maintain the structure of the tuxedo. For a summer wedding, lightweight options such as linen or cotton blends are ideal. Darker tones such as black, navy, and charcoal are perfect for winter events, while lighter hues like light grey or pastel shades are suitable for summer.

So, while the best man has a say in what he wears, it's important to consider the time of day, the groom's preference, and the formality of the event when choosing a tuxedo.

Tuxedos should be chosen according to the place of the wedding

The best man should adapt his look to that of the groom, or, in particular circumstances, to the groom's father or brother. This means choosing to wear a tuxedo or morning dress according to the groom's preference. Tuxedos should always be black, no matter the season, and are exclusively worn for formal, evening events.

If the wedding takes place at a warm, exotic location, a breathable fabric such as a linen suit or a blend of linen and cotton is a good choice. For a wedding that takes place outdoors in the evening, wool and silk in a dark colour such as brown are recommended. For a morning or afternoon wedding, a linen suit or a blend of cool wool and cotton is the perfect choice.

For a religious wedding, the best man's attire should be formal, traditional, and polished. There is no room for creativity here. However, for a civil wedding, the best man can be more flexible, depending on whether the ceremony is quick and informal or followed by a fancy reception.

Tuxedos should be chosen according to the type of wedding

Tuxedos are an important part of wedding attire and can be chosen to match the type of wedding being held. While black is the traditional colour for formal weddings, there are now many other options available, including graphite, grey, charcoal, crimson red, and midnight blue. The style of the tuxedo jacket is also important, with the most formal options being shawl lapels, followed by peak lapels, and finally, the least formal, notch lapels.

For a religious wedding, it is best to stick to a formal, traditional, and polished look, with no room for creativity. However, civil weddings can vary depending on the preferences of the couple. If the couple chooses to have a quick and informal ceremony, the best man can also opt for a more relaxed look.

The time of day and season are also important factors to consider when choosing a tuxedo. For weddings taking place before 6:00 pm, a tuxedo or morning dress is usually worn, while tailcoats are reserved for after 6:00 pm. For weddings in warm, exotic locations, a light and breathable fabric such as linen or a blend of linen and cotton is recommended. On the other hand, for weddings taking place outdoors in the evening, wool and silk in dark colours are more suitable.

The body type of the person wearing the tuxedo also plays a role in the style that should be chosen. For example, tall and lean men can opt for a classic two-button jacket or experiment with three or four-button jackets. On the other hand, short and bulky men may prefer a one-button jacket with thinner lapels to create a slenderizing effect.

In addition to the colour and style of the tuxedo, accessories such as shoes, socks, and pocket squares can also be chosen to complement the overall look.

Tuxedos should be chosen according to the season

Tuxedos are an important part of formal events and can elevate your appearance, making you feel confident and commanding attention without overshadowing the main event. When choosing a tuxedo, it is essential to consider the season and select a style that complements the weather. Here are some tips for choosing a tuxedo that aligns with the season:

Spring and Summer Tuxedos:

During the warmer months, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton blends. Lighter hues like light grey or pastel shades are ideal for adding a crisp and fresh feel to your ensemble. A white dinner jacket can be a perfect choice for a warm-weather event, providing a sophisticated and elegant look.

Autumn and Winter Tuxedos:

For colder seasons, thicker fabrics like wool are recommended. They provide warmth and structure, ensuring comfort even in lower temperatures. Darker tones such as black, navy, and charcoal are well-suited for winter events, creating a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere. A velvet dinner jacket can be an excellent choice for chilly weather, adding a rich texture to your look while keeping you warm.

Fabric and Fit:

The fabric you select is crucial and can significantly impact your tuxedo's style and comfort. Wool and polyester blends are popular choices due to their durability and texture. Wool is breathable and versatile, making it suitable for various climates, while polyester provides a smooth finish and helps maintain the structure of the tuxedo. Opting for a tailored fit ensures your tuxedo complements your body shape and provides maximum comfort.

Accessories:

Accessories play a vital role in enhancing your tuxedo ensemble. Bow ties, pocket squares, cummerbunds, and cufflinks add personality and flair. For example, a bold-coloured bow tie can add a fun touch to a traditional black tuxedo. Cufflinks can be a point of personal expression, ranging from classic metals to intricate designs. A silk pocket square adds a touch of luxury and refinement.

Renting vs. Buying:

When deciding between renting and buying a tuxedo, consider your needs and preferences. Renting can offer a cost-effective option, especially if you don't wear a tuxedo frequently. However, purchasing a tuxedo allows you to tailor it perfectly to your body. Keep in mind that your body may change over time, and alterations can be costly.

Frequently asked questions