Lounge Suit Weddings: Decoding The Dress Code

Lounge suits are a popular choice for weddings, whether you are a guest or the groom. But what does 'lounge suit' mean, exactly?

The lounge suit (as we know it today) first appeared around 1860, but its origins can be traced back to the mid-17th century when royalty and other famous figures would wear long coats, waistcoats, cravats, and knee breeches. In the 19th century, business suits were everyday wear, and lounge suits were worn at the weekend as 'casual wear'. Lounge suits are now considered to be a normal business suit, or what you would wear to an important meeting, a wedding, a christening, or a funeral.

The history of the lounge suit

The lounge suit, also known as a business suit, is a set of garments crafted from the same cloth. It typically includes a jacket, trousers, and for a three-piece, a waistcoat. The modern lounge suit traces its origins to the 17th century when King Charles II of England set a sartorial standard, decreeing that men at the English court should wear a long coat, a waistcoat (then called a "petticoat"), a cravat (a precursor of the necktie), a wig, knee breeches (trousers), and a hat. This ensemble was influenced by the French court at Versailles, where King Louis XIV set the fashion trends of the time.

In the early 19th century, Beau Brummell, a well-known dandy and friend to the Prince Regent and future monarch, King George IV, popularised a new style of dress. Rejecting the frills, frocks, and powdered wigs of the previous era, Brummell favoured a simple jacket and long, tight trousers. His influence introduced the modern era of men's clothing, which now includes the suit jacket, full-length pants, and necktie.

During the Victorian era, the frock coat, which could be single or double-breasted, was the standard daily garment for gentlemen. However, it was not considered a suit as the colour or fabric did not match the trousers. Around the mid-19th century, the morning coat, an informal coat with a cut-away front suitable for riding, became acceptable. It was during this time that the lounge suit was developed, originally as a casual garment for outdoor occasions. The lounge suit consisted of a matching jacket and trousers, which made it less formal than the frock coat and morning coat.

By the late 19th century, the modern lounge suit emerged as a very informal garment meant for sports, country outings, or seaside vacations. It was derived from the paletot coat style, which was loosely cut without a waist seam. The lounge jacket was shaped by darting the front panels from the underarm to the waist. This new style of suit became increasingly popular, especially with the rise of the businessman during the Industrial Revolution, who needed a "respectable" and "productive" look.

In the early 20th century, with the decline of the frock coat, the suit as we know it today became widely accepted. The tailcoat began to lose popularity among the upper classes, while the morning suit rose in formality and became the standard dress for the upper classes. The lounge suit also started to be worn in town and for semi-formal occasions, solidifying its place as a versatile and popular choice for men's attire.

How to wear a lounge suit

A lounge suit is a standard, modern two-piece suit, typically single-breasted with streamlined lapels. It is usually in a neutral colour such as navy, charcoal, brown or black. The jacket and trousers should be cut from the same cloth.

• Choose a colour: Opt for a dark colour, especially if the event is at night or corporate. If the event is during the day, a lighter jacket is acceptable in the summer. Navy, charcoal, dark grey, neutrals such as beige, cream and grey are all good options. Avoid bright and loud colours.
• Choose a pattern: Subtle patterns like a pinpoint, a very subtle houndstooth, or a faint stripe are okay. Avoid wide rope stripes or big contrasting white stripes on a dark background as these are too loud for a lounge suit.
• Choose a shirt: A quality cotton shirt with a turndown pointed collar is the best option. Stick to classic white or plain solid light blue. Avoid patterned shirts, checks, and bold patterns.
• Choose a tie: A necktie is usually required for a lounge suit. It can be a classic necktie or a bow tie. For more casual events, such as an outdoor wedding, you may choose to go without a tie.
• Choose shoes and socks: Dark leather lace-up shoes are the best option. Always wear dark socks, preferably the same colour as the suit.
• Add accessories: You can add a pocket square, belt, and cufflinks to complete the look.

Remember, a lounge suit is meant to be a more relaxed style of suiting, so feel free to add your own personal style and interpretation to your outfit.

Lounge suit vs business suit

The lounge suit is an umbrella term for ordinary two- or three-piece suits, single- or double-breasted, that are worn to formal events and important meetings. It is a less formal version of a morning suit and is worn to events where black tie is not required. It is also known as a business suit.

The lounge suit first appeared around 1860, but its origins can be traced back to the mid-17th century when it was worn by royalty and other famous people. In the 19th century, lounge suits were worn as casual clothing at weekends as an alternative to business suits, which were considered everyday wear. Traditionally, a lounge suit jacket has a shorter cut than a business suit, and the trousers are more tapered to create a more relaxed silhouette.

However, in modern tailoring, jackets are generally cut shorter, so there is no longer a significant difference in the cut of a business suit and a lounge suit. The main difference now is that business suits tend to be in smart or plain colours, such as black, grey, or navy blue, with subtle patterns like pinstripes or herringbone. Lounge suits, on the other hand, come in a greater variety of colours and patterns, including much lighter and more intense colours.

When attending a wedding with a lounge suit dress code, men are expected to wear a suit and tie, in colours such as black, navy, or tan. Women are expected to wear a glamorous frock, either floor-length or three-quarter length.

When to wear a lounge suit

Lounge suits are a common choice for weddings, whether you are a guest or the groom. They are also often specified as the dress code on wedding invitations.

The lounge suit is a versatile option that can be worn to a variety of events, from weddings to business events and social gatherings. It is a more relaxed alternative to formal attire such as morning suits or black-tie outfits.

The lounge suit is typically a two-piece suit, consisting of a jacket and trousers made from the same cloth. It can also be a three-piece suit, with the addition of a waistcoat. The colour palette is usually neutral, including colours like navy, charcoal, brown, and black. However, lounge suits can also be found in lighter colours like beige, cream, and grey, especially for summer events.

When wearing a lounge suit, it is important to differentiate it from your office wear. Opt for fabrics that are lighter in texture and colour, and don't be afraid to add a bold touch with your accessories. For weddings, pocket squares, lapel pins, and bold ties can add a stylish edge to your look. Shoes should be simple, such as classic Oxfords.

The lounge suit is a flexible option that allows you to showcase your personal style while still adhering to the dress code. Whether you're attending a wedding or any other event, the lounge suit is a timeless and elegant choice.

How to accessorise a lounge suit

A lounge suit is a versatile look that can be accessorised in many ways to showcase your personal style.

The first thing to consider is the shirt. A white button-down shirt with a turndown pointed collar is a classic choice, but you can also opt for a rollneck jumper or a knitted polo shirt. If you're going for a shirt, make sure it's high-quality and fits well, with a comfortable, relaxed look.

Next, let's talk about ties. While a tie is not always necessary, especially for daytime outdoor events, it is generally expected, especially for more formal occasions. If you do choose to wear a tie, go for a silk tie with a strong colour or a sophisticated print that complements your outfit. Avoid large Windsor knots and stick with a four-in-hand or half-Windsor knot. Bow ties are also a no-go.

To add a bit of flair, consider adding a pocket square and a quality dress watch. These accessories will elevate your look and showcase your attention to detail.

Lastly, don't forget about the shoes! Dark leather lace-up shoes are a safe choice, but feel free to choose a style that reflects your personality and the level of formality of the event.

Remember, the key to accessorising a lounge suit is to find a balance between showcasing your personal style and maintaining the level of formality required for the occasion.

Frequently asked questions