Tips for Buying Groomsmen Suits: A 2026 Guide
Table of Contents
- Buying vs Renting Wedding Suits: Which Option Works for Your Party
- Understanding Suit Fabric, Fit, and Seasonality for Groomsmen
- Measuring for a Suit Online: Getting the Fit Right
- Formal Wear for Big and Tall Groomsmen: Sizing Solutions
- Groomsmen Suit Colour Coordination: Creating Visual Cohesion
- Accessories and Final Styling: Ties, Pocket Squares, and Cufflinks
- Budgeting and Timeline for Tips for Buying Groomsmen Suits
- Post-Wedding Suit Utility and Care
Last Updated: August 28, 2026
Buying vs Renting Wedding Suits: Which Option Works for Your Party
The choice between buying and renting groomsmen suits comes down to one question: will your groomsmen wear formal wear again after the wedding? If yes, buying makes sense. If no, renting might be more economical, but that's only part of the story.
Renting offers simplicity and eliminates coordination hassles. Buying tells a different story: you're investing in pieces your groomsmen can wear to future weddings, galas, and professional events. SimonVon Shop's 3-piece suit sets start at $230, often comparable to rental costs when you factor in rental fees and damage deposits.
The real cost difference isn't upfront price, it's fit and confidence. Rented suits are one-size-fits-most. Purchased suits, properly measured and tailored, fit like they were made for your groomsmen. That difference shows in photographs.
For big and tall groomsmen or anyone with non-standard measurements, buying becomes even more compelling. Rental shops rarely stock extended sizes. Purchasing from a retailer with a full size range, like SimonVon Shop, solves this problem immediately.
Timeline also matters. If you're ordering within six weeks of your wedding, renting is safer. If you have three months or more, buying gives you time to order, receive, and adjust without panic.
Understanding Suit Fabric, Fit, and Seasonality for Groomsmen
The fabric you choose determines how the suit looks and performs throughout your wedding day and beyond.
Fabric Weight and Material Choices
Polyester-blend fabrics dominate affordable formal wear for good reason. They're durable, wrinkle-resistant, and maintain shape through a long day. A 70% polyester, 30% viscose blend, the composition of SimonVon Shop's 3-piece suit sets, offers the best balance: structure from polyester, drape from viscose, and washability that pure wool can't match (peer-reviewed research).
Pure wool feels luxurious and breathes better, but requires dry cleaning after every wear and wrinkles more easily. For a wedding with constant photography, a polyester blend is the practical choice.
Weight matters too. A heavier fabric (around 12-14 ounces) holds its shape better and photographs with more definition (peer-reviewed research). For formal weddings, aim for mid-to-heavyweight blends. Seasonality affects fabric choice: summer weddings demand lighter, breathable fabrics; winter weddings can handle heavier fabrics. The polyester-viscose blend works year-round.
Classic vs Slim Fit: What Works for Your Wedding Party
Classic fit suits work for almost everyone and photograph well. Slim fit suits taper at the waist and legs, flattering leaner frames but looking awkward on broader chests or heavier builds.
When buying groomsmen suits for a mixed group, choose classic fit. It's more forgiving and photographs beautifully. If your entire group is young and lean, slim fit creates a cohesive, contemporary look. Don't mix both in the same wedding party, the visual inconsistency undermines coordination.
SimonVon Shop's range in both slim and conventional fits means every groomsman finds something that actually fits, rather than forcing everyone into one silhouette.
Measuring for a Suit Online: Getting the Fit Right
Accurate measurements eliminate most fit problems. You need five key measurements: chest, waist, shoulder, sleeve length, and inseam.
Start with chest measurement around the fullest part, keeping the tape parallel to the ground. This drives the entire suit size. Waist measurement comes next at the natural waist where trousers sit. Sleeve length requires measuring from the centre of the back neck, across the shoulder, down to the wrist bone, this is where most online orders fail (the American Academy of Dermatology). Inseam is measured from the inside of the leg at the crotch seam down to the ankle bone; the trouser should break slightly on the shoe. Shoulder measurement across the back from shoulder point to shoulder point determines whether the jacket sits properly.
The biggest mistake is having one person take all measurements. Different people measure differently. Have each groomsman measure himself or use a professional tailor. When you order from SimonVon Shop, cross-reference your measurements against the detailed size charts before ordering. If a groomsman falls between sizes, choose the larger size, it's easier to take in than let out.
Formal Wear for Big and Tall Groomsmen: Sizing Solutions
Rental shops stock limited extended sizes, often picked over by the time you call. Purchasing from a retailer with genuine big and tall stock means every groomsman finds something that fits.
SimonVon Shop's 3-piece suits come in multiple fit types and sizes designed to accommodate different body types. Big and tall sizing isn't just larger versions of standard suits, shoulders are broader, chest has more room, sleeves are longer, and inseam accounts for taller frames. A standard XXL won't fit a big and tall groomsman properly because proportions are wrong.
Order 8-10 weeks out for big and tall sizes. Extended sizes sell faster because fewer retailers carry them. Alterations for big and tall groomsmen are more complex, taking in is straightforward, but letting out is limited. Getting the size right the first time is non-negotiable. Measure carefully, reference the size chart, and when in doubt, choose the larger size.
Groomsmen Suit Colour Coordination: Creating Visual Cohesion
Suit colour sets the tone for formality and establishes whether your wedding party looks coordinated or scattered. Black signals formal elegance and works for any wedding style. Navy offers sophistication with slightly more warmth. Burgundy and charcoal grey are trendier choices that photograph beautifully but require confidence in your aesthetic.
Every groomsman must wear the same suit colour. Mixing black and navy looks unintentional. Visual cohesion requires uniformity.
Matching the Wedding Theme and Season
A summer garden wedding demands lighter colours, navy, light grey, or champagne-toned suits work beautifully. A winter formal wedding calls for black or deep charcoal. Seasonality affects how colours photograph: black looks sharp indoors but can appear flat in bright summer sunshine. Navy works year-round. Burgundy and charcoal require controlled lighting to shine.
A formal church wedding demands classic colours: black or navy. A casual outdoor celebration gives you freedom to experiment. Match your suit colour to the formality level of your venue.
Coordinating with Bridesmaid Colours
Groomsmen suits should complement bridesmaid colours through contrast, not match them. If bridesmaids wear blush pink, charcoal grey or navy groomsmen suits create beautiful contrast. If bridesmaids wear jewel tones, black or navy provides grounding. If bridesmaids wear champagne or gold, burgundy or charcoal adds depth.
Groomsmen suits should be darker and more neutral than bridesmaid dresses. This visual hierarchy keeps the bride as the focal point. Communicate early with the bride about bridesmaid colours before finalising groomsmen suit choices.
Accessories and Final Styling: Ties, Pocket Squares, and Cufflinks
Accessories transform a suit from functional to refined. Tie selection starts with colour, match ties to the wedding theme and bridesmaid colours. Silk ties drape beautifully and photograph well; invest in silk for a wedding.
Pocket squares add personality without disrupting formality. A burgundy pocket square with a navy suit creates visual interest. Cufflinks should complement the tie and pocket square without competing. A simple silver or gold cufflink works with any suit.
SimonVon Shop's Men's 4pc Waistcoat Vest Necktie Pocket Square Cufflinks Set- MJ-2020 ($92.00) solves the coordination problem entirely. Every piece is designed to work together, eliminating guesswork and ensuring visual cohesion.
Waistcoats add dimension and formality to a suit. Choose a waistcoat in a complementary colour, burgundy with navy, charcoal with black, or a patterned waistcoat echoing the colour palette. The waistcoat should fit snugly but not restrict movement.
Budgeting and Timeline for Buying Groomsmen Suits
Budget drives every decision. Calculate backwards from your total budget. If you have $3,000 for eight groomsmen, that's approximately $375 per person for the suit, alterations, and one accessory set. If your budget is $2,000, that's $250 per person.
SimonVon Shop's 3-piece suits at $230 fit comfortably into most budgets. Add $50-80 for alterations, and you're under $320 per groomsman. Have the budget conversation early with your groomsmen. Transparency prevents resentment later.
When to Order and Shipping Considerations
Order 10-12 weeks before the wedding. This timeline gives you two weeks for arrival, four weeks for alterations, four weeks of buffer, and two weeks before the wedding for final fittings.
Ordering within six weeks compresses everything with little margin for error. Shipping times vary, SimonVon Shop's standard shipping typically arrives within 7-10 business days within New Zealand. Express shipping costs more but buys peace of mind if ordering within eight weeks.
Alterations and Returns Policy
Alterations are where most budgets get derailed. Choosing the right size minimises this expense. Hemming typically costs $20-40. Jacket adjustments run $40-80. Sleeve adjustments are $50-100.
Understand the returns policy before ordering. Can you return for a refund or only exchange? How long is the return window? Does the customer pay return shipping? A good returns policy is insurance against fit problems.
Post-Wedding Suit Utility and Care
A groomsman's suit doesn't end at the reception. A well-chosen suit becomes part of his formal wardrobe for years. A navy or black suit gets worn to future weddings, galas, and professional events. This is why buying matters, renting is a one-time transaction; buying is an investment in pieces your groomsmen will actually use.
Suit care determines longevity. Dry clean only when necessary, after every few wearings, not after every event. Hang suits properly on sturdy hangers, never folded. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Spot-clean minor stains before sending to the dry cleaner. A garment steamer works better than an iron for minor wrinkles.
Invest in suit bags for storage and transport. Professional pressing before wearing makes a suit look expensive and photograph better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it better to buy or rent groomsmen suits?
A: Buying works best when groomsmen want to keep the suit for future events, have specific sizing needs, or your wedding party is large. Renting suits offers lower upfront cost and no storage responsibility, but rental timelines are tight and sizing flexibility is limited. For groomsmen suits, buying often provides better value if you select quality pieces at reasonable prices, particularly when you find complete styling solutions with matching accessories included.
Q: How do I measure for a suit online accurately?
A: Take measurements in a well-fitted shirt using a soft tape measure. Key measurements include chest (around the fullest part), waist, inseam (from crotch to ankle), and sleeve length (from shoulder seam to wrist). Have someone help you for accuracy, and compare your measurements against the retailer's sizing chart before ordering. Many online retailers offer returns if the fit isn't right, so confirm their returns policy before purchasing.
Q: What sizes do you stock for big and tall groomsmen?
A: We offer a comprehensive range of formal wear including extended sizes for bigger builds. Our 3-piece suit sets come in multiple fits, from slim fit to regular and conventional cuts, ensuring groomsmen of all body types find proper tailoring. Check individual product pages for specific size ranges, and use our measurement guide to find your exact fit. Our returns policy means you can order with confidence.
Q: How far in advance should I order groomsmen suits?
A: Order at least 6-8 weeks before your wedding to allow time for shipping and alterations. If groomsmen live remotely or you need custom sizing, add an extra 2-3 weeks. For school balls or last-minute events, check shipping timeframes, many retailers offer express delivery. Account for dry cleaning before the event as well, so avoid ordering just days before.
Q: What's the best colour for groomsmen suits?
A: Choose a colour that complements your wedding theme and season. Navy, charcoal, and black suit most formal weddings and work year-round. For spring and summer events, consider burgundy, grey, or lighter tones. Ensure the colour coordinates with bridesmaid dresses and the groom's attire for visual cohesion. Our range includes solid colours and patterns to match any wedding aesthetic.
Q: What accessories do groomsmen need with their suits?
A: Essential accessories include a necktie or cravat, dress shoes, and socks in complementary colours. To elevate the look, add a pocket square, cufflinks, and a boutonniere. Complete 4-piece sets, like our [Men's 4pc Waistcoat Vest Necktie Pocket Square Cufflinks Set](https://simonvonshop.co.nz/products/mens-4pc-waistcoat-vest-necktie-pocket-square-cufflinks-set-for-suit-or-tuxedo), provide everything needed for polished styling. A waistcoat or vest adds sophistication and works particularly well for formal or black-tie weddings.
Q: How do I handle sizing when groomsmen live in different regions?
A: Send each groomsman a measurement guide with clear instructions for taking accurate measurements at home. Request they submit measurements 8-10 weeks before the wedding. Provide your retailer's sizing chart so everyone can verify their fit before ordering. Choose a retailer with a straightforward returns and exchange policy to address any fit issues. Virtual measurement consultations are also available from some retailers if groomsmen need guidance.
Q: Can groomsmen wear the suit again after the wedding?
A: Yes, quality formal wear from reputable retailers is designed for multiple occasions. Groomsmen can wear their suits to business events, galas, school balls, and future weddings. Proper care extends the suit's life: dry clean after the wedding, store in a breathable garment bag, and avoid direct sunlight. Choosing classic colours and timeless fits ensures the suit remains relevant for years, making the initial investment worthwhile.
Buying groomsmen suits is a decision that extends far beyond the wedding day. When you choose quality suits like SimonVon Shop's 3-piece collections, you're giving your groomsmen pieces they'll wear for years. The upfront investment pays dividends in confidence, coordination, and long-term wardrobe value. Start measuring early, order with time to spare, and invest in proper alterations. Your wedding photos, and your groomsmen's future formal events, will reflect that thoughtfulness.
This article was written using GrandRanker