Men’s Summer Wedding Suits Guide

Summer arrives with the usual surplus of wedding invites, but did you know the tradition of a summer wedding dates to Roman times when they first celebrated the festival of the deity Juno and his wife Jupiter. Today, June and July remain the most popular months for nuptials because you get to tie the knot whilst basking in the summer heat.

And the main question on every man’s lips? No, it’s not “Do you take this woman to be your wife?” It’s “What should you wear?” Choosing the right suit for a summer wedding is a choice to consider with careful thought.

Whether you’re the groom, groomsman or guest, keeping cool and looking sharp is a main priority for your wedding attire. Let’s take a look at the essentials of choosing the perfect suit for a summer wedding.

Types of Summer wedding suits

The great thing about a summer wedding is you are faced with huge versatility when choosing a suit. Although each comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so you’ll need to choose the right summer wedding suit that best fits your wedding destination, venue and theme.

Linen suits are breathable and lightweight, perfect for beach weddings, though they can wrinkle easier than other suit materials. Cotton suits offer comfort and versatility, suitable for both formal and semi-formal occasions, but can retain heat depending on the weight you choose.

Lightweight wool suits, like tropical wool, regulate temperature well and resist wrinkles, providing a sharp look but can be pricier than some other materials. Seersucker suits, with their unique texture and casual appeal, are low maintenance but less formal. Chambray suits are lightweight and breathable, ideal for laid-back weddings, though they can be considered less formal.

Colour and Style Options

Choosing the right colour for your summer wedding suit can set the tone for your entire look, ensuring you make a stylish statement that perfectly fits the season. Below are some fresh and sophisticated options to consider.

Light Grey – Light grey suits are a timeless choice no matter the season. They reflect heat and pair well with a variety of shirt and tie colours. It’s a classic option that suits almost any wedding theme, whether formal or casual.

Beige – A beige suit embodies the essence of summer like no other. With its warm and inviting tones, a beige suit is perfect for garden or beach weddings. Pair with a crisp white or light-coloured shirt for a classic summer look that is both elegant and comfortable.

Light Blue – A light blue suit offers a refreshing and vibrant alternative to traditional colours. It’s perfect for a summer wedding, adding a touch of brightness to your look. Light blue suits pair well with white or light-coloured shirts and minimal accessories for a clean and modern look.

Tan – Tan suits are another excellent choice for summer weddings, especially outdoors. They provide a neutral and earthy tone that complements the natural surroundings of a garden or beach wedding. Tan suits are best paired with light-coloured shirts and subtle accessories, offering a laid-back yet polished look.

White – Though they may seem daring at first, white suits are perfect for tropical or beach weddings and provide an elegant contrast against the vibrant colours of summer. Pair with a light-coloured shirt and minimal accessories to keep the focus on the suit itself.

For more inspiration, read our previous guide that takes a deeper dive into the perfect wedding suit colours to wear.

Fabric Considerations

Choosing the suitable fabric for your summer wedding suit is essential for staying comfortable, cool and stylish all day long.

Breathability is key in the heat, making fabrics like linen, cotton, and lightweight wool excellent choices. Linen is incredibly airy, perfect for keeping you cool during the warmest parts of the day, though may wrinkle easily. Cotton offers more structure while still being breathable, making it a versatile option. Lightweight wool might sound counterintuitive, but it’s effective at regulating temperature and maintaining a refined look without overheating you.

Additionally, look for fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, such as high-performance blends designed to pull sweat away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable all day.

For outdoor weddings, consider suits made from UV-resistant fabrics. These modern materials help protect your skin from harmful rays while keeping you cool and comfortable, perfect for a garden, beach, or any outdoor setting where the sun is a prominent guest.

For a deeper dive into fabrics, please read our guide on the best fabrics and materials for men to stay fresh and cool wearing their suits this summer.

Accessories

Accessories can really help to elevate your summer wedding look. For example, lightweight silk or linen ties and pocket squares add a touch of sophistication without the bulk, perfect for adding a bit of personality to your ensemble.

However, it is important to choose colours and patterns that complement your suit, ensuring they don’t overpower your overall look.

For summer weddings, choose light-coloured leather belts and shoes to complete your outfit, with suede being an excellent yet unexpected option for a softer, more relaxed vibe.

Alternatively, loafers or brogues in tan or brown are also perfect for summer weddings as well as all-year round. Explore our range of accessories for more inspiration.

Dress Code Tips

Different weddings call for varying levels of formality, so it’s important to understand the dress code to a T so you can build your outfit around it.

For formal weddings, a lightweight wool suit in a classic colour like navy or charcoal is ideal, paired with a crisp dress shirt and a silk tie for a polished look and still suitable for the summer scene.

Semi-formal weddings allow for more flexibility; a cotton or linen suit in light grey or beige works well, and you can skip the tie or opt for a more casual one.

For beach weddings, go for a linen suit in a light colour, pairing it with loafers or even going barefoot for an authentic beach vibe.

Seasonal Suit Care

Keeping your suit looking its best during the summer requires proper care and will contribute greatly to the overall sophistication of your look, so be sure not to skip the steps below.

Cleaning – Regularly clean your suit to remove sweat and dirt. Follow care instructions carefully to maintain the fabric’s quality. Professional dry-cleaning is often the best option, but some fabrics may be machine washable, but always check the label.

Storage – Store your suit in a breathable garment bag to prevent moisture build-up. Avoid plastic covers, which can trap humidity and cause mildew. Ensure your storage area is cool and dry to maintain the fabric’s integrity.

Handling Sweat Stains – Address sweat stains promptly with a gentle stain remover. Air out your suit thoroughly after each wear to prevent odours. Consider using sweat guards or underarm pads to protect your suit from excessive perspiration.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve helped to inspire your summer wedding suit choice. You should be much clearer on the style, fabric and colour you’re gravitating towards. You can browse our tailored wedding suit collection for details on making your suit a reality. Should you need any further assistance or having and questions or queries, please feel free to get in touch.