As ZZ Top once said, “Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man.” There is so much emphasis placed on brides, but at times the focus is lost from the grooms. But now with marriage equality being widespread, grooms are finally being highlighted!

Some guys have never even worn a suit prior to their wedding day so it is extremely important for them to have a suit guide. Many may not know that it will take trying on a variety of different suits (just like brides do with dresses) to say “yes” to the right suit.

To a photographer like myself, it makes a huge difference in photos when a groom has a great fitting suit, which is why I now send my clients a suit guide along with a beauty guide in their welcome package. Your photos should not be ruined by a terribly fitting suit (and believe me, they can), so I’ve decided to share my guide to the right suit with you all here on ELD!

[Note: It’s important to remember that you will be posed in different ways by your photographer and that may cause normal wrinkling. However, when you try on suits, make sure you are standing up straight with good posture. Photos shared in this post are by me (Regina As The Photographer) and the helpful graphics are from The Art of Manliness and Real Men Real Style.]

1) Shoulders

Shoulders are first because they are likely the most important part of a suit as they help shape a man’s body. The shoulder should lie flat and the length from neck to the end of the shoulder should match your actual shoulder length. There should be no bunching at the top.

Wrinkles: If the material between your collar and shoulder are hiked up and bunching is created on your sleeve after the shoulder, it is too large. If it is pulled too taut and wrinkling is again created, it is much too tight fitting.

 Divots: Be aware of shoulder divots. A divot happens when the shoulder is too large and just after the shoulder pad the material dips inward then outward.

2) Pants

Though there are many different styles of pants, they should all fit well. Always wear your dress shoes when trying on pants.

Length: The trouser break is the sign of good length. It is where the bottom of the pants folders just slightly where the pants touch the shoes.

Seat: Yes, your bottom, tush, buttocks. Whatever you would like to call it, it plays a part in the fit of the suit. The pants should fall over your seat without much wrinkling. If there are wrinkles it could mean the pants are too tight or too large. If they are a bit too large, the tailor may be able to take them in, however it is likely they wouldn’t be able to let much out if they are very tight.

3) Jacket

Sleeve length: The sleeve should show a little bit of the shirt cuff, about a half inch or so, but not too much.

Jacket length: It should go to the middle of your fingers and just past the curve of your buttocks.

Collar: There shouldn’t be any space between the collar of your jacket and your shirt collar. They should rest against each other and no bunching should occur.

Buttons: There is something called the “x” shape that a tight fitting jacket will create when the top button is closed. You do not want this because it means there is strain on the button. It may not just involve the waist either, it could have to do with tension in the shoulders or back.

Other helpful tips:

Details: Getting special cufflinks or a neat tie can really add to your suit. Also tying your tie with a great knot can add an interesting detail such as having a bow tie or a regular tie with a full windsor or cafe knot.

Stand up tall: Always have good posture when trying on suits because you will need to have good posture for photos.

Coordinate: Your suit color choices should flow well with the wedding theme.

Suit fit choices: While a suit should fit well, there are also choices of types of suit fits such as classic, trim and extra trim. This depends on your body type.

Other choices: Nice shoes, vest or no vest, fold and color/pattern of your handkerchief, socks that stand out, or a nice belt, etc. These are important details as well and can go along with the style of your wedding.

So have you and your groom thought about what he will be wearing? We’d love to hear what you’re planning!

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