Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Suits
There is a whole world of suits just waiting to take us by storm. The thing is that, in the traditional wedding industry, so much focus is given to “the dress” that sometimes a beautiful suit doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Luckily, our friends at Suitsupply took the time to invite Tapestry into their store, share a bit about the world of suiting (no matter where you shop!), and left us totally inspired when it comes to what is possible in the suiting world. So here is what we learned, synthesized into our top suit shopping tips!
DETERMINE THE CUT THAT YOU WANT FOR YOUR BODY TYPE.
Suits are typically cut one of two ways and then tailored for fit. A suit can be cut for a masculine frame or a feminine frame. A suit can be tailored and styled to suit the individual, no matter their body type or gender expression. When you sift through store options, know what you are looking for and find the store that offers you a variety of options to try. For example, a store like Men’s Wearhouse makes suits for a masculine frame in primarily masculine styles, but they offer a variety of styling options. Suitsupply makes suits for a masculine frame off the rack, but can tailor a suit to a feminine frame and offers styling options that span all interests. Little Black Tux makes suits for a feminine frame in masculine and feminine styles, though most styles lean towards the feminine end of the spectrum. If you take the time to decide what you are looking for before embarking on the search online or in store, you’ll have a higher chance of having a body positive experience trying on items and will be more likely to find your perfect fit.
DECIDE WHETHER TO RENT OR BUY.
More and more, we are seeing companies that offer suits for rent or for purchase across all styles and interests. Score! We love this because a suit should feel worthy of your investment, whether you intend to keep it for a day or for a lifetime. Here are how each of these options typically work:
If you are renting a suit online,
the suit supplier will send you a sample in the closest off-the-rack size (read: no alterations) for you to try on. Once you’ve selected your suit, you will place an order for your event date. The suit supplier will send you the suit 1-2 weeks in advance of your event so that you can have the suit hemmed to fit by a third party. Be sure to follow the tailoring rules and guidelines so that you can return the suit fee free. When it comes time to return the suit, you simply drop it in the mail in the same package it came in with a return label on top.
Pros? Convenient, a great solution for bridal parties that live in different locations/states, good for the planet, less expensive than purchasing a suit.
Cons? Additional tailoring fee, size options may be limited to rack sizing.
If you are renting a suit from a store,
the suit supplier will have you try on off the rack sizes and styles to find the one you like. Often, that same suit supplier will have in-house tailoring they offer to ensure the suit fits well on the day of your event. Sometimes that tailoring is included in the price of the rental, and sometimes it is an extra fee.
Pros? Save tailoring dollars (often), a great solution for wedding parties who want to decide on a suit in-person, good for the planet, less expensive than purchasing a suit, and sizes can adapt over time.
Cons? Size options may be limited to rack sizing.
If you are purchasing a suit online,
be mindful of the timing of your purchase. Not all suits are made equal and you want to make sure you have an opportunity to try your suit on and see the quality of the fabric before committing to it. Check to make sure the suit is not on final sale and is returnable for minimal or no fees. As online options tend to carry more trends, you might also do a double-check to ensure that the suit isn’t produced by a fast fashion manufacturer. If you are purchasing a suit online, you want to buy it within 4-6 months of your event to ensure it arrives on time, fits your current frame, and arrives with time to spare for a third party tailor to create a custom fit. We recommend finding a third party tailor that you trust to make alterations and getting on their schedule well in advance.
Pros? Convenient, a great solution for bridal parties that live in different locations/states, can often find more current styles.
Cons? Additional tailoring fee, size options may be limited to rack sizing, beware internet search black holes and fast fashion manufacturers.
If you are purchasing a suit from a store,
you are going to get the most custom experience of any of the options available. When you purchase in store, you will often have an associate whose sole purpose is to help you find the perfect suit for your needs. They can work with your frame and measurements, style preferences, color palette, and budget to select a whole look with you for your event. Most suit stores will have the option to purchase a suit off the rack and tailor it in house to your perfect fit or to even build a custom made suit based on your exact size and selections. Often, these options for the same fabric and finishes are only 10-25% different in price point. A good sales associate will ALWAYS be respectful of your budget, which is why we recommend places like Suitsupply and Men’s Wearhouse with a strong track record of team training and customer service. If you are looking for someone to take the reins and guide you through the process, then stopping into a reputable suiting store is the move.
Pros? Custom tailoring for a perfect fit, can customize and make selections in store, a more guided experience to find your suit, get to keep and rewear it!
Cons? May not have the same options available across states depending on the store/location, must do your research on stores with strong customer service.
If you rent or buy in store, here are key questions to ask.
Tailoring: Is tailoring included? Is it offered on site? How do you schedule tailoring appointments?
Sales Associates: How did you learn about suits and fits? Does your company offer/sponsor training?
Styles: Do you carry seasonal styles (for trendy wedding looks)? Classic styles? Can I shop for a spring/summer/fall suit at your store 4-6 months in advance of the season? Can you advise on what will become available for the season in which I’m getting married? Do you offer pieces that fully style the look (e.g. shirts, cuff links, socks, shoes, etc.)?
Price: (To rent) What are the different price points you offer for rented suits? (For purchase) What are the different price points you offer for purchased suits? What is the price difference between a tailored off the rack suit versus a custom made suit?
Photos courtesy of Megan Montalvo Photography.
Picking out a suit is a really incredible bonding opportunity often overlooked and turned into a chore, especially when left to the last few months before your event. We want to encourage you to transform that experience! Start looking at options 6-8 months in advance to decide what you want to wear and how you want to make your purchase. Shop online or in store as a couple and use it as an opportunity to build excitement behind your upcoming event. Roll in deep with your wedding party and use it as a day to reconnect with the people who will be standing next to you during this important moment in your life. There is no reason that shopping for a dress is inherently a more bonding experience than shopping for a suit; it’s all in what you make it, so let’s make it fun and fly.