Groom style evolved from “whatever bride says” to curated personal expression. Pinterest boards dedicated to groom fashion emerged 2012+, with GQ wedding guides and menswear influencers elevating groom outfit consideration from afterthought to focal point.
Traditional vs. Modern
Classic formal: Black/navy tuxedo, bow tie, patent leather shoes, minimal accessories—safe, timeless, works for all weddings
Modern groom: Colorful suits (burgundy, navy, gray), patterned ties, suspenders, unique shoes (brown leather, velvet loafers), personalized details (custom cufflinks, pocket squares, socks)
The Suit vs. Tux Decision
Tuxedos: Evening weddings (after 6 PM), black-tie dress codes, formal ballrooms—satin lapels, bow ties, cummerbunds
Suits: Daytime weddings, outdoor venues, less formal affairs—more versatile, rewearable, comfortable
By 2023, suits dominated 60% of weddings, tuxedos 40% (down from 70% in 1990s).
Rental vs. Purchase
Rental benefits: $150-$300 vs. $500-$2,000 purchase, try styles without commitment, includes accessories
Purchase advocates: Perfect fit (tailoring), keep forever, cost-per-wear logic for multiple weddings, higher quality
The groomsmen factor: Rental simplified coordinating 6+ men in different cities, standardizing fits/colors without individual purchasing.
Detail Obsession
Instagram elevated groom accessories from afterthought to obsession: Pocket squares: Folded silk ($20-$75) matching color palettes Cufflinks: Personalized, sentimental (fathers’ vintage, engraved) Socks: Fun patterns (hidden personality expression, $15-$40) Suspenders: Vintage-inspired, often with bow ties ($30-$80) Lapel flowers: Boutonnieres coordinated with bridal bouquet ($15-$35) Watches: Investment pieces, family heirlooms showcased Shoes: Brown leather (rustic weddings), velvet loafers (luxury), custom sneakers (casual)
Groomsmen Coordination
Matching: All groomsmen identical to groom (except boutonniere) Complementary: Same suit color, different tie/accessory colors Mix-and-match: Coordinated but not identical (2018+ trend)
Facial Hair Debate
Beards/mustaches became groom style statements rather than grooming oversights: Clean-shaven traditionalists: Expected for formal photos Beard advocates: Personal identity, modern masculinity The compromise: Professional barber trims pre-wedding for polished appearance
Cultural Variations
Indian weddings: Sherwanis, turbans, elaborate embroidery ($500-$3,000) Mexican weddings: Guayaberas (traditional shirts), charro suits Scottish weddings: Kilts with clan tartans ($300-$1,500) Chinese weddings: Traditional chang pao or modern Western suits
The “Getting Ready” Photo Opportunity
Grooms’ preparation became photo opportunities (buttoning shirts, adjusting ties, cufflink assistance) mirroring brides’ getting-ready shots. This elevated groom outfit importance visually.
By 2023, groom style reflected broader men’s fashion evolution toward self-expression, color, pattern, and personal flair within formal contexts.
Sources: The Knot groom fashion trends, GQ wedding style guides, Men’s Wearhouse industry data