The groom suit—whether tuxedo or modern suit—became focal point rather than afterthought, with fit, color, and style reflecting personality. Average groom suit costs ranged $300-$2,000 (rental to purchase), with groomsmen multiplying expenses significantly.
Color Evolution
2009-2012: Black or navy tuxedos dominated (80%+ of weddings) 2013-2016: Gray suits emerged (charcoal, light gray), offering versatility 2017-2020: Color explosion—burgundy, forest green, dusty blue, tan 2021-2023: Earth tones (rust, terracotta, sage) for outdoor/bohemian weddings
Fit Revolution
Traditional fit: Boxy, conservative, hid body shape—safe but unstylish Slim fit trend (2012-2020): Tailored, modern silhouette, emphasizing physique—Instagram-friendly but restrictive Modern fit (2021+): Comfort return, room to breathe, sustainable over skinny jeans-era tightness
Three-Piece Comeback
Vests (waistcoats) returned 2015+: Benefits: Added formality without full tux, covered shirt if jacket removed, created polished layered look Drawbacks: Heat (outdoor summer weddings), extra cost ($100-$200) Groomsmen coordination: All wore vests or none (avoiding visual mismatch)
Seasonal Considerations
Spring/Summer: Lighter fabrics (linen, cotton blends), lighter colors (tan, light gray, blue), breathable weaves Fall/Winter: Heavy wools, darker colors (burgundy, navy, charcoal), texture (tweed, herringbone)
Groomsmen Suit Dilemma
The groomsmen suit question created planning challenges:
Option 1 - Rental ($150-$250 per person): Coordinated fits, returned post-wedding, no ownership Option 2 - Purchase ($300-$600): Groomsmen keep suits, higher upfront cost, fit variations Option 3 - Own suits: Groom specifies color/style, groomsmen wear what they own (cost-effective, less uniform)
For 6 groomsmen, rental = $900-$1,500, purchase = $1,800-$3,600. Many grooms covered costs (etiquette debate).
Bow Tie vs. Neck Tie
Bow ties: Formal, tuxedo-traditional, symmetrical photos, harder to tie (clip-ons shameful secret) Neck ties: Versatile, easier, modern, variety of patterns
The 2010s saw neck ties dominate even formal weddings, breaking bow tie monopoly.
Rental Companies
Men’s Wearhouse: Industry leader, mall accessibility Generation Tux: Online rental disruption (2014+), home try-ons The Black Tux: Premium online rental, modern cuts Menguin: Groomsmen coordination tools, online platform
Custom vs. Off-Rack
Custom suits ($800-$2,000+): Perfect fit, fabric choice, personal tailoring—investment for multiple events Off-rack + tailoring ($500-$1,000): Department store suits professionally altered—good middle ground Rental ($200-$400): One-time wear, no ownership, coordinated groomsmen
The Rewear Reality
Purchase advocates argued “you’ll wear it again!” Reality check: 40% of groom suits never worn post-wedding. Exception: Navy/charcoal suits in classic cuts proved versatile for future events.
By 2023, groom suits reflected personal style rather than rigid formality, with color, fit, and accessories offering creative expression within wedding contexts.
Sources: The Knot groom surveys, Men’s Wearhouse trend reports, WeddingWire groom fashion data