Everyone’s done it, or knows someone who has — received the heartfelt invitation to be in a friend’s wedding, followed by the corresponding, unspoken invitation to drop some serious cash on ill-fitting groomsmen garb. If the groom has good taste, perhaps the clan is going the bespoke route. But more often than not, your groomsmen suit will be rented.
Whether a black-tie tux or a casual linen getup, renting is an overall unpleasant endeavor: rental suits are generic, expensive, and — most importantly — poorly fitting. There’s only so much a tailor will do when they know the customer will be one of many to wear that particular suit — why taper the leg when it will only need to be widened later? Or why hem the seam when it may need to be let out?
So, to stave the drab experience of the rental market, we’ve compiled solid alternatives for every type of wedding, no matter the season or level of formality. They’re blank canvases, leaving room — physically and monetarily — for your choice of shirts, belts, shoes and ties (or, for a more personalized event, try letting them bring their own). Instead of making your wedding party rent something they’ll regret and return, give them something they’ll be excited to wear again. And best of all, every suit here is under $500.
The Summer Wedding
At the beach, golf course or far-flung destination, summer suiting means brighter colors and lighter fabrics.
Ludlow Suit in Irish Linen (Navy) by J.Crew $456
Havana Green Plain Suit by Suitsupply $499
Light Blue Slub Twill Suit by Indochino $419
Premium Suit by Jack & Jones $260
