Suiting and Accessories

From fit to fabric, consult this quick guide for all the need- to- knows.

When choosing the groom’s ensemble, it makes sense for the bride and groom to collaborate. You’ll be side by side from vows to last dance, so your attire needs to be well matched. If your dress is figure-hugging and sparkly, for example, a lightweight linen suit won’t work as well as a classic tux.

Collect images you both like from magazines and blogs. When it comes to fabric, consider the climate. If you’re tying the knot in summer, something lightweight will keep him comfortable. On the other hand, if there’s a chance of drizzle, bear in mind that dark-hued fabrics will show raindrops less obviously than lightercoloured alternatives.

Also remember to take the tone of the event into account. A morning suit with a waistcoat and tie is the height of formality, while cropped trousers and a slim-fit jacket are on trend if your wedding is more casual or taking place outdoors. For a more laidback affair, ditch the tie and perhaps the jacket too.

The most important part of the process is getting a suit that fits correctly – even the most expensive designer suit will look shoddy if it’s gaping or too tight. The following guidelines will steer him in the right direction towards finding a suit that flatters his frame.

SHORT, SLIM

What a short groom lacks in height, he can make up for in savvy styling. Simple tweaks make all the difference: having his shirt cuffs sit a centimetre or two past those of his jacket will elongate his arms, while trousers that just skim his shoes – and buttons that begin low on his jacket – will also have a lengthening effect. Extra padding will broaden his shoulders, and pleated trousers can help make his lower half appear less skinny. HELPFUL HINT A dark suit with pinstripes will lengthen his frame.

SHORT, BROAD

Keep proportions in check by avoiding skinny ties and lapels, and opt instead for a simple, elegant shirt – heavy patterns may appear overwhelming on a broader frame. HELPFUL HINT Despite popular opinion, those with broad frames can wear flat- front trousers, which are crafted to be comfortable and flattering regardless of body shape.

TALL, SLIM

This type of physique looks good in most outfits, but it still pays to stay clear of super- skinny ties. Opting for shirts in light hues will create the illusion of a bulkier frame, and trousers that sit about a third of the way down his shoes will keep his long legs in proportion. HELPFUL HINT Visually shorten his arms by showing only a peek of cuff, and advise him to opt for round-toed shoes instead of pointy ones.

TALL, BROAD

Your groom’s wide shoulders and neck may mean he has trouble finding suits in a standard size. Be prepared to have to let out the sides of his jacket, and to narrow your search to shirts that don’t button too high up his neck. HELPFUL HINT Opt for a two-button jacket – a flattering choice for men with broad shoulders and slim hips. W