How Your Suit Should Fit, Why You Must Buy (Not Rent), and Other Practical Style Tips for the Modern Groom

If you’re paying for your own wedding, you have every right to wear whatever the hell you want. But if you’re going to do something, do it right. And if that something is wearing a suit, don’t be that guy—the one who shows up in a baggy rental that looks like it came from a bargain bin, while LOUIS XIII bottles sit on every table. Because no matter how much you spend on your wedding, a sloppy suit that looks like you dug it out of your grandfather’s closet will instantly cheapen everything else.

And since many of wedding vendors—photographers, videographers, planners, etc.—don’t even know how to wear a suit themselves, don’t be surprised if they don’t give two shits how you look on your wedding day. Look, I’ve worked in the fashion industry for a number of years and have watched The Devil Wears Prada more times than I’d like to admit, so I know a thing or two about men’s formal fashion. That said, I get it—most guys (myself included) live in the same t-shirt and shorts every day. But the fact that you’re here means you already care more than most, and that’s a solid start.

Now, the biggest mistake most men make isn’t buying the wrong suit—it’s not wearing it properly. But don’t worry. In less than 60 seconds, the creative director of Daniel George will show you exactly how your suit should fit. For a more in-depth breakdown, check out the second video by Ashley Weston. And one last thing—don’t forget to tuck in your shoelaces.

Why You Should Buy Your Suit (Not Rent It)

I get it—not everyone wears a suit to the office or gets invited to fancy parties regularly, speaking from experience here. So, renting a suit for your wedding sounds like the practical way to go. I hear you. But tell me—how many brides or bridesmaids rent their dresses? I’ll wait. Look—I’m not saying you need to drop $5,000 on a suit. Even a thrift store suit, when properly tailored, will look a hundred times better than anything a rental shop hands you. Because a rental suit isn’t made for you—it’s made to fit everyone.

Can you get a well-fitting suit from a rental shop? Sure, eventually. But if you’re going to waste time on multiple fittings, shipping it back and forth until something kinda fits, you might as well just buy one. In the end, it’ll cost about the same anyway. A rental runs around $350 on average, while an off-the-rack suit from a department store typically costs $300–$600, with another $100 for alterations—and that suit is yours to keep.

Best part? You’re not just buying it for your wedding. You’ll have it for job interviews, date nights, and even your friend’s wedding. And if you go with a black suit—and I hate to sound morbid—you’ll have something appropriate for a funeral. Because when someone close passes, the last thing you want to worry about is what to wear.

The Difference Between Off-the-Rack, Made-to-Measure, and Bespoke Suits

Without getting too technical, it’s essential to understand the three main types of suits—because not all suits are created equal. The good news? There’s a well-tailored suit for you, no matter your budget.

Off-the-Rack — suits are mass-produced and available in standard sizes directly from retail stores. They’re ready to wear immediately but may need some minor tailoring for a better fit. The average price for off-the-rack suits ranges from $300 to $600.
Made-to-Measure — suits are customized based on your measurements, but they use pre-existing patterns. They offer a better fit than off-the-rack and allow for some customization. And usually require 1-2 fittings and a few weeks to complete. The average price for made-to-measure suits ranges from $800-$1,500.
Bespoke — suits are fully custom-made, built from scratch based on your unique measurements and specifications. They are crafted by skilled tailors and offer the highest level of personalization and quality. While bespoke suits require multiple fittings and take several weeks to months to complete, they offer a complete personalized fit and are the ultimate expression of style and sophistication. Bespoke suits typically start at $2,500.

How to Properly Wear a Boutonnière

While covering a high-profile wedding, I found myself in a heated battle with the video team and wedding planner over the proper placement of the groom’s boutonnière. They had pinned it dead center on the lapel—a common mistake. Even so-called luxury photographers and planners still think that shit’s normal.

I saw it was wrong, so I fixed it—placing it exactly where it belongs: on the boutonnière hole. It’s literally in the fucking name! But seconds later, the videographer rushed over, insisting it be put back because, to her, it "looked weird." The groom—our client—was confident I made the right call, but after the videographer dragged the wedding planner into it, he reluctantly moved it back. As you can imagine, things got tense between me, the video team, and the planner for the rest of the night.

You’d think that people working luxury weddings—who constantly scream about "attention to detail"—would know something as basic as boutonnière placement. But don’t worry—I won’t let you get caught with your pants down. Below is a video from Gentleman’s Gazette (not the most thrilling watch, I’ll admit) that will show you the proper way to wear a boutonnière. And if you’re wearing one, keep it simple. A single flower is enough—there’s no reason your boutonnière should be the size of the bride’s bouquet.

The Devil is in the Details

And there you have it, friend—my top recommendations on how a suit should fit and why you should invest in one. Of course, this only scratches the surface, but since many men aren’t familiar with the basics, I thought I’d start here without going too deep into every detail. I’ll leave some essential videos below to dive further. And don’t forget: shoes, belt, and watch strap should always match color, but not the tie and pocket square.