Best Man Attire: Striking the Balance Between Style and Tradition

Imagine walking into a wedding venue, all eyes are on you, and not in the way you might want. The suit feels wrong, the color clashes with the theme, and suddenly you're self-conscious. Being the best man isn't just about delivering a killer speech—it's about looking the part and doing justice to the occasion. But how exactly should the best man dress to complement the groom without overshadowing him? This is the million-dollar question, one that we're about to explore in-depth.

Rule #1: Coordination with the Groom The worst thing you can do is pick out your outfit without consulting the groom. The best man's attire should always complement the groom's suit—it can be similar in color, style, or fabric, but never identical. The goal is to avoid looking like twins or, worse, like you're trying to steal the show. Start with a conversation about what the groom is planning to wear. If he's opting for a traditional tux, you'll likely need to follow suit (pun intended). If the groom is going for something more casual, like a suit with an open collar, you can afford to dress down a bit as well.

A good rule of thumb is to maintain a slightly toned-down version of the groom's outfit. If he’s wearing a three-piece suit, a two-piece suit works well for you. If he's in a tux, a smart suit with a waistcoat could be a fantastic alternative.

Fabric and Color Matter Next, think about the fabric and color of your attire. For summer weddings, lighter fabrics like linen or cotton are ideal. Winter weddings call for heavier fabrics like wool or velvet. Your color palette should always complement the wedding theme, but it shouldn't match it exactly unless the couple specifically requests it.

For example, if the wedding colors are navy and gold, a navy suit with subtle gold accessories could work. Alternatively, you can opt for neutral tones like charcoal, gray, or black, which are almost always safe bets. Avoid loud patterns unless the wedding is themed that way, and keep the colors muted unless instructed otherwise.

Accessorizing Like a Pro Accessories make or break your look. We're talking about ties, pocket squares, cufflinks, and shoes. Keep in mind that less is more. A simple tie and a crisp white pocket square are often all you need. Cufflinks add a touch of class, especially if the groom is also wearing them. When it comes to shoes, stick to classic leather options like oxfords or brogues in black or brown, depending on the color of your suit.

One area where you can stand out slightly is the tie or bowtie. While the color and fabric should complement the groom’s tie, you can experiment with different patterns or textures. For instance, if the groom is wearing a solid-colored tie, you could opt for a subtle polka dot or striped one. However, avoid anything too flashy, as you don’t want to detract from the groom's moment.

The Importance of Fit Even if you're wearing the most expensive suit, if it doesn't fit right, you're going to look out of place. A well-tailored suit will not only make you look better but also feel more confident. If possible, get a custom-fit suit or at least have your off-the-rack option tailored to fit your body. Pay attention to the shoulder width, sleeve length, and trousers—nothing should be too baggy or too tight.

Don't Forget Grooming Your appearance isn't just about the suit. Grooming is crucial. Whether you sport a beard or prefer to be clean-shaven, make sure you look sharp. Haircuts should be fresh, facial hair trimmed, and nails cleaned. Grooming adds a layer of polish that ties your whole look together.

Avoiding Fashion Faux Pas One mistake many best men make is overdressing or, conversely, underdressing. Showing up in a full tux when the groom is wearing a casual suit can look awkward. Similarly, arriving in a simple blazer when the groom is decked out in a three-piece suit also feels out of place. This is where communication with the groom is key. Don't be afraid to ask questions or even have a final fitting together to ensure that your styles complement each other.

Special Touches for Themed Weddings What if the wedding is themed—vintage, bohemian, beach, or even black-tie? This is where things can get tricky, but also where you can have the most fun. For a vintage-themed wedding, think about adding suspenders or a waistcoat. For a bohemian-style event, a more relaxed look with an open collar and lighter fabrics could be appropriate. Beach weddings allow for more casual attire, even linen shirts and loafers.

For black-tie weddings, this is where you can go all out. You’ll likely need to rent or buy a tuxedo, but again, make sure it’s in line with the groom’s style. For formal events, a black tux with a black bowtie is classic, but you can also explore midnight blue or dark gray.

What to Avoid Now that you know what to do, let’s talk about what not to do. Avoid wearing anything that makes you stand out too much. Loud colors, excessive patterns, or overly trendy fashion choices are a no-go unless the wedding theme specifically allows for it. Additionally, never opt for casual shoes like sneakers unless instructed otherwise.

Avoid cheap-looking fabrics that wrinkle easily or shine too much under light. You want to exude confidence, not look like you just rolled out of bed.

A Recap with a Twist If there’s one takeaway from all of this, it’s that the best man’s attire should reflect a balance between standing out and blending in. The role is significant, and your look should mirror that responsibility without taking the spotlight from the groom. It’s a delicate dance, but with a little effort and coordination, you can nail it. Just remember: Fit is king, coordination is crucial, and grooming seals the deal.

In short, your goal is to look sharp but not outshine the groom. Communicate, coordinate, and invest in good tailoring—because when you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, your confidence will shine through, making your best man duties that much easier.