Groom Formal Wear: What to Wear, What to Avoid, and Real Style Tips for 2025

When we talk about groom formal wear, the outfit a groom chooses for his wedding day, often including a suit, tie, shoes, and accessories. Also known as groom attire, it’s not just about looking nice—it’s about matching the tone of your wedding while staying true to your style. Too many grooms think they have to wear a tuxedo because that’s what they’ve seen in movies. But in 2025, the rules are gone. What matters is whether your outfit fits your wedding, your body, and your personality.

Wedding suit colors, the shades that work best for grooms depending on season, venue, and formality. Also known as groom suit colors, they range from classic navy and charcoal to unexpected tones like light gray or even deep green. Your suit color should never compete with the bride’s dress, but it also shouldn’t blend into the background. Darker shades like navy or charcoal work for evening or winter weddings, while lighter grays or beiges suit beach or spring events. And no, you don’t need to match your groomsmen exactly—variation in shade adds depth, not confusion.

Groom suit, the core piece of groom formal wear, typically tailored to fit well and reflect the wedding’s level of formality. Also known as formal wedding suit, it’s not just about the fabric—it’s about the cut, the lapel, the buttons, and even the pocket square. A notch lapel is safe, a peak lapel adds drama, and a shawl collar? That’s for the bold. And when it comes to ties? You don’t need one. Many grooms in 2025 are skipping ties entirely for a relaxed, modern look—especially at outdoor or casual weddings. But if you do wear one, make sure it’s the right width, the right length, and the right color to match your vibe—not your dad’s old collection.

Don’t forget the shoes. A black patent loafer might look sharp in a movie, but if you’re having a garden wedding, those will get muddy and look out of place. Leather brogues or suede oxfords often look more natural and feel more comfortable. And if you’re wearing a vest or waistcoat? Make sure it’s the right length—ending just above your waistband—is the rule. Too long, and you look like you’re trying too hard. Too short, and you look like you forgot half your outfit.

There’s also the matter of who else is dressing. The father of the groom? He should wear something darker than you—not the same suit. Groomsmen? They can wear the same suit but different ties, or different shades of the same color. It’s not about uniformity—it’s about harmony. And if you’re unsure? Look at real weddings, not Instagram filters. The best style choices come from what works on real people, in real light, on real days.

What you wear on your wedding day isn’t just clothing—it’s a statement. It says something about how you see the day, how you see yourself, and how you want to be remembered. You don’t need to follow every tradition. You don’t need to spend a fortune. You just need to feel confident. And that starts with understanding what groom formal wear really means today—not what it meant ten years ago.

Below, you’ll find real advice from grooms who got it right (and some who didn’t). Whether you’re debating a tie, choosing a suit color, or wondering if velvet is a good idea, the posts here cut through the noise and give you clear, practical choices—no fluff, no pressure, just what works.