What Are Grooms Wearing in 2024? The Real Trends That Matter

Forget the stiff, all-black tuxedos from 10 years ago. In 2024, grooms aren’t just wearing suits-they’re making statements. The rules have changed. It’s no longer about matching the groomsmen perfectly or sticking to tradition just because it’s ‘what’s done.’ Today’s grooms are choosing outfits that reflect who they are, not what a wedding magazine says they should wear. And the results? More personality, more comfort, and way more style.

Dark suits are still here-but they’re not the only option

Yes, navy and charcoal are still popular. But they’re no longer the default. In 2024, a dark suit is often chosen because it works well in photos, pairs easily with different accessories, and feels timeless. But here’s the twist: it’s rarely plain. Tailoring is sharper. Lapels are wider. Fabrics have texture-herringbone, subtle pinstripes, even wool blends with a hint of silk for that soft sheen under natural light.

Take a groom in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley last June. He wore a charcoal two-piece with a peak lapel, no vest, and no tie. Instead, he paired it with a linen shirt in off-white and a thin, hand-knotted silk scarf in deep burgundy. No pocket square. No cufflinks. Just clean lines and quiet confidence. That’s the new standard: less is more, but every piece has intention.

Color is breaking the mold

Here’s the biggest shift: grooms are wearing color. Not just pastels. Not just for beach weddings. We’re talking emerald green, deep mustard, even slate blue. These aren’t costumes-they’re refined, seasonally appropriate, and surprisingly versatile.

A survey of 500 Australian grooms in late 2024 showed that 38% chose a suit in a non-traditional color. The top three? Navy (still #1, at 42%), followed by olive green (19%), and burgundy (16%). These colors work because they complement skin tones better than black, photograph beautifully in outdoor settings, and feel more alive in daylight.

One groom in Byron Bay wore a tailored olive suit with a cream linen shirt and brown leather loafers. His wedding was in late spring, under eucalyptus trees. The suit didn’t clash with the landscape-it blended into it. People didn’t notice the color at first. They noticed how comfortable he looked. That’s the goal.

Fit is everything-no exceptions

A suit that fits poorly looks expensive. A suit that fits perfectly looks intentional. In 2024, fit isn’t a suggestion-it’s non-negotiable. The shoulders should sit exactly where your natural shoulder ends. Sleeves should show about half an inch of shirt cuff. Trousers should break once, lightly, over the shoe. No pooling. No cuffs.

Off-the-rack suits? They’re fine if you’re willing to get them altered. But most grooms in 2024 are skipping the mall entirely. They’re going to local tailors, or using online bespoke services that send fabric swatches and measurement guides. A good tailor will adjust the waist, shorten the sleeves, and taper the legs. That’s not an extra cost-it’s the baseline.

One groom in Brisbane spent $1,200 on a custom suit from a small Sydney studio. He had three fittings. His final suit cost more than his ring. He said, “I didn’t want to look like I bought this at a discount store on my way to the ceremony.” He wasn’t wrong.

Shirts, ties, and accessories? Less is more

Shirts are moving away from stiff, white button-downs. Linen, cotton poplin, and even lightweight twill in cream, pale blue, or even light grey are common. Collars are softer. Some grooms are skipping the collar altogether and wearing open-neck shirts with a vest-especially in warmer climates.

Ties? They’re optional. Many grooms are going without. If they do wear one, it’s usually a slim silk tie in a muted pattern-think geometric dots, thin stripes, or a subtle texture. Bow ties are making a quiet comeback, but only when they’re not too formal. Think wool or linen bow ties, not satin.

Pocket squares? Still here, but not as a matching set. A white linen square tucked loosely into a navy suit? Classic. A burgundy silk square with a printed pattern in a mustard suit? Even better. The key is contrast, not coordination.

And shoes? Leather loafers are dominating. No socks with loafers? Yes, if the suit is tailored and the occasion is relaxed. Otherwise, thin, neutral-colored socks-navy, grey, or taupe-are the rule.

Season and location matter more than ever

What a groom wears in a winter chapel in Sydney is different from what he wears under a summer canopy in the Blue Mountains. In 2024, grooms are choosing fabrics based on weather, not just looks.

Summer weddings? Linen, seersucker, or lightweight wool blends. Avoid heavy tweed. Go for open-weave fabrics that breathe. A linen suit in light grey or beige looks effortless and keeps you cool.

Winter weddings? Wool, cashmere blends, or even velvet accents. Darker colors work here, but don’t just default to black. A deep burgundy wool suit with a charcoal shirt and a wool tie looks rich and warm without being stuffy.

Beach weddings? Skip the suit jacket entirely. A well-fitted pair of tailored trousers in cotton or linen, paired with a short-sleeve shirt or a lightweight button-down, and no tie. Add a pair of leather sandals or minimalist loafers. It’s modern, relaxed, and still elegant.

What not to wear in 2024

Some things are officially out.

• Matching groomsmen suits-unless you’re going for a theme wedding, it looks staged. Let your party wear what suits them.
• White or cream suits-unless you’re on a tropical island, they’ll look like you’re trying too hard. They also show every stain.
• Too many accessories-cufflinks, lapel pins, watch chains, rings on every finger? It’s clutter. One statement piece is enough.
• Black tuxedos for daytime-they’re for evening. If your ceremony is before 6 p.m., skip the satin.
• Off-the-rack suits with no alterations-it’s a red flag. No matter how much you paid, if it doesn’t fit, it looks cheap.

Real examples from real weddings

Here’s what actual grooms wore in 2024:

• Adelaide, March: A navy double-breasted suit with a white linen shirt, no tie, and brown brogues. He carried a small leather pouch instead of a pocket square.
• Perth, October: A charcoal wool suit with a pale blue shirt, a thin navy knit tie, and a matching pocket square. The tie was knotted by hand, not pre-tied.
• Gold Coast, July: A lightweight olive suit with a cream open-collar shirt, no vest, and suede desert boots. He wore no socks.
• Canberra, December: A black tuxedo-yes, one did wear it. But only because it was a formal evening reception in a historic ballroom. Even then, he swapped the bow tie for a silk knot in deep green.

Notice a pattern? No one was trying to look like a movie star. Everyone looked like themselves-just better dressed.

How to pick your 2024 groom suit

Start with your wedding’s vibe. Is it rustic? Modern? Beachy? Formal? That’s your starting point, not your limit.

Then ask yourself:

1. What colors make me feel confident? (Not what looks good in photos-what makes you feel like you.)
2. Will I be hot? Cold? Standing for hours? Choose fabric based on comfort, not just looks.
3. Do I want to move, dance, hug, laugh? Then pick a suit that lets you.
4. Can I wear this again? A suit you’ll wear to a job interview or a dinner party is worth the investment.

Book a consultation with a tailor. Bring photos of your venue, your partner’s dress, and your favorite outfit. Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t want to look like everyone else.”

The best groom suit in 2024 isn’t the most expensive. It’s the one that feels like you.