Vijay’s Top 5 Tips for Customizing Groom’s Fashion

1) Time: Allow enough time (at least 4 to 6 weeks) for your tailor to construct a good suit and/or tuxedo. Most women think ahead and select their wedding dress 6 months or a year in advance. But when it comes to men, they really don’t pay much attention and decide to get a suit or tux at the last minute. Only some are lucky enough to fit in standard sizes. The others realize they might need a custom suit or tux made and then end up rushing the tailor. This doesn’t allow enough time for fittings.

2) Style: You should be able to get a suit within a month if you get measured early on. My only advice is to be very clear about the kind of style you are looking for. A tailor will make your suit the way you request, but make sure if you say you want a “slim fit” if  you are used to wearing clothes like that or else you might feel uncomfortable during your big day.

3) Material: Think about about fabric weight according to the month and time of your wedding and/or reception. For instance, if its an outdoor summer wedding in the islands or in Texas, you’d probably select light weight (8-9 oz) tropical wool and/or linen fabrics whereas if the wedding + reception is in New York and its late fall or winter you’d probably select a heavier 12-13oz worsted wool suit. 10oz will be fine for the warmer seasons, except for the very hottest/wettest months.

4) Quality: Don’t go after ”Super label thread counts”. Super 120s from some brands like Scabal or Vitale Barberis could be more luxurious and elegant looking than “Super 150s or 180s” from an unknown brand. The numbers don’t mean much. Just feel the fabric swatch and go with the one that has a silkier, softer hand. Those are the ones that look the best to the camera.

5) Accessories: Shirt, Neck Tie/Bow Tie, Shoes, Cufflinks and Braces are important as they should compliment the suit/tux or the theme of the wedding. A vest is a good idea to line up if you think you’ll need it. Like the suit, enough thought should be put into the accessories as well. Remember, this is your big day and you should make sure you look your best so that even when your kids view your wedding album or video 20 years down the road, they’ll give you compliments.
Are you helping your fiance pick out his wedding day tux or suit? Why or why not? If you’re already hitched, were you wowed by how handsome your husband looked “all cleaned up” on your wedding day?