Dressing for a summer wedding can actually be harder than any other season. In winter, you can wrap up warm and embrace thicker materials like tweed and wool. In spring and autumn, you can experiment with colour without the worry of overheating in a three-piece suit.
But when it comes to summer ‒ will you be too hot in a full suit? Will the weather be sunny or raining? Is it an outdoor wedding? Should you dress more informally?
The heat can make wearing a suit tricky, and there’s really no lighter options for men, unless you choose to forgo the jacket altogether.
So with all this confusion in mind, we’re here to help. Below, you can find some inspiration so you can wear the perfect outfit at your next summer wedding.
What colour suit for a summer wedding?
First, let’s talk colour. While black and navy are still acceptable suit colours for a summer wedding (which we cover a bit further down the page) , a summer wedding offers a bit more freedom when it comes to picking a bolder suit colour. Plus lighter-coloured suits will reflect heat rather than absorb it, so you’re less likely to overheat on a hot day.
Colours that will work well for a summer wedding include white, cream, green (olive or sage), light blue and light brown. For an informal wedding, you can do away with the blazer and simply wear a cotton shirt and tie.
A white or cream suit works beautifully well in an outdoor setting or for an abroad/beach wedding and is quite an unusual choice. Few men choose such light colours, but we love the impact they can have. Pair a cream suit with some loafers, as well as a darker tie to add some contrast (dark brown or dark blue can work well). As always, a white shirt will match perfectly.
Green is another colour you don’t see that often in a suit, but it’s one of our favourites. Pair a sage suit with a white shirt and contrasting tie and pocket square (pinks or purples work beautifully), then finish with brown shoes.
Light blue is another classic colour that will offer some relief from the heat compared to its dark blue counterpart. When paired with a crisp white shirt, you can look smart and sophisticated while also being suitably dressed for the British summer.
If the temperatures are expected to climb into the 20s, then consider a lightweight linen or cotton suit. These materials are designed to keep you cool by allowing air to flow more freely.
How to wear a black suit to a summer wedding
Black is a flattering, stylish, sophisticated colour, and one of the most popular choices for a wedding as most of us already have a black suit at the back of our wardrobe. Therefore, when wearing black to a summer wedding, how can you avoid overheating or perhaps make the outfit feel a little more summery?
You may consider mixing and matching your suit with your trousers. For instance, a white suit jacket paired with black trousers will create a sophisticated and timeless look that may be slightly more appropriate for the time of year. The white jacket will also reflect heat, rather than absorb it, to keep you on the cooler side.
Alternatively, you can brighten the outfit with a colourful tie. Once you abandon your suit jacket after the ceremony is over, black trousers, a white shirt and a vibrant tie will instantly give a more seasonal-appropriate vibe, and make you feel cooler.
Is navy a good suit colour for a summer wedding for the groom?
Navy is probably one of our most popular suit colours for the groom’s party. It’s such a classic colour that is appropriate at any time of year, no matter the weather. Whether you choose a single or double breasted suit, a two-piece or a three-piece, navy is certainly an elegant choice.
Pair a dark blue suit with a pink, cream or light blue tie and stick with the classic crisp white shirt to complete the outfit.
If you’re worried about getting too hot in a navy suit, search for alternative materials like linen and cotton that will keep you cooler.
Our most popular summer wedding suits
Our top three most popular summer wedding suits are:
Shop the look now and book an appointment with one of our expert tailors who will help you look the part on your big day.