When Should the Groom Get Fitted For His Tux?

When it comes to wedding planning, the groom’s look is just as important as the bride’s. Wearing a well-fitted suit can make all of the difference in the confidence and appearance of the groom. A lot of the time, many grooms overlook the importance of a well-fitted suit or tuxedo and end up with a suit/tux that can ruin the overall look of the wedding. Picking out a suit and getting it tailored ahead of time is a key priority to looking dapper on your wedding day. Do not wait until the last minute! So when should the groom get fitted for his tux? To determine when to pick up your tux, you need to factor in other details like alternations and departure schedules for destination events. Don’t worry, we will go through the entire timeline!

When to Pick Out and Order Your Suit

Many grooms start shopping for their tuxes well before the wedding. The general rule of thumb is to pick out the suit/tux you want at least five months before your wedding and then make sure the tux is ordered four months before the wedding. This will ensure there is enough time for the suit to be tailored to fit perfectly. However, it is important to speak with the store and alternations specialist on their ordering process and timeline for a clear understanding of when to order, schedule alterations, and select a pick-up date for your tux. When shopping for your suit/tux, don’t be afraid to ask questions about fit, material, size and color. Also, try on multiple sizes and styles to find the best fit and style for you and your wedding. Doing this will help you find the best tux for you to be comfortable in while also looking great. And if you are planning on buying a suit, consider purchasing one that can be worn well after the wedding.

When Should the Tux Get Fitted

Ideally, the groom should get the tux fitted a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks before the wedding. This leaves enough time for all of the appropriate alterations that need to be made and ensures that the tux fits like a glove.

Most menswear shops specializing in grooms wear have their own tailor in store, but if you are ordering your tux/suit online, you will need to find a reputable tailor or store specializing in wedding attire. During your first appointment, the tailor will measure for your jacket, pants and shirt to make sure the fit is not too tight or loose. When at your first appointment, make sure to bring the shoes you plan on wearing on your wedding day so the tailor can hem the pants to the correct length.

After the initial fitting, there will be at least one more fitting with the tailor for any other necessary alterations. This could be for taking the jacket in or hemming the trousers some more. It is very important to have a second fitting to ensure the alterations on the tux have been made correctly and that it fits impeccably. This is also a good time to bring any other accessories you plan on wearing during your wedding to make sure they fit well with the tux.

How to Know if Your Groom Suit Fits Properly

Here are some things to look for when determining if your suit/tux fits correctly:

Shoulders

The shoulders of the jacket should hang softly over your actual shoulders and not extend past them. The shoulders should also not be so tight that it looks like they are pulling over your arms and back.

Waist

It is important to make sure the waist of your jacket fits properly. If there are more than 1 to 2 inches when you pull the coat away from you while buttoned, it is too big. But if there are diagonal lines when buttoned, it is too tight.

Coat Length

Now this is a personal preference. Shorter jackets are in right now. But if you want the standard length, the coat should end between your wrist and the top thumb knuckle with your arms down by your side.

Sleeve Length

With your arms by your side, the sleeve should end right around your wrist and show about 1/4″ to 1/2″ of the shirt sleeve.

Pants Waist

The waist of the pants will sit higher than you are accustomed to. They should sit above your hips for the most flattering look.

Pant Length

The pants should hit the top of your shoes. Remember to bring the shoes you plan on wearing to your alterations.

In conclusion, a perfectly fitted suit is an essential part of the wedding planning process. Allow yourself enough time for multiple fittings and alterations so that your wedding tux will fit comfortably and perfectly. Following the correct timeline will make you look and feel your best on your wedding day.