suit style for him

We get it, boys. You want to look good and feel good, right? Lucky for you, suit shopping just got a little more interesting. Made with high-tech fabrics, today’s custom suits feel more like athleisure wear than those stiff suits your dad wears. Thanks to inventive clothiers—like Kenneth Boggs, whose grandmother taught him how to sew—these head-to-toe ensembles pair masculine patterns and tight tailoring with stretchy lycra and breathable fabrics.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Personalization is key when building a custom look. Cuffs embroidered with a name and jacket linings threaded with wedding dates and monograms offer a special touch. For extra wow factor, accessorize with leather driving gloves, sunglasses or lapel pins, which are a Kenneth Boggs staple.

ONE-OF-A-KIND STYLING

Comfort isn’t Boggs’ only priority. Every suit—much like the gentleman that dons it—reveals its own narrative. “My goal is to create from their own story,” he says. The tailor asks his clients about their favorite places to eat or favorite sports team to determine who they are outside of wedding day planning.

SUIT MUST-HAVES FOR THE WEDDING DAY:

Cufflinks Traditional buttons can loosen or, even worse, pop off at inopportune times.

The right hanger A hanger with a wider width protects the shoulders and the entire structure of the suit.

A steamer Often venues will have a steamer on hand. However, it’s important there is one for both the bridal suite and groom’s room. If not, bring your own.

SUIT MUST-DOS ON THE WEDDING DAY:

Leave your cell phone in the groom’s suite A bulky pocket misshapes the pant leg and is no good for once-in-a-lifetime photo ops.

Coordinate tie width to that of the lapel A skinny tie works best with a narrow lapel. Meanwhile, stick with a traditional tie for a standard lapel width.

Ditch the boutonnière Piercing the lapel with a pin can damage the fabric. Boggs’ signature is his lapel pin.

FIT FOR A KING

Take care to choose an experienced tailor like Boggs. “I aim for the lapel to be in harmony with the bone structure of the man from his shoulders to his toes. Literally, I want them to look like a mannequin, but still be able to move.”

SEASONAL SUIT GUIDE

Suit options are plentiful, so enjoy the process. Colors like black, blue, khaki and grey, along with patterns including pinstripe and windowpane, are timeless and can be worn year-round. A sports coat and jeans combo is a versatile option for a rehearsal dinner, engagement party or any function after the big day. Spring and summer hues like this salmon, wool-blend and linen suit add a punch of fun and, according to Boggs, is one of his best sellers.

Okay, but how much do I have to spend, you ask? Off-the-rack suits can start at $600, but then be sure to factor in the suit fabric and alterations. Boggs’ suits start at $800. Fabric dictates most of the cost with some custom pieces costing $2,500 to $3,000. If there’s ever a time to splurge and create something unique to you, we think your wedding day is it.

creative team

Venue: Wadley Farms | wadleyfarms.com Photographer: Rebecca Dahl | rebeccaedahl.com Stylist: Kenneth Boggs | kennethboggs.co Shoes: Caffaro Shoes | caffaroshoes.com Watches: Talley & Twine | talleyandtwine.com Models: James, E.J., Johnny, Dane & Kenneth