SuitedNoir

Father of the Groom Suits: What to Wear

The father of the groom should look clearly connected to the wedding party without dressing exactly like the groom. The right suit depends on the dress code, venue, season and the colors already chosen for the groom and groomsmen.

What should the father of the groom wear?

Start with the invitation's dress code. For a formal or black-tie wedding, choose a dark suit or tuxedo. For a daytime, outdoor or destination ceremony, a lighter wool, linen or textured suit can be appropriate. The father of the groom should normally be slightly more formal than a standard guest, while leaving the most distinctive look to the groom.

Father of the groom suit by dress code

Dress code Recommended direction Colors to consider
Black tie Tuxedo or formal evening suit Black or midnight blue
Formal Dark two-piece or three-piece suit Navy, charcoal, deep green
Cocktail Refined suit with a distinctive shirt or tie Blue, gray, brown, burgundy
Beach or destination Breathable, lighter-colored suit Sand, beige, light blue, sage
Rustic or autumn Textured wool, tweed or warm seasonal color Brown, olive, rust, forest green

How to coordinate without matching the groom

  • Ask for the groom's suit color, fabric and formality level before choosing.
  • Stay in the same formality range, but use a different shade, texture or accessory combination.
  • Coordinate the tie, pocket square or boutonniere with the wedding palette instead of copying the groom's entire outfit.
  • Avoid wearing a more dramatic tuxedo, tailcoat or statement color than the groom unless the couple specifically requests it.

Recommended SuitedNoir collections

Fit matters more than matching

A made-to-measure suit allows the jacket length, shoulder balance, sleeve length, trouser rise and silhouette to be adjusted to the wearer. Choose the color only after confirming the dress code; a well-fitted restrained suit will usually look better than a fashionable color in the wrong proportions.

Common mistakes

  • Buying before confirming what the groom and wedding party are wearing.
  • Choosing a casual linen look for a formal evening wedding.
  • Matching every detail so closely that the father looks like another groomsman.
  • Waiting until immediately before the wedding to begin measurements and fit planning.

Frequently asked questions

Does the father of the groom have to match the groomsmen?

No. He should coordinate with the wedding's formality and palette, but he does not need to wear the same suit as the groomsmen.

Can the father of the groom wear the same color as the groom?

Yes, but using a different shade, fabric texture, waistcoat or accessories helps preserve the groom's distinct look.

Should the father of the groom wear a tuxedo?

For black-tie weddings, yes. For formal, cocktail, daytime or outdoor weddings, a well-chosen suit may be more appropriate.

Shop custom wedding suits or explore the focused collections above after confirming the wedding dress code.