There’s a fair few articles knocking about that advise brides on choosing the right wedding dress. But won’t somebody please think of the children (just kidding, fellas) men?

It seemed to us that a similar guide was lacking when it came to gent’s suits. We quizzed a bunch of guy mates and the consensus was the same: they had no idea where to start, no idea about the pros or cons of having a suit tailored, and in fact didn’t really feel comfortable asking questions around this subject for fear of looking clueless/cheap/unsophisticated.

Well, this all stops here. We recently chatted to the lads at Oscar Hunt Tailors, a team of Australia-based tailors who, unsurprisingly are all over this stuff (we’ve also partnered with them to offer a special discount on their really, ridiculously good-looking suits – details at the bottom of this post). 

A quick foreword: we know these guys make tailored suits, so it may seem biased that we say this, but we hand-on-heart didn’t realise that made-to-measure suits are actually much more reasonably priced than we expected. Particularly given the fact that they’re custom-made and fitted, and depending on what style you go for, can be extremely versatile and used for work, other weddings, etc. We ourselves didn’t consider it an option for our own weddings due to budget but now wish we had. More on pricing below, but we just wanted to share this little tid-bit upfront in case you’re feeling like reading on will be a waste of time.

Righto, carry on.

What style of suit should I wear?

The style component really depends on the situation. If you are thinking about a more traditional wedding, then it’s hard to go past a classic dinner suit in either a black or midnight navy.

If you’re thinking a country wedding, then you can think about more colours, patterns and variations. Bold checks or beautiful tweeds for example. Separate trouser and jacket combinations are a very good option to consider as well.

For warmer or beach weddings the fabric must come into consideration. You want to opt for something light-weight, breathable and appropriate for the feel of the day.

However there’s a consistency across all of the different wedding scenarios: the suit must be impeccably tailored. A well-fitted suit stands the test of time and has you feeling comfortable and confident on the big day.

What’s the difference between a tailored suit and a non-tailored suit? 

The fit is the main difference. A garment that is tailored will achieve a much better fit than one that is made in a generic size. Following the fit, a tailored suit is designed to the exact specifications of the individual. Fabric selection is important depending on the need of the suit. For example, for a corporate suit you need a wool that is both durable and breathable, which is a key benefit is that it is totally unique. A tailored suit will not have an equivalent elsewhere.

Why are suits expensive? 

Suits are expensive given the amount of work that goes into their creation. A good suit will use a quality cloth with high-end internal construction. Often there is a branding component to suits as well which pushes up the price.

Are tailored suits more expensive than off-the-rack high street suits? Why? 

Tailored suits are more expensive than off-the-rack because they are designed for the individual, by the individual. They are not mass-produced. More often than not, a tailored suit is constructed with superior fabrics and internals. The suit will also take a lot more time to produce than its off-the-rack equivalent.

How much should I budget for a suit?

For a tailored suit, a budget starting around $900 should get you started, and anything up to $3,000 will get you a very, very good quality tailored suit.

What’s the lead time on suit tailoring? How far in advance should I have my suit made?

Allow for 8-10 weeks to have a wedding suit tailored. That way, there is no stress leading up to the day.

What if I put on/lose weight between the tailoring and the wedding?

Losing weight is often not a big issue (as long as it’s not extreme) as jackets and trousers can be taken in. You have to be a little more careful with gaining weight, however again, a little should not be a problem.

When it comes to a suit jacket, the most crucial elements are the shoulders and chest. Therefore if you’re looking to gain weight (or put on muscle) in these areas, it is best to discuss with your tailor/fitter.

If I’m on a budget, how can I still achieve a tailored look without having to invest in a full suit?

Pairing a tailored jacket with a chino is a great idea. Further, you could look at ways to have your tailored wedding suit made in such a way that you can get plenty of use out of in the future. This may mean you can find a little more budget for it.

What’s the difference between different materials

This is a fairly open-ended question!

To start with you have different quality. Wool varies so much in its quality, how it is prepared and how it is finished. Unless the wool itself is high-grade (Australian merino, for example) and prepared and milled correctly, then it is unlikely to be a very good end product. The same theory applies to the quality of cotton, linen, silk, cashmere and mohair.

In terms of the different materials themselves, we’ve put together a rundown for you:

WOOL

Wool is versatile in being able to be woven super fine and light/tropical weight, or thick and heavy/warm weight. Different types of wool will create distinct drapes, durability and warmth. The weight of the wool is the best determinant of whether it best suits a winter or summer climate. Wool is a natural product, therefore it breathes regardless of whether its heavy or light.

COTTON

Cotton is not only used for shirts, but can look great in your everyday suit. Although it might seem informal or casual because of garment creasing, it can be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion. Blazers or sports jackets can typically be made from cotton to give a natural feel or provide an enhanced casual look. Cotton can also be woven openly to create the desired look similar to linen.

LINEN

Linen tends to be an open weave fabric with a weight and texture that creates a desired look. The open weave allows it to breath, as it is a naturally thicker fibre. Linen would be typically used in a summer suit made for warmer climates.

MOHAIR

Mohair is incredibly durable and breathable. It is known for keeping a very sharp drape despite travel or being mistreated. Politicians often opt for this fabric knowing they will always look very sharp. It is a courser material than wool, which is evident by the touch.

SILK

A luxurious material that is often blended in with wool. Will give a really lustrous finish as well as having the natural quality of holding colour in a more vibrant way than wool.

BLENDS

Blends can create desired effects and particular looks. Blending different cloth types can enhance durability, sheen, texture, and softness. Each fabric choice and its percentage of blended fabric will create a different drape and overall feel to the cloth.

Blends might be: Linen and silk, cotton and linen, silk and cotton, wool and cashmere, or wool and mohair.

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More questions? Ask the boys at Oscar Hunt Tailors – they are so happy to help. They’ve also been kind enough to offer all WedShed grooms a 5% discount on any purchases – whether that be shirts, suits or the whole shebang. Simply mention ‘WedShed‘ at the time of booking an appointment in their Sydney and Melbourne showrooms. Which, can we just add, are a sight to behold, replete with their very own whisky and champagne bar 

And if a trip to these towns isn’t on the cards, not to worry – they’re looking at expanding their premises in the near future. 

Find more info and images of Oscar Hunt’s splendid menswear via the places below:

www.oscarhunt.com.au | Oscar Hunt Facebook | Oscar Hunt Instagram