How To Coordinate Your
Groomsmen Suits
Let's be honest. The boys are the last thing most grooms think about. The venue? Locked in months ago. The photographer? Booked before the engagement ring was even sized. But the suits? "We'll sort that out closer to the time." Famous last words, gentlemen.
Off the rack vs. made to measure: what's the actual difference?
Before you start scrolling through fabric swatches, you need to understand the two primary routes available toyou -because they carryvery differentimplications for your timeline, budget, andthe final resulton the day.
Off The Rack |
Made to Measure |
|
|---|---|---|
What It Means |
A suit manufactured in standard sizes, |
A suit constructed to your individual measurements. |
Lead Time |
Typically 1–2 weeks for alterations |
Usually 8–12 weeks from the initial consultation |
Best For |
Guys who are proportionate in standard sizing, |
Anyone who struggles to find suits that fit off the rack, |
The Rules of Coordinating a Groomsmen Party
- Start earlier than you think you need to. If there's any chance made-to-measure is on the table, you need 12+ weeks minimum. For off the rack with alterations, six to eight weeks is your comfortable margin.
- Lock in the colour story first. Navy, charcoal, mid-grey, or stone. Choose one and commit. Variations in shade between groomsmen suits should be intentional, not accidental.
- Differentiate the groom subtly. A different lapel style, a contrasting tie, or a pocket square in a bolder tone. The groom should stand out without looking like he's wearing a different outfit entirely.
- Coordinate accessories, not just suits. Matching tie or tie bar across the party creates cohesion even when suit shades vary slightly. Pocket squares can differ, that's where personality lives.
- Get everyone measured at the same time. Book a group fitting at the same store. It aligns expectations, eliminates rogue decisions, and makes the whole process significantly more enjoyable.
Your Wedding Party, Done Right
At MJ Bale, we've built our wedding experience around one idea: every man in your party should feel as considered as the groom.
That starts from the moment you walk through our doors. Our complimentary consultations are led by menswear specialists who take the time to understand your vision: your venue, your aesthetic, your colour palette, and translate it into a coherent direction for the whole group. And when it comes to fittings, we don't rush. Every adjustment is confirmed, every garment checked before it leaves the store. Because on the day itself, there's no room for surprises.
Our range gives you genuine choice. The Blue Label collection, woven from Australian Merino wool, offers exceptional quality from $749 RRP, whether you're outfitting a groomsman or a groom. For those after something truly special, our Made-in-Japan Collection is handcrafted by artisans in the Iwate Prefecture, using pure Tasmanian Merino spun in the Italian Alps. It's suiting with real provenance, fitting for a day that deserves nothing less.
Whatever the occasion calls for, we're here to make sure every man stands tall.