Alternatives to Tuxedos for Southern Summer Weddings

If you’re planning on a outdoor summertime wedding here in the south, you and your fiancé might want to look into some alternatives to the traditional tuxedo.

After all, classic tuxedos aren’t exactly made of breathable fabrics, and you don’t want the men in your bridal party to be uncomfortable, especially if it means risking dehydration!

Luckily, there are several other Southern staples that can be used in lieu of a traditional tux, like seersucker, linen, or gingham. Not only are these fabrics more lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for a summer soiree, but they’re also quintessentially Southern. They can be incorporated into a custom suit, to keep your groom cool during the hot summer day.

Summer Wedding Fabric for Groom Suit #1 – Seersucker

is a thin, puckered, all-cotton fabric that is traditionally striped. The cloth is woven in such a way that the threads bunch together, which gives the fabric a soft, crinkled appearance. Seersucker is great for warm weather occasions, as it’s wrinkle-resistant, it falls away from the skin when worn (as opposed to clinging, even when you sweat!), and it comes in a variety of colors. While it’s traditionally blue and white or tan and white stripes, seersucker has expanded to almost every color of the spectrum – purple and white, green and white, yellow and white, pink and white, and more.

Summer Wedding Fabric for Groom Suit #2 – Linen

Linen, one of the oldest fabrics in the world, is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather. It’s made from the fibers of flax plants, has an extremely smooth texture, and lint-resistant. The natural luster of linen is higher than most fabrics, giving a garment like a linen suit a beautiful sheen. Linen is strong and durable, and has the ability to lose and gain water rapidly, making it quick-drying in hot, steamy Southern climates.

Summer Wedding Fabric for Groom Suit #3 – Gingham

Gingham, which means “striped”, is a lightweight, plain-woven cotton cloth that is typically checked in white and another color, but, as its name suggests, can also be found in striped varieties. It is incredibly durable and, as it is made of pure cotton, it is one of the most lightweight fabrics out there. Gingham is another fabric that can be found in almost any color, though it is traditionally blue and white checks, or red and white checks. Your groom and his groomsmen could don full gingham suits, or simply wear gingham shirts underneath their suit jacket. (Notice that the groom above is layering gingham and seersucker — swoon!)

So, before you jump to renting tuxedos, do a little research with your groom-to-be. He may prefer the look of another fabric, and be excited about the idea of a lightweight wedding day suit!

This post was published in 2013. We also have a more recent GROOM’S FASHION GUIDE!