A wedding can be an expensive event, whether you’re the groom, the best man or a guest, but your wedding suit needn’t be a one-trick pony; it can become a well-worn wardrobe staple. There’s no denying that getting a well-tailored, made-to-measure suit would be the ultimate dream for many, but it’s out of reach for most Average Joes. We sized up a couple of fabulously fitted, ready-to-wear alternatives that offer style and quality without breaking the bank.
Moss: The brand
Moss, previously known as Moss Bros, was founded in 1851 as a menswear retailer in Covent Garden, London. In 1897, Moss Bros began hiring formal wear to customers for a small fee, which the brand became well known for, particularly for customers looking for a budget-conscious wedding suit option. In the early 20th century, ready-to-wear rather than tailored suits rose in popularity, and Moss Bros seized the opportunity to expand its customer base.
Over the decades, Moss has continued to grow, becoming a well-known face on the High Street. In 2011, it launched its website and online shop, making the brand accessible globally.
The suit: Tailored fit blue flannel 3-piece suit
Total cost: £309
The colour you choose is an important factor when looking for a suit that can be versatile across different seasons and situations. We browsed Moss’s selection and opted for a tailored-fit Blue Flannel suit, which is perfect as office wear and a wedding suit.
One of the things we like about Moss suits is that each of the three pieces is priced individually, so if you love the jacket’s colour and style but don’t want the waistcoat, that’s no problem; you can mix and match to your heart’s content.
The fabric
Moss is renowned for its high-quality fabrics and well-made products, and this particular suit is no exception. The outer fabric is a blend of recycled polyester, viscose and elastane, and the beautifully patterned lining fabric is made with entirely recycled polyester. The result is a lightweight suit that is delightfully soft to the touch.
The style
This Blue Flannel suit is modern and stylish. It has a single-breasted closure and a notch lapel. The matte finish of the fabric gives it a premium look and feel. It can be made formal when worn with matching trousers and waistcoat or more casual with an open collar and jeans or chinos.
For a very casual look in autumn or winter, wear the jacket over a roll-necked sweater and pair it with matching trousers or jeans.
Whichever way you opt to wear it, this beautifully finished suit from Moss will look and feel great for both business and pleasure.
Hawes & Curtis: The brand
Hawes & Curtis was established in 1913, with its first store opening in Picadilly Arcade, London. Describing itself as a “quintessentially Britsh brand”, Hawes & Curtis specialised in fine tailoring for men and women and counted royalty and celebrities among its early clients.
Over the decades, Hawes & Curtis has been awarded four Royal Warrants and was responsible for designing and making the uniform shirt and tie Queen Elizabeth II wore during her military service.
In 2002, the brand was bought by textiles titan Touker Suleyman, who has taken it from strength to strength, successfully developing its website and online store in 2006.
The suit: Light grey twill three-piece slim suit
Total cost: £429
There is a certain timeless elegance about a light grey suit. Its sophisticated look can work across the seasons. For more solemn occasions, it can be matched with a dark grey or navy tie, or a bold and bright tie for more joyous occasions, making it the perfect wedding suit. Swap out the white shirt for baby blue or pink, and the outfit takes on a whole new look.
The headline price tag covers the jacket, waistcoat, and trousers, but the individual pieces can also be purchased separately. Hawes & Curtis offers a three-part payment option if you’re on a budget.
If you struggle with standard trouser length, Hawes & Curtis suit trousers can be specified unfinished, allowing you to have them hemmed to exactly the right fit for you. Alternatively, select the measurement that works for you, and they will arrive perfectly finished and ready to wear.
The fabric
This twill suit is 100% Super 120s pure wool. The elaborate weave gives the fabric a distinctive pattern, creating a smoother, silkier appearance. The jacket is fully lined, and the trousers are half lined for greater comfort, better drape, and less bagging at the knee.
The style
This classically styled suit jacket has notched lapels and mock horn buttons. Put it together with the matching waistcoat and slim-fit trousers and you’ll look dapper at any time of the year.
Ditch the formal look with a t-shirt and trainers alongside the matching trousers and jacket for a great summer look, or mix in a light jumper and moc-toe boots for the perfect autumnal ensemble.
