- Start groomsmen shopping 6–8 weeks before the wedding
- Navy and charcoal are the most versatile groomsmen colors
- Matching color matters more than matching exact sizes or cuts
- Buying beats renting — each groomsman gets a tailored fit for similar cost
- Bring the group in together for the most cohesive look
- GA SuitWarehouse fits entire wedding parties at Lakeshore Mall in Gainesville
Coordinating groomsmen suits starts with one decision: pick a color, then let tailoring handle the rest. When every suit is the same shade and each groomsman is professionally fitted, the group looks unified in photos regardless of height, build, or body type. That is the formula, and it works every time.
At GA SuitWarehouse in Gainesville, GA, we fit entire wedding parties regularly — from three-man parties to twelve-man lineups. Here is everything grooms need to know to get the process right.
Step 1: Choose Your Color First
The suit color is the anchor of your entire wedding party look. Everything else — shirts, ties, pocket squares, shoes — builds from that one choice. Here are the most popular groomsmen suit colors and when they work best:
Navy
The most versatile choice. Navy photographs beautifully in natural light, pairs with virtually any bridesmaid dress color, and works at barns, vineyards, estates, and churches. If you are unsure, navy is the safest bet. For more on choosing suit colors, see our guide on what color suit to buy first.
Charcoal
Slightly more formal than navy, charcoal is ideal for evening ceremonies, church weddings, and fall or winter events. It pairs especially well with burgundy, blush, and gold bridesmaid dresses.
Medium Grey
A strong option for spring and summer weddings, particularly at outdoor venues. Grey feels lighter and more relaxed while still looking polished. Works best with pastel bridesmaid colors.
Black
Best reserved for very formal or black-tie weddings. Black groomsmen suits can feel heavy at casual outdoor venues but look sharp in ballroom or hotel settings. If you are debating between a black suit and a tuxedo, read our wedding suit vs tuxedo comparison.
Tan and Light Colors
Tan, beige, and light blue are growing in popularity for outdoor summer weddings. These lighter tones feel relaxed and seasonal but require careful coordination — the shade must be consistent across all suits.
Step 2: Decide on Matching vs Mix-and-Match
Modern weddings have moved away from requiring every groomsman to look identical. There are three common approaches, and all of them work:
Full Match
Every groomsman wears the exact same suit, shirt, tie, and accessories. This creates the most uniform look and is the easiest to coordinate. It works best when you shop at one store where everyone can be fitted in the same fabric and color.
Same Suit, Different Accessories
The most popular approach in 2026. Everyone wears the same suit color, but each groomsman chooses a slightly different tie, pocket square, or boutonniere. This creates visual variety while maintaining a cohesive group look. The groom can stand out with a different tie color or a vest.
Coordinated Colors, Different Styles
Each groomsman wears the same shade — say, navy — but in the suit style that fits his body best. One may wear a slim fit, another a classic fit. The matching color holds the group together in photos, while each groomsman looks his personal best. This approach requires a store with multiple cut options in the same color.
Step 3: Handle Different Body Types
No two groomsmen are built the same. One may be 5'8" and slim, another 6'3" and athletic, and a third somewhere in between. The solution is not to force everyone into the same size — it is to put everyone in the same color and let tailoring do the work.
At GA SuitWarehouse, we measure each groomsman individually. Our in-house tailor adjusts each suit at the shoulders, chest, waist, sleeves, and trouser hem. The result: every suit looks like it was made for the person wearing it, and the group looks coordinated — not cookie-cutter. Learn more about proper tailoring in our suit alterations guide.
This is one of the biggest advantages of buying over renting. Rental companies ship generic sizes. If a groomsman falls between sizes, he is stuck with the closer option. A purchased suit is altered to his exact body.
Step 4: Coordinate Shirts, Ties, and Accessories
Once the suit color is set, layer in the details:
- Shirts: A white dress shirt is the safest foundation and works with any suit color. Light blue is a strong alternative with navy or grey suits.
- Ties: Match your wedding palette. If bridesmaid dresses are sage, consider sage or muted green ties. Solid colors are easier to coordinate than patterns across a group.
- Pocket squares: Keep it simple — a white linen pocket square in a flat fold works with everything and adds a polished detail.
- Shoes: Brown leather for navy, grey, and tan suits. Black leather for black or charcoal suits. Make sure all groomsmen wear the same color family, even if styles vary.
- Belts: Match the shoe color. A brown belt with brown shoes, black belt with black shoes.
Step 5: Set the Groom Apart
The groom should stand out from his groomsmen without looking disconnected. Common ways to differentiate:
- Wear the same suit color but add a vest or waistcoat
- Choose a different tie color from the groomsmen
- Wear a darker shade of the same color family (dark navy vs medium navy)
- Add a more elaborate boutonniere
- Wear a different suit entirely — a lighter or darker shade that complements the group
The goal is subtle distinction. In wedding photos, guests should be able to spot the groom immediately without the group looking mismatched.
The Shopping Timeline
Here is the timeline that works for most wedding parties in Gainesville, GA:
- 8+ weeks out: The groom picks the suit color and style. Come to GA SuitWarehouse together or individually.
- 6–8 weeks out: All groomsmen are measured and fitted. Out-of-town members can send measurements.
- 3–4 weeks out: Alterations are completed. Everyone tries on final suits.
- 1 week out: Final check. Pick up suits if not already taken home.
The earlier you start, the less stressful the process. We have seen weddings where the groom waits until two weeks before and options become limited. Give yourself time.
Why Buying Beats Renting for Groomsmen
The math on buying vs renting groomsmen suits is clear. A quality suit at GA SuitWarehouse costs $150 to $300 — roughly the same as a premium rental. But there are key differences:
- Purchased suits are tailored; rentals are generic
- Each groomsman keeps his suit for future events
- No return deadlines or late fees
- No risk of a suit arriving in the wrong size days before the wedding
- Color consistency is guaranteed when suits come from the same store and batch
For a deeper comparison, read our guide on buying vs renting a suit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all groomsmen have to wear the exact same suit?
No. Matching groomsmen used to mean identical suits from head to toe, but modern weddings embrace coordinated looks that allow individuality. The most popular approach is choosing a consistent suit color — like navy or charcoal — and letting groomsmen vary their ties, pocket squares, or shirt colors. Another option is having the best man wear a slightly different shade or style to stand out. At GA SuitWarehouse in Gainesville, GA, we help wedding parties find a unified look that works across different body types and personal styles.
How far in advance should groomsmen shop for suits?
Groomsmen should start shopping at least 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. This allows time for everyone to come in for measurements, order any sizes not in stock, complete alterations, and handle any last-minute adjustments. If your wedding party includes out-of-town groomsmen, add extra time for coordinating visits. At GA SuitWarehouse, we can measure in-store groomsmen first and guide remote members on measurements to ensure consistency across the entire party.
What is the best groomsmen suit color for a wedding?
Navy and charcoal are the two most versatile groomsmen suit colors. Navy works beautifully at both outdoor and indoor venues, photographs well in natural light, and pairs with nearly any bridesmaid dress color. Charcoal is slightly more formal and ideal for evening ceremonies or church weddings. Medium grey works well for spring and summer weddings, while black is best reserved for very formal or black-tie events. The groom should pick a color that complements the venue and season, then have groomsmen match that color.
Should groomsmen buy or rent their suits?
Buying is almost always the better option for groomsmen. A purchased suit costs $150 to $300 — similar to a quality rental — but the groomsman keeps the suit for future events. More importantly, purchased suits are tailored to each groomsman's body, which means the wedding photos will look significantly better than if everyone is wearing generic rental sizes. At GA SuitWarehouse, groomsmen can buy matching suits with in-house alterations, ensuring a consistent, well-fitted look across the entire party.
Can groomsmen with different body types still look coordinated?
Absolutely. The key to coordinating groomsmen of different sizes is consistent color and proper tailoring — not identical sizing. When every suit is the same shade and each groomsman has his suit altered to fit his specific body, the group looks unified in photos regardless of height, weight, or build differences. This is one of the biggest advantages of buying over renting: a purchased suit can be tailored at the shoulders, chest, waist, sleeves, and hem. At GA SuitWarehouse, we fit each groomsman individually while maintaining the same overall look.
Bring Your Wedding Party In
The best way to coordinate groomsmen suits is to come in together. At GA SuitWarehouse in Gainesville, GA, we can fit your entire party in one visit — measuring each groomsman, pulling matching suits in every size, and scheduling alterations so everything is ready weeks before the big day.
Walk in any day — no appointment needed. We are inside Lakeshore Mall at 150 Pearl Nix Pkwy, open Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday 12 PM to 6 PM.