Groom Suit Guide: Hire, Buy, or Have Made

Most grooms approach suit choice late. This guide explains the three routes — hire, off-the-peg, and made-to-measure — so you can choose the right one for your situation.

Hiring a suit

The cheapest option (£100-£250 for the full outfit) and fastest — most hire shops can kit you out in a week if needed. Good for grooms who do not want to keep the suit, where the wedding party need matching outfits, or where budget is tight. Downsides: fit is rarely as good as bought, materials usually polyester.

Buying off the peg

Mid-range high-street brands: £200-£800. Higher-end ready-to-wear (Reiss, Suit Supply, Hugo Boss): £500-£1,500. Allow time for in-store alterations (2-4 weeks). Good for grooms who will wear the suit again at work or other events.

Made-to-measure or bespoke

Made-to-measure (£800-£2,000): a standard pattern adjusted to your measurements. Bespoke (£2,500-£6,000+): a pattern cut just for you. Both need 8-12 weeks minimum. The difference shows in the fit through shoulders and chest.

Coordinating groomsmen

• Everyone hires from the same shop (easiest)
• Everyone buys the same suit (you pick, they pay)
• Same colour scheme, different cuts to suit different builds
• Groom in something distinct, groomsmen in coordinating but different suit

Things grooms forget

• Shoes — usually a separate spend (£80-£300)
• Shirt — included in hire packages but separate buy otherwise
• Accessories — tie, pocket square, cufflinks (£30-£150)
• Belt or braces
• Socks — yes really

Timing summary

• Hiring: 4-8 weeks before (1 week minimum)
• Off the peg: 8-12 weeks before
• Made-to-measure / bespoke: 4-6 months before

Browse menswear and suit hire.