Summer is finally here, which means wedding season is just getting started. Once the invites start stacking up, you’ll probably be asking yourself an important question: “What should a man wear to an outdoor summer wedding?”
Don’t sweat the dress code—we’re here to guide you through every step on the way. We’ll go over the ins and outs of outdoor weddings, and even provide some pieces to help you start getting your fit together for any summer wedding.
The Basics of Dressing for a Summer Wedding
- Check the wedding invitation or website for a dress code. This will give you a clear idea of what’s expected. And if you happen to be a groomsman, pay attention to any specific requirements for your attire. You may need to look for men’s ties and suits in a specific color or style.
- Find out where the ceremony and reception will be held. If you’ll only be outdoors for the ceremony before heading into an air-conditioned venue for the reception, you won’t have to worry too much about your fabric choice. On the other hand, if the whole event is taking place outdoors, it’s wise to prioritize lightweight and breathable clothing.
- Consider the climate, especially if it’s a destination wedding. June on the Gulf Coast feels completely different from June in the Rocky Mountains, so take the weather into account when planning your ensemble.
Essential Men’s Outdoor Wedding Attire Tips
- Check the Weather: Don’t just check the temperature. Look at the humidity, chance of rain, and wind speed. This will inform everything from your fabric choice to whether you need a stylish hat or a pocketable umbrella.
- Confirm Venue Surfaces: Are you going to be on a manicured lawn, a sandy beach, or a rustic patio? Your footwear choice depends heavily on this. Avoid shoes that will sink into soft ground.
- Plan for Shade (or a Lack Thereof): A stylish pair of sunglasses is a must. If the dress code allows, a Panama hat or other tasteful straw hat can be a lifesaver during a sun-drenched ceremony.
- Bring Breathable Layers: Even on a hot day, a breeze can pick up as evening falls. A lightweight, unlined sport coat or a linen blend vest adds polish and can be easily removed if you get too warm.
- Pack a Backup Shirt: If you’re driving to the venue and anticipate heavy perspiration, consider bringing a second dress shirt to change into before the reception. You’ll feel instantly refreshed.
- Apply Sunscreen: A sunburn does not make a good wedding accessory. Apply a non-greasy, broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed skin before you get dressed.
What Fabrics Are Best for Men’s Summer Wedding Attire?
Choosing the right fabric is the secret to staying cool and comfortable when dressing for an outdoor summer wedding. Heavy wools are out; lightweight, breathable materials are in. Linen is the quintessential summer fabric, prized for its exceptional coolness and relaxed texture. Its main drawback is its tendency to wrinkle, but this is often seen as part of its charm for more casual events. Cotton, especially in a poplin, chambray, or seersucker weave, is another excellent choice. Seersucker’s puckered texture is designed to keep fabric off the skin, promoting air circulation. For a more formal look, consider tropical-weight wool. This is a lightweight, open-weave wool that offers the elegant drape of a traditional suit without the heat. Finally, modern performance blends often incorporate stretch and moisture-wicking properties, providing comfort and a sharp look throughout the day and night.
- Linen: Best for Casual to Semi-Formal dress codes (e.g., beach or garden weddings).
- Cotton & Seersucker: Perfect for Casual and Semi-Formal events.
- Tropical Wool: The top choice for Formal and Semi-Formal occasions.
- Performance Blends: A versatile option suitable for most dress codes, especially if you anticipate dancing.
Formal Men’s Attire for a Summer Wedding
If the wedding has a formal dress code, a full suit is a must. But if the thought of spending a summer evening in a full wool fit makes you break out in a sweat—don’t panic! You have plenty of other fabric options. Your choice is only limited if the invite specifies “black tie” or “black tie optional,” in which case you’ll need a tuxedo or a traditional dark suit.
For a formal wedding where heat is a concern, linen suits are an ideal fit. Although these lighter suits are technically less formal, they make an outdoor summer wedding much more comfortable, so they’re usually an acceptable alternative. Structured linen suits have linings that gives them a more defined look suited for formal settings. If you want to add another layer of elegance to your ensemble, grab a lightly lined vest for good measure. Choose one in a statement color or subtle print for an extra dash of personality.
Semi-Formal Men’s Attire for a Summer Wedding
If the dress code is semi-formal, you have more flexibility to create a smart summer look that showcases your personal style. A dress shirt and dress pants are usually a good starting point. If the weather permits, it’s a good idea to add an extra layer of polish with a jacket. Opt for lightweight fabrics like linen, stretch cotton blends, or seersucker for optimal comfort.
Suit separates are a smart choice for semi-formal weddings. These allow you to mix and match styles, colors, and fabrics to find a combo that complements your taste. Solid-colored shirts are the norm for formal weddings, but when it comes to semi-formal dress, feel free to brighten up your look with a patterned shirt. A sport coat is also a fantastic option, with a wide variety of patterns available to match any shirt and pant pairing.
Outdoor Cocktail Wedding Attire for Men
Cocktail attire for an outdoor summer wedding strikes a balance between formal and relaxed. It’s an invitation to showcase personality while remaining polished. Think suits in lighter colors like tan, light gray, or shades of blue. You can also break up the suit with smart separates. A well-fitted sport coat in a seasonal color or a subtle pattern (like plaid or windowpane) paired with complementary dress trousers is a perfect move. Footwear can be slightly more relaxed; leather loafers, derbies, or dressy monk straps are all excellent choices. Accessorize with a playful pocket square or a knit tie to add texture and a pop of color. Here are two outfit ideas:
Classic & Crisp: A tailored suit in a light tan linen blend, a crisp white dress shirt (no tie), a brown leather belt with matching brown leather loafers, and a subtly patterned pocket square.
Modern & Bold: A navy seersucker sport coat, a light blue dress shirt, white or stone-colored chinos, and tan suede derbies. This combination is a perfect example of what to wear to an outdoor wedding as a male guest looking to make a stylish impression.
Casual/Smart Casual Men’s Attire for a Summer Wedding
What if the dress code is casual or smart casual? This doesn’t mean you can show up in a T-shirt and ripped jeans, but you do have more freedom to experiment. For a laid-back yet stylish look, try pairing a lightweight button-down shirt with a pair of chinos. If you’re feeling a bit more sophisticated, add a light sport coat to elevate your outfit.
Feeling adventurous? There are plenty of fun options when you’re dressing for a casual wedding. Consider trying out men’s vests, polo shirts, bold patterns, dark jeans, or even shorts! (Note: Shorts aren’t always acceptable, even at casual weddings, so be sure to check with your hosts first.) Don’t be afraid to to get creative, and don’t forget to add a few accessories like a watch or belt to complete your ensemble.
Men’s Outdoor and Garden Wedding Guest Outfits
Garden, vineyard, and backyard weddings call for attire that complements the natural beauty of the setting. This is your chance to embrace lighter color palettes—think sage green, sky blue, beige, and pastel shades. Floral or microprint shirts can be a tasteful nod to the surroundings. The right garden wedding attire for men is all about looking sharp without appearing out of place. Footwear is crucial; opt for shoes with a solid sole like loafers, derbies, or dressy boat shoes that won’t sink into the grass. Here is a mini-lookbook for inspiration:
- The Sophisticated Vineyard Guest: A lightweight sport coat in sage green or soft blue, paired with crisp white trousers. Go tieless with a light-colored dress shirt and finish with brown suede loafers.
- The Polished Garden Party Attendee: A seersucker or light gray cotton suit, a pastel-colored shirt (like lilac or mint), and a woven leather belt. This look is a prime example of stellar outdoor wedding attire for men.
- The Backyard-Chic Guest: For the most casual settings, pair well-fitting, high-quality chinos in stone or navy with a short-sleeved button-down shirt featuring a tasteful print. Complete the look with clean, leather sneakers or boat shoes.
Men’s Shoes for a Summer Wedding
For most summer weddings, your footwear options will be basically the same as any other season. For formal and semi-formal occasions, elegant men’s shoes like Oxfords or loafers are a perfect choice. If you’re wearing a lighter-colored suit, opt for softer shades, like a pair of brown cap toe Oxfords.
The only notable change in footwear comes with a casual or smart casual dress code, where you might be able to get away with wearing slip-ons. If you decide to go this route, consider grabbing a pair of loafers to maintain an air of class. Alternatively, loafers, deck shoes, or dressy sneakers can all work well for these weddings.
Key Accessories for Outdoor Summer Weddings
- Ties, Bow Ties, & Pocket Squares: For formal events, a silk tie is standard. For semi-formal or cocktail attire, consider a linen or knit tie for seasonal texture. A pocket square is a must to add a dash of color or pattern. Do: Match your metals (watch, belt buckle). Don’t: Exactly match your tie and pocket square pattern; they should complement, not clone.
- Belts and Suspenders: A leather belt matching your shoes is a timeless choice. For a more formal or vintage feel, suspenders are a great option, but never wear both at the same time.
- Sunglasses & Hats: A classic pair of sunglasses (think Wayfarers or Aviators) is essential for a daytime ceremony. Remove them for photos and once the sun sets. A tasteful Panama or straw fedora can be appropriate for more casual daytime weddings but should be removed during the ceremony and indoors.
- Functional Extras: Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking dress socks to keep your feet comfortable. A simple, elegant watch adds a touch of sophistication. Consider tucking a clean linen handkerchief in your pocket; it’s classier than a paper napkin for dabbing away perspiration.
What should a man wear to an outdoor summer wedding? More looks here!
Looking for more ways to style your summer wedding look? Check out these six summer wedding styles for men to find something that suits you perfectly. Can’t get enough of linen? Explore our linen and summer clothing selection and get yourself a fresh fit.