What to Wear to a Wedding for Men - An Ultimate Guide
When it comes to weddings, the right shirt can make or break your outfit.
Whether you’re the groom, a guest, or part of the wedding party, you’ll want a shirt that looks sharp, fits properly, and complements the occasion.
Too many men settle for off-the-rack shirts that balloon at the waist or pull across the chest. At Tapered, we believe every man deserves a shirt that looks like it was tailored just for him.
Let’s break down the essentials of choosing the perfect wedding shirt.
Can You Wear Just a Shirt to a Wedding?
In most cases, the answer is no. Weddings are special occasions, and with that comes an expectation to step up your outfit.
Sure, there are exceptions — maybe a beach wedding, a rustic barn celebration, or a very relaxed garden ceremony — where you might see people in just a shirt and tie. But generally, turning up without a jacket looks incomplete.
A jacket adds the structure and polish that a shirt on its own simply can’t. Even if your shirt fits perfectly, without that extra layer it can look like you’ve skipped part of the dress code.
The couple, their families, and the day itself deserve more effort than that. Unless the invitation clearly says it’s a casual wedding, assume a full suit is the way to go.
That being said, context matters. For a hot summer wedding outdoors, you might just about get away with a well-fitted shirt, tailored trousers, and smart shoes.
If you do decide to go without a jacket, add a tie or another smart detail to show you’ve still put thought into your outfit.
Personally, I always think it’s better to be slightly overdressed than risk looking like you haven’t made the effort.
What Type of Shirt for a Wedding?
The safest and most versatile choice for any wedding is a formal dress shirt, cut from high-quality cotton or a breathable cotton blend.
Fabrics such as poplin or twill provide a smooth, polished finish ideal for traditional ceremonies, while pinpoint oxford or cotton-linen blends can add texture and breathability for summer or destination weddings.
A well-structured shirt not only holds its shape throughout the day but also looks sharp in photographs—something that matters when the event will be remembered for years to come.
Fit is equally important. A tailored or tapered fit is best, as it follows the natural lines of the body without excess fabric. Unlike overly slim fits, which can feel restrictive, a tapered cut provides comfort while ensuring you look sharp across long ceremonies, receptions, and plenty of movement on the dancefloor.
Seasonality should also guide your choice of fabric. For summer weddings, lightweight options like cotton-linen blends or broadcloth are ideal, as they keep you cool while maintaining structure. Breathability is essential when spending long hours outdoors or in warmer climates.
For winter weddings, slightly heavier weaves such as twill or brushed cotton add warmth and depth without sacrificing refinement. Year-round fabrics like poplin strike the perfect balance, making them a reliable option in most conditions.
Cuff style can also elevate your choice. French cuffs with cufflinks add a layer of formality suited to evening or black-tie weddings, while barrel cuffs offer a more versatile, understated option appropriate for most ceremonies. The key is ensuring the sleeves are properly tailored so they don’t bunch or extend awkwardly beyond your jacket.
What you want to avoid are overtly casual styles. Flannels, chambray, oversized shirts, or anything resembling streetwear don’t belong at a wedding and will look out of place.
Even if the setting feels relaxed, structure and tailoring signal respect for the occasion. A good rule of thumb: if the shirt could double as weekend or pub wear, it’s not the right choice for a wedding.
How Should a Wedding Shirt Fit?
A wedding shirt should fit like it was made for you. That means no billowing fabric, no tight pulling at the buttons, and no awkward gaping at the chest.
The shoulders should align cleanly, the sleeves should allow movement without drowning your arms, and the waist should taper in to follow your natural shape. At Tapered, we’ve engineered shirts specifically for men with broad shoulders and a narrow waist — so you get that tailor-made fit straight off the hanger.
What Shirt Collar for a Wedding?
Your shirt collar might seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in shaping the overall look of your wedding outfit. The right collar frames your face, complements your tie choice, and sets the tone for how formal or relaxed your appearance will be.
For most weddings, spread and cutaway collars are the most versatile and reliable options.
Their wider stance creates space for a variety of tie knots, from a neat four-in-hand to a fuller Windsor, giving you flexibility to match the formality of the occasion. These collars also sit cleanly under a suit jacket, maintaining a sharp, structured look throughout the day.
Point collars—less wide than spread or cutaway—can also work, especially if you prefer a subtler, more traditional appearance. They’re particularly effective for slimmer faces, as the narrower angle helps elongate the look of the jawline.
When it comes to button-down collars, tread carefully.
They’re inherently casual, originally designed for sporting attire, and while they can work for a laid-back beach or rustic barn wedding, they’re generally too informal for anything with a smart or semi-formal dress code.
Unless the wedding explicitly calls for casual wear, it’s better to leave them for office Fridays or weekends.
For black-tie weddings, the choice is straightforward: a wing collar. This formal style is designed to be worn with a bow tie and tuxedo, delivering the sharp, elegant finish expected at the highest level of dress codes. Just make sure the wings sit neatly behind the bow tie and don’t flare awkwardly—it’s a detail that can make or break the look.
It’s also worth considering the structure of the collar itself. Weddings are long events, and a flimsy collar can collapse under a tie or look untidy in photos.
Opt for shirts with reinforced or semi-stiff collars that hold their shape without feeling uncomfortable. Collar stays can also help maintain crisp lines through the ceremony and reception.
What Colour Shirt Should You Wear to a Wedding?
When it comes to picking the right shirt colour for a wedding, I always think about three things: how formal the day is, the season, and what suit I’m wearing.
You can never go wrong with a crisp white shirt. It’s the classic choice that works with just about any suit — black, navy, grey, or even lighter shades like beige.
It also photographs really well, which is important when the day is going to be remembered for years. That’s why you’ll often see grooms, groomsmen, and anyone heading to an evening wedding reach for white.
Light blue is another favourite of mine, especially for daytime or summer weddings. It’s still smart and formal but adds a bit more softness than white, particularly when paired with a navy or grey suit.
For spring or destination weddings, I think subtle pastels like pale pink or soft lilac can look great too. They bring some personality to your outfit without crossing the line into being flashy.
What I’d avoid are colours that shout for attention. Bright reds, neon tones, or bold patterns can end up looking distracting and out of place.
Even black shirts, which can look sleek, are tricky. They usually feel too harsh unless you’re going to an evening event and you’ve styled them carefully with a lighter suit.
My rule of thumb is to stick with lighter, neutral tones. White if you want timeless polish, light blue if you want a touch of variety, and pastels if the setting feels right.
That way, you’ll look sharp, respectful, and perfectly in step with the occasion — without ever upstaging the groom.
Matching Shirts with Suits at Weddings
Getting the shirt and suit combination right is crucial. Heres my go-to combos:
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Black suit: Works best with a crisp white shirt, it's timeless.
Grey suit: Pairs well with white, light blue, or even soft pink for a modern touch.
Blue suit: Complements white, pale blue, or subtle patterned shirts.
Navy suit: Looks sharp with a white shirt or can be softened with a pale pastel tone
Can You Wear Short Sleeve Shirts to a Wedding?
Short sleeve shirts are rarely recommended for weddings, but they can be acceptable at very casual, summer, or beach weddings.
If you do wear one, make sure it’s fitted and paired with tailored trousers — never with anything that looks like holiday attire.
Can You Wear a Black Shirt to a Wedding?
A black shirt at a wedding divides opinion. For evening or formal receptions, it can work if styled correctly with a black or dark grey suit.
However, it’s often seen as too sombre for daytime ceremonies. If in doubt, stick to lighter, more traditional colours.
Are Polo Shirts Appropriate for Weddings?
Polo shirts are not usually considered appropriate for weddings. They are too casual for most ceremonies and receptions.
The only exception might be a very relaxed outdoor or beach wedding where the dress code allows it. Even then, a collared dress shirt is always the safer bet.
Best Wedding Shirts for Men – Tapered Menswear
At Tapered, we know wedding days are high-stakes occasions. That’s why we’ve designed shirts that solve the biggest problem men face: finding a shirt that fits both broad shoulders and a slim waist.
Our men’s wedding shirts are cut to deliver a sharp, tailored appearance straight off the hanger.
From grooms looking for a standout shirt to guests wanting all-day comfort, our formal wedding shirts are engineered to keep you looking sharp from the ceremony to the final dance.
Our revolutionary cut provides a 10" drop from chest to waist.
Fully fitted in chest and shoulders whilst tapering sharply down, giving a tailored look. No more bagginess in the waist.
Enhanced Darts
Expertly tailored darts at the back, for the perfect fit.
Stretch Cotton
Super soft, breathable and allows complete freedom of movement.
Perfect for the office.
With our non obtrusive logo stitched subtly on the wrist makes our TAPERED Fit Shirt ideal for formal occasions.
Tapered Fit Shirts are the true solution to your shirt fitting problem. If you want a shirt that fits your body like it should, check out or best selling shirt here
