Posted by
Our offbeat grooms come in all shapes and sizes and we wouldn't want it any other way. In fact, our groom gear tag should be great fodder for some personal fap boards on Pinterest. But one post in particular sparked a great comment from reader Sillygirl:
This is all lovely for guys who can pull off the skinny-as-a-rail look, but I have a rather big guy who is not built for vests, and jackets are tough. Ideas?
We decided to dig into our archives for groom (and androgynous) styles that can work on all body types. Note: not all of these men are above average size, but they are all wearing styles that are big and tall-friendly.
Jackets
I don't see one dude here at Ricard and Marica's wedding that doesn't look amazing in his jacket. There are a few things you can do to make jackets work well on larger frames. Look for slightly squared shoulders, which will balance you out. Two- and three-button blazers have an elongating effect, which will make you look taller and more streamlined. Side vents in the back of the jacket will give you a little more wiggle room too (since you might end up boogie-ing down, right?) And lastly, empty your pockets of bulky items like cell phones and overstuffed wallets.
[related-post align=”right”]Sweaters and sweater vests are usually a super comfortable alternative to jackets, and a v-neck especially puts the focus on your upper chest. This includes cardigans! Wear them, love them, send me photos.
Dylan and his groomsmen chose pinstriped suits, which matched the Roaring '20s theme and made them all look super snazzed up.
Sarah's groom Ross chose a jacket with squared shoulders that fits him really well. Don't be tempted to get a baggy jacket or you'll end up looking a little ruffled.
Laura's groom Sam went for broke by choosing this amazing greatcoat. It fit their theme and his physique perfectly.
Kilts
Jo and Dan are on the kilt bandwagon and so am I… to say the least. All three of these guys look amazing.
Anne wore a kilt at her and Meghan's wedding too, which shows this style works on everyone!
Jason and Sheila had a Medieval-style wedding, so his flowy shirt, corduroy kilt, leather vest, belt, and bracers are a total win. More proof: Ariel and Dre know this look works for everyone. HOT!
Color!
Daniel and Sauce are both rocking matching ultra-colorful suspenders and bow ties. Don't be afraid of wearing bright or light colors. As long as it fits you well, it will work. If you're still not sure, keep bright colors and patterns isolated to your accessories.
Natalie's groom Nick proves that cream is the new black. There is no reason to limit your choices to only dark colors, especially when your partner is also embracing fabulous colors.
I am loving Jim's goldenrod tan suit at his and Megan's wedding. Plus, the vest + lots of buttons combination is bound to win the day.
Costume, Steampunk, and Renaissance weddings
If you're planning a Renaissance wedding, you basically hit the jackpot for awesome garb for larger guys. Corseted arms and legs, tall boots, flowing tops, lots of vests… there is a lot that can work for you. Ashley and Justin both looked era-appropriate.
Their groomsmen wore these lace-up peasant-style shirts, which look totally comfortable and a little pirate-y.
Evangeline and Corey's garb was modeled after 10th Century Norse Vikings, whose long, belted style seems to work on all body types.
Shannon and Tim had a steampunk theme, and the long coat and vest combination looks fabulous on Tim. I love the belt detail too.
If none of our options feel like a fit, try throwing on an accessory and rocking the shit out of it, like these hats at Katie and Kellan's wedding.
Are you an offbeat groom or a partner looking to kit out your larger groom? We want TIPS!
About the Author: Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark loiters at her local library, makes art, watches movies en masse, plays video and tabletop games, poorly cooks healthy things, cuddles with her feline fur babies, and blogs at BijouxandBits.com.
