When the temperature rises and wedding season kicks into high gear, knowing how to dress appropriately for a summer wedding is essential. Especially if you're a guest, groomsman, or even the groom. The key to the perfect summer wedding suit lies in fabric, fit, and color. Here’s a guide to the best types of suits to help you stay cool and look sharp under the sun. Regardless of whether the wedding is indoors or outdoors.

1. Lightweight Fabrics Are a Must For Summer Wedding Suits

Linen Suits
Linen is the quintessential summer fabric. It’s light, breathable, and has a relaxed, natural texture that looks especially stylish at outdoor weddings. While linen wrinkles easily, many consider the casual crinkles part of its charm. Choose soft shades like beige, light blue, or sage green for a breezy, effortless look.

Cotton Suits
Cotton suits offer a great mix of structure and comfort. They’re less prone to wrinkling than linen but still breathable enough for warm weather. Look for brushed cotton or cotton blends for added softness and style. These suits work well for semi-formal or garden weddings.

Seersucker Suits
If you want to stand out and stay cool, seersucker is a classic summer option. This puckered cotton fabric is known for its texture and airflow. A blue-and-white stripe seersucker suit is bold but fun. Especially fitting for Southern-style or beach weddings.

Wool-Linen Blends
For those who want a more structured appearance with better wrinkle resistance, wool-linen blends are a great middle ground. These suits maintain their shape better than pure linen while still offering breathability.

2. Choose Lighter Colors For Your Summer Wedding Suit

Color plays a major role in how comfortable and stylish you’ll be at a summer wedding. Dark suits may be classic, but they tend to absorb heat and feel heavy in warm weather. Lighter colors not only reflect sunlight and help you stay cool, but they also evoke a fresh, seasonal vibe that’s perfect for summer celebrations.

Light Gray
Light gray is a universally flattering and versatile choice. It offers a polished, modern look while still keeping things airy and season-appropriate. A light gray suit works well for both formal and semi-formal weddings, especially when paired with a white or pale blue shirt. You can dress it up with a navy tie or go casual with no tie and loafers.

Beige, Tan, or Khaki
Neutral earthy tones like beige, tan, or khaki are staples for outdoor weddings, especially those held in rustic or natural settings. These shades pair beautifully with warm lighting, greenery, and soft florals common in summer venues. They also offer flexibility in styling, looking equally sharp with a patterned shirt or a bold pocket square for a pop of personality.

Pastels
Soft pastel tones—such as dusty blue, mint green, lavender, blush pink, or even pale yellow—can make a bold yet tasteful statement. Pastel suits exude personality and charm, making them ideal for creative or less traditional wedding themes. These colors are especially popular at beach weddings, garden ceremonies, or vintage-inspired events. Keep accessories simple to let the color speak for itself.

Cream, Off-White, or Ivory
For a truly refined summer look, cream or ivory suits stand out. Especially for grooms looking to differentiate themselves from the guests. These colors work well at beach weddings or high-end venues where the setting feels elegant and breezy. Pair with a white or soft pastel shirt and minimal accessories for a clean, sophisticated look.

Light Blue or Powder Blue
Shades of blue are always a favorite, and going with lighter hues like sky blue or powder blue gives a crisp, summery feel. These colors bring a youthful energy while still maintaining formality. They work especially well when paired with brown leather shoes and subtle patterned ties or pocket squares.

3. Consider the Venue and Dress Code

While summer wedding suits should keep you cool and comfortable, it’s equally important to match your look to the venue and level of formality. A beach wedding has very different expectations than a black-tie evening affair. Understanding the setting and dress code will help you choose a suit that’s not only seasonally appropriate but also respectful of the occasion.

Beach Wedding
Beach weddings tend to be the most relaxed in terms of dress code. The goal is to look stylish without appearing overdressed or uncomfortable. A breathable linen or cotton suit in light colors like beige, sand, or pale blue fits the setting perfectly. Many guests and even grooms skip the tie altogether, opting for an open collar shirt. Footwear can also be more relaxed—loafers, boat shoes, or even dressy sandals are common. For very casual beach weddings, you might even wear just dress trousers and a breezy button-down shirt.

Best suit options:

Linen suit or linen-blend separates

Colors: tan, cream, light gray, pastel blue

Shoes: loafers, espadrilles, or dress sandals

Garden Wedding
Garden weddings strike a balance between relaxed and elegant. Think floral backdrops, soft lighting, and a whimsical atmosphere. Cotton or cotton-linen blend suits work well here, especially in lighter neutrals or soft pastels. Since these weddings often have a touch of romantic charm, consider playful accessories—a floral tie, a patterned pocket square, or a textured blazer.

Best suit options:

Cotton or cotton-linen blends

Colors: sage green, blush, dove gray, light navy

Shoes: brown or tan leather brogues or oxfords

Formal Summer Wedding
A formal or black-tie wedding in the summer still calls for elevated attire, but there are smart ways to adapt to the heat. Lightweight wool suits or tuxedos in lighter shades (like charcoal or slate gray instead of black) can help keep you cooler without compromising elegance. A classic black tuxedo is still acceptable, especially for evening weddings, but look for unlined or half-lined jackets and moisture-wicking dress shirts. You can also consider a white dinner jacket with black trousers—a timeless warm-weather formal look.

Best Wedding suit  Materials

Lightweight wool or wool-silk blends

Colors: charcoal, slate gray, midnight blue, or white dinner jacket

Shoes: polished leather oxfords or patent loafers

City Rooftop Wedding
Modern rooftop weddings often have a chic, urban vibe. Slim-fit suits in lightweight materials like cotton or tropical wool work well. You can take more style risks here—think tonal outfits, patterned shirts, or bold accessories. Tailoring is key in these settings; your suit should be crisp and clean to match the sleek venue.

Best suit options:

Slim-fit cotton, linen-blend, or tropical wool

Colors: steel blue, soft gray, dusty rose

Shoes: loafers, monk straps, or even clean dress sneakers (if appropriate)

Rustic or Barn Wedding
Rustic weddings usually favor earth tones and laid-back elegance. A textured suit in khaki, olive, or brown paired with suspenders, a floral tie, or boots can create a stylish, on-theme look. These weddings are often held outdoors, so lightweight, breathable fabrics are still essential.

Best suit options:

Cotton or linen in warm earth tones

Colors: tan, olive, rust, warm gray

Shoes: leather boots or dress shoes with texture (like suede)

Bonus Tip: Always check the invitation for clues. Phrases like "casual," "cocktail attire," or "black tie optional" can help guide your outfit choice. When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed—but in summer, doing it with breathable fabrics and smart color choices will keep you both stylish and comfortable.

Need A Summer Wedding Suit Rental?

Dressing for a summer wedding doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort for style. By choosing breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, or lightweight wool, and leaning into lighter, seasonally appropriate colors, you can stay cool while looking your best. Always take the venue and dress code into account to ensure your outfit fits the occasion. Whether it's a casual beach ceremony or a formal rooftop celebration. With the right suit, you’ll not only beat the heat but also make a lasting impression at any summer wedding. You can count on the team at Monty Formal Wear in Windsor to get you fitted into a comfortable, and great looking suit this Summer for you or your friends wedding.