For grooms, with so much focus and attention that goes into “the big day” and finding the perfect suit it is easy for anything beyond the wedding itself to sartorially fall by the wayside. It is a common adage that individuals never feel or look as good as they do on their wedding day but what a sorry state of affairs to accept an entire lifetime of never feeling your very best again! Contributing Menswear editor Cristo Bussmann-Stuart gives his insight into how to maintain that perfect suit feeling from the day after the big day, to the airport and off on that honeymoon.
With engagement drinks, stag do, rehearsal dinners, receptions, and the wedding breakfast itself, the formal list of events associated to your wedding can easily begin looking like a Glastonbury set list, enjoyable but low-key daunting. And that is ignoring the spontaneous cocktail evening your great-aunt now wants to put on in your honour two evenings’ prior. However when it comes to what to wear, there are comforting standards for these build-up events where in absolute necessity a white shirt, pressed trousers and favourite shoe is going to do the job.
So what to do when the deed is done? Having committed yourself to another in love and longevity do you take the infamous words of the late Karl Lagerfeld give up on your life and buy some sweatpants or do you build upon that epic feeling of confidence and personal power you embodied when you walked down the aisle?
My answer would be that you can do a little bit of both. Be yours a wedding which ends with carriages at 10pm sharp or one which ends with lord-knows-what-on-the-rocks at 6am it is more than likely that you will feel utterly exhausted the next day. This calls for activewear supreme (Sorry Karl). This can vary extensively from truer activewear brands like Lululemon who’s science of feel ethos you will welcome the day after (I personally recommend their Steady State range which comes with various colour combinations), to those with a sporty spin however you won’t be getting a second use out of at the gym like the sweats sets of Brunello Cucinelli (for those who like an understated but elevated feel) or Casablanca for those more comfortable with statement labels. Wearing a set from nightwear specialist Hanro is the closest equivalent to curling up in a ball on the sofa and being gently caressed to sleep whilst remaining presentable enough to cater to the follow up queries of the in-laws and distant cousins. Whatever the choice ensure you’ve got this look planned and ready to go so you aren’t having to think about dressing when that last whisky is recurring on you.
Lululemon Steady State Half Zip – £108
Brunello Cucinelli Terry Hooded Sweatshirt – £820
Casablanca Navy Embroidered Logo Sweater – £365 Trousers – £385
Hanro Smartwear Jacket £170 – Trousers – £140
The requirements for clothes to travel in can differ hugely dependent on the distance so I will generalise that your honeymoon is likely to swing in favour of the long-distance odds. Again this calls for comfort which can cover a myriad of aesthetics. The pinnacle of luxury is the cashmere tracksuit starting with Loro Piana and working back from their as budget allows. My recommendation is to find one with a full zip -through front on the hoodie for easier changing in plane cabins. If knits are not your thing, sweatshirt/terry cloth equivalents are a lower price point alternative which still make a cohesive style statement. Trending brands here would be the likes of Fear Of God Essentials and Pangaia who have every colour imaginable to match your latest Nike’s or Air Force Ones.
Loro Piana Baby Cashmere Cable Knit Bomber – £1890
Fear Of God Essentials Fullzip Jacket – £245
Pangaia Wide Fit Zipped Hoodie £165, Trackpants £135
At the other end of the spectrum if you are a man who cant be without a jacket when he travels make sure its “collapsible”. This isn’t time to get a second use out of the wedding dinner jacket just because it came from Saville Row. Look out for terms like “deconstructed”, “unlined”, “jersey” and “fluid” in the description. You want a fabric that folds, stretches and doesn’t crease. Even if travelling to hotter climes I would avoid linen which has no give and will not keep you warm if the cabin ventilation goes arctic. A well selected jacket paired back to an soft fabric pair of trousers and easy base layer will look effortlessly chic. Round it out with a relaxed-form suede slip on shoe and your partner will want to marry you all over again and it’s only day two.
Organic Cotton Twill Blazer from Mr P – £235
Stretch Cotton Prepster Trousers from Polo Ralph Lauren – £149
Collapsible Heel Suede Loafers from Mulo – £165
A quality cabin bag is an essential and should be invested into. This does not necessarily mean luxury is better. Interestingly, there are very few producers of suitcase wheels globally and key brands have huge control over the supply chains of these somewhat critical components. Ergo the dearth of quality carry-ons which last more than a few trips.
A classic Samsonite is hard to beat there is a reason their C-Lite 55cm Spinner is one of the most widely sold on the market. The polyvinyl casing is incredibly resistant and the wheel construction allows for movement in all directions for a perfect glide.
Away is a new comer to the market but making waves hitting the top position in many 2023 lists of best carry-ons. So far reviews would indicate the hype is worth it. With a sleek aesthetic, matt finish colours and a price positioning economically lower than the nearest quality competitor its certainly an attractive option.
As mentioned I strongly suggest luggage specialists for maximum return on investment however if you adore your designers don’t waste time and head to Louis Vuitton. The brand began as a maker of trunks for horse driven coaches so travel is in the brands heritage. Furthermore the treatment on LV canvas is resistant and less prone to scratching than other designers who choose softer leather as a matter of style over substance.
Samsonite C-Lite Cabin Spinner 55cm – £419
Louis Vuitton Horizon 55 Suitcase Monogram Tourillon Leather – £3600
Honeymoon attire will vary hugely dependent on the location with different climates deserving of their own review, so you will have to check back in over the coming months for what to pack into said carry on.
Just remember be it mountain or be it an island it doesn’t matter what you wear it is the effort you put in to present yourself as the best version of you and sharing this with your partner will keep you with that wedding day feeling.
Related Article: Chic Outfits To Pack For You Honeymoon
