The Lab Archives

Got a wedding coming up? Nice. Now let’s make sure you show up looking sharp — but not like you’re trying to steal the couple’s thunder. Weddings are all about good vibes, good outfits, and celebrating people you care about. Consider this your no-stress guide to dressing right. 1. First Things First: Don’t Overthink It Before you get lost in colours, fabrics and dress codes, here are a few easy rules to keep in your back pocket: Don’t outshine the bride and groom. It’s their moment, not your runway. Avoid super loud outfits. You want to be noticed for looking good, not for blinding everyone in the room. Stick to the basics. A clean suit, proper shirt, tie, and real dress shoes will do wonders. Follow the dress code. If the invite says something specific, go with it, it saves you guessing later. Give yourself time. If you need tailoring, don’t leave it to the night before. (Trust us.) 2. Think About When & Where A few quick checks help you nail the vibe: Day vs night: Day weddings are usually a little more relaxed. Nights lean more formal. Summer vs winter: Hot weather? Lighter fabrics, lighter colours. Cooler weather? Richer colours and slightly heavier suits. Beach, garden, ballroom? Every venue has a personality. A vineyard wedding hits different to a CBD hotel wedding. Religious venues: Some spaces have expectations (covered shoulders, etc.). If unsure, just ask. 3. Decoding Dress Codes Casual / Relaxed Still neat, still stylish — but chill. A blazer or sports jacket with chinos works great. Long-sleeve shirt, loafers or dress shoes. Jeans and sneakers? Save them for Sunday brunch. Smart Casual A little more polished. A structured jacket, tailored trousers, and an open-neck shirt. Tie optional depending on the vibe. Cocktail / Semi-FormalThis is classic wedding guest territory. A navy or charcoal suit, crisp shirt, proper tie. Black or dark brown leather dress shoes. A pocket square gives you bonus points. Black Tie Formal mode activated. Tuxedo (black or midnight blue), white dress shirt, black bow tie. Shiny leather shoes. No shortcuts here — follow the code. 4. Build the Outfit Like a Pro Here’s the cheat sheet: Suit: Navy or charcoal for most weddings. Lighter colours for daytime/outdoor settings. Shirt: White is the safest; light blue works too. Tie: Keep it tasteful and not too loud — you’re a guest, not best man (unless you are). Shoes: Leather dress shoes only. Black for formal; brown for daytime.  Accessories: Pocket square = effortless style. Lapel flower? Go small. Don’t accidentally look like part of the bridal party. Socks: have fun, but don’t go full cartoon mode. 5. A Few “Please Don’ts” Don’t wear white. That’s bride territory. Don’t go overboard with crazy colours or oversized florals. Don’t wear sneakers, thongs or anything you'd wear to Bunnings. Don’t overdress. Turning up in morning tails to a backyard wedding = no. 6. Final Tip: Enjoy the Day The best-dressed guests aren’t the ones in the fanciest suits — they’re the ones who look comfortable, confident, and appropriate for the moment. Pick an outfit that feels like you, fits the dress code, and lets you relax, enjoy the food, have a laugh, and maybe even hit the dance floor without worrying about your collar popping off. Weddings are about celebrating love — your outfit is just the supporting act.

When the occasion calls for black tie, only one garment stands above the rest: the tuxedo. A symbol of timeless elegance, a tuxedo is more than just a suit, it’s a statement. Whether you’re heading down the aisle, attending a gala, or celebrating a milestone, every detail should be intentional. The Jacket: The Centrepiece of Sophistication Lapel — The lapel sets the tone. Options include shawl (rounded and elegant), peak (sharp and authoritative), notch (less common in tuxedos but usable for relaxed elegance) and bib (fashion-forward statement). At Suit Lab we lean classic: a shawl or peak in a rich wool body, satin or grosgrain facing. Buttons — Traditional tuxedos feature a single button for a clean, minimalist aesthetic, often covered in satin/grosgrain matching the lapel. Shoulders & Structure — The right shoulder finish defines the silhouette. A lightly padded or soft Neapolitan shoulder offers comfortable elegance; a structured shoulder delivers sharper presence. Customisation Tip: Choose a fabric-matched lapel facing, decide the shoulder roll you prefer, and consider a refined width that matches your frame.  The Trousers: Streamlined and Elegant Tuxedo trousers should be sleek and refined, no cuffs, no belt loops. Key features: Side adjusters (so no belt needed) A satin side-stripe running down the leg to match the lapel Flat front (clean modern line) Customisation Tip: Opt for brace buttons if you’ll wear suspenders, and be precise about break and hem so the line remains sharp. The Shirt: Crisp and Considered Your tux shirt matters just as much as the jacket or trousers. Key features: Bib front (pleated or pique) adds texture and formality French cuffs (for cufflinks) Choice of wingtip collar (perfect with bow tie) or spread collar (a softer, modern alternative) Customisation Tip: Consider contrast buttons or studs, even an embroidered cuff-monogram, or match bib texture to the lapel style. The Accessories: Finishing Touches No tux is complete without the right accessories: Bow tie – always hand-tied, matching the lapel facing in satin/grosgrain Cummerbund or waistcoat – optional but adds polish Pocket square – keep it crisp white, folded simply Shoes – patent leather or high-polish black lace-ups Customisation Tip: For subtle personal flair, add a monogram inside the jacket, or a custom lining that peeks when you open the jacket. The Fit: The Most Important Element No matter how fine the fabric or how classic the cut, nothing matters more than the fit. Custom fit means proportions tailored to your body: shoulder slope, torso length, pant rise, leg taper, etc. A well-cut tux elegantly defines the frame and moves with you, without awkward bunching or excess fabric. Customisation Tip: At your fitting, fine-tune all elements — jacket length, sleeve pitch, trouser break, pocket height — it’s all part of the custom experience at Suit Lab. A tuxedo isn’t just worn. It’s carried—with poise, with purpose, and with confidence. When it’s properly crafted and tailored, every stitch tells a story that off-the-rack simply can’t. With the right tux from Suit Lab, you’re not just dressed for the occasion, you own the moment.

Navigating wedding dress codes can feel like a secret language—“black tie optional,” “cocktail attire,” “garden formal”—all a little vague. At Suit Lab, we believe your invite should be the start of your style, not a guessing game. Let’s decode them together. Why Dress Codes Matter The dress code sets the tone for the event, formal, relaxed or somewhere in between. When you get it right, you feel relaxed, confident and respectful of the celebration. When you get it wrong, you risk standing out for the wrong reasons. So we recommend: if a dress code is specified, lean into it. It shows you’re a guest who cares. The Common Codes & What They Really Mean Smart Casual: A great choice for daytime or informal weddings. For men: a tailored blazer or sports jacket with chinos or dress trousers and a collared shirt, ditch the tie for a relaxed feel. Cocktail Attire: A step up. Here you’ll want a full suit, preferably in navy, charcoal or a tasteful pattern. A tie or bow adds polish; pocket square optional but recommended. Lounge Suit / Jacket & Tie: This is the “suit and tie” expectation. Matching jacket and trousers (no chinos or jeans), crisp shirt, and tie or bow tie. Optional extras like cuff-links and a fine watch elevate the look. Formal / Black Tie Optional: Evening weddings or grand venues. You’ll want at least a dark suit with tie; better yet a tuxedo or dinner jacket if you have one. Black Tie: Tuxedo, white dress shirt, bow tie, formal shoes. Ladies will be in an elegant evening gown or cocktail-length dress in a refined fabric. White Tie: The rarest and most formal. Tailcoat, white vest, white bow tie for men; full-length ball gown, elegant accessories for women. How to Choose the Right Suit for the Code Match the fabric and cut to the formality: wool worsted or flannel for formal events; lighter wools or wool-blends for less formal. Choose colour based on time of day and venue: Daytime = lighter tones like medium grey or navy; evening = deeper navy or black. Accessories make the difference: A simple suit can look very different with or without tie, pocket square or cuff-links. If the code is higher formality, bring the extras. Consider venue & season: Outdoor garden or beach weddings can mean fewer formal fabrics and lighter tones, even under a cocktail dress code. Dress codes aren’t about limiting style, they’re your roadmap to looking and feeling your best at someone’s big day. With the right suit from Suit Lab, you’ll arrive poised, sharp and warmly welcomed into the celebration. You’re there to join in the joy, so wear something that lets you enjoy it fully!