Let me start off this with a disclaimer. I am no style master. I’ve picked up a few clothing items throughout the past couple year’s shooting that have stood above the rest, but I crowdsourced a lot of ideas from the best wedding photogs & style masters in the industry. I saw women photographers sharing what they wear on Instagram and never see dude’s giving out recommendations. So for the guy who plays it safe, or wants to branch out a bit and find some great clothes, this is for you.
TL;DR There’s a Pinterest link at the bottom for some visual ideas. The following words are just my ramblings about what me and some other photogs like and why. Enjoy!
First off, I change my outfits based on the attire of the wedding. In my questionnaire I send a couple weeks prior to the wedding I ask what attire the guests were asked to wear. The last thing I want to do is show up casual and everyone is black tie. Also, indoor vs. outdoor venue will change things for me like do I wear a wide brim hat or pull my hair back (long hair, do care.) hahaha. So what makes this entire blog different than just a men’s wedding attire post? Everything needs to be on style, but durable and comfortable enough to hold up for 10 hour+ days.
One last tip before we dive in. I bring a full set of spare clothes in my truck with me to my wedding. From a second set of shoes, a spare pair of underwear, pants, shirt, etc. What happens if I fall in a puddle, or I rip my pants trying to get a cool shot? I still have to photograph the rest of the wedding. I’d prefer to do that in some clean clothes looking fresh. I’ve also had some new dress shoes tear up my feet to the point of limping only 3 hours in to the wedding. I busted out my spare socks, and second pair of shoes and made it through the rest of the day okay.
PANTS
For the best bang for your buck, Zara. Carhartt WIP, Lululemon, and Everlane all make stylish, simple, affordable, comfortable options for men’s pants. The most important thing with pants is the right fit and a good material.
UNDERWEAR
Next up, underwear. If you’re like me, you prefer boxer briefs. This got weird real quick.
STANCE
These bad boys aren’t cheap but you can feel the quality the second you put them on. Super breathable (KEY) and anti-microbial (meaning they won’t stink). At least invest in one pair just for weddings. You’ll buy more as soon as you get some. Go for the butter blend fabric. It’s so nice. Also, get the wholester model. Yes, it’s expensive but basically it adds some fabric around your man parts that makes it so you’re not sticking to your legs. It’s insane. Worth every penny.
Get all my latest gear through my Amazon store by clicking the link below.
SHOES
Next your shoes. Probably the most important part of your wardrobe at least for the sake of your body. I’ve tried a ton of shoes. If you’re okay wearing running shoes, do it. No shame. It’s crucial we are comfortable. I can’t wrap my head around wearing running shoes to a wedding so I’ve opted for finding the best dress shoes. To me the Amberjacks go unrivaled. Super comfortable and very stylish. They’re fairly priced and worth every single penny after your first wedding. I pulled mine straight out of the box and put 20k steps in them. My feet were comfortable all day long.
Lately I’ve been digging the Sebago penny loafers, and Thursday Boots as well.
SHIRTS
I love wearing a well designed shirt. I am too cheap to buy luxury name brand stuff, especially when I’m gonna throw all my gear on it and work hard in it. I have been getting most my shirts at Zara. I like the striped and printed floral designs. I have cotton, blends, rayon, silk, stretch polyester, but I’ve found the best material for long days is either straight 100% cotton or I have been really liking the cool to the touch, breathable and lightweight viscose material. Definitely check that out. I also really like Roark’s shirts. I haven’t tried their bless up line, but that looks promising as well.
For basic tees, I love Buck Mason. Great quality and good fit.
For basic collared shirts, I like Everlane.
ACCESSORIES
For accessories I LOVE Holdfast Gear. They make the best looking, highest quality straps in my opinion. I have the holdfast moneymakers to shoot two bodies and a holdfast money maker solo when I’m working with one camera. I get compliments on mine all the time. Adds to my gunslinger steeze. I also love the Holdfast Quiver pouched that attaches to my moneymakers to carry an extra lens, flash, cards, batteries, speaker, etc. Use code: WODARCK2023 for a discount on your Holdfast straps.
A few other brands of mention to check out:
Now for the best part. How to put it all together. I figured it’d be best to show it rather than describe it.
Got any good products I missed or great tips? Shoot me a DM on Instagram. Made it this far? Shoot me a DM and say what you enjoyed about this post. Thanks!
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