From made-to-measure looks to custom kilts and standout accessories, here’s how to build a groom outfit that feels premium, personal, and completely wedding-ready
There are so many ways to stamp your personality on your outfit – just take a look at these two modern styles from Sett, the menswear and highlandwear store in Glasgow’s Battlefield neighbourhood
Once upon a time, the groom was exempt from wedding fashion. No one really noticed what he wore, possibly not even himself. Nowadays, thankfully, guys have just as many options as girls.
From bespoke wedding suits to made-to-measure kilts, today’s groom can create a look that feels personal, polished, and properly elevated. If you’re planning a stylish Scottish wedding and want your outfit to stand out for all the right reasons, here’s how to build a look that feels unmistakably luxe.
What makes a groom’s outfit feel ‘luxe’?
Luxury doesn’t have to mean flashy. The most premium groom looks come down to two things: quality and fit.
Choose high-end fabrics, invest in tailoring, and add meaningful details that make the outfit feel like it was made for you – not pulled from a rack at the last minute.
“For a grand wedding (or any wedding, really!), you need a garment that fits you perfectly,” says Douglas Mitchell at Slater Menswear. “You might be looking for something bespoke too – personal touches don’t just elevate the look, they add sentimental value as well.”
When should you start shopping for a wedding suit or kilt?
If you’re booking a made-to-measure suit or wedding kilt in Scotland, timing matters. Starting early means more fabric choices, more flexibility, and less stress close to the big day – especially if you want a specific tartan.
Holly Nicholl at kiltmaker MacGregor and MacDuff advises: “Start looking at least 12 weeks before the date of your wedding. This should ensure that your preferred tartans and tweeds will be available. We will always do our best to accommodate a tighter schedule, though.”
Jeremy Mbiba at Sett Kilts & Tailoring agrees. “Our made-to-measure suits currently have a lead time of 12 weeks for completion. Each appointment is different, but our aim is to understand what works for you. Some gents know exactly what they want, but others may need some guidance in figuring out what they like.”
Make it personal: small details, big impact
Personalisation is one of the easiest ways to make your wedding outfit feel more exclusive. Even subtle choices can transform a classic look into something completely your own.
“Grooms can personalise their look by selecting different fabrics for their jacket, waistcoat and trousers, creating a truly unique outfit. Or something as simple as embroidering the wedding date on an inside pocket adds a personal touch,” says Douglas at Slater Menswear.
“Swapping a silk bow tie for a velvet one can add another level to the look,” says Douglas at Slater Menswear
Go handmade: a wedding kilt that lasts beyond the big day
If you’re choosing a traditional groom look, a handmade wedding kilt makes a statement, as well as being an investment piece you can wear again for years.
“A fully handmade kilt can be adjusted and remade in the future, making it an investment for your big day and beyond. Embossed kilt straps and embroidery are options to consider,” says Holly at MacGregor and MacDuff.
Add a pop of personality (without overdoing it)
Luxury styling is often about restraint – and knowing where to add a twist. That might mean keeping the base look classic, then bringing in personality through shape, colour, or texture.
“Inject a touch of your own personality into your made-to-measure outfit, whether it’s a classic and traditional black-tie tuxedo or a smart, contemporary three-piece suit,” says Jeremy at Sett.
“A great way to add something extra is to go for a cantle that’ll grab people’s attention, like the one on this Silver Fox sporran,” says Levi at McCalls Highlandwear
Flying solo: how to stand out from the groomsmen
Want the wedding party to look cohesive, but still want the groom outfit to feel like the main event? A few intentional styling tweaks can separate you from the rest while still looking coordinated.
“An effective way to stand out from the groomsmen is by wearing a traditional fly plaid or even a different colour of sporran. It will differentiate you from the crowd and looks great in photographs,” says Holly.
Cool and custom: premium details that feel understated
Sometimes it’s the smallest details that make an outfit look expensive – especially in Scottish Highlandwear.
“Look at smaller, subtle details for an understated level of luxe,” suggests Levi Bunyan at McCalls Highlandwear. “For example, custom buttons for a jacket with a matching sporran cantle are a great addition.”
MacGregor and MacDuff’s Signature Design jacket and waistcoat is an upgraded, bespoke option. The company’s exclusive service gives the groom full control of the design process – choosing from endless fabrics and linings, buttons, cuffs, collars, pockets – to create a one-of-a-kind garment
Tailoring matters: the fit can make or break the look
Whether you’re choosing a suit, kilt, or full Highland outfit, tailoring is non-negotiable. The best groom looks aren’t about trends – they’re about proportion, confidence, and comfort.
“The fit of your clothes is everything,” believes Jeremy. “That goes for suits and kilts – it can make or break the look. At Sett, we can tweak everything: how the shoulders sit; what type of break you would like on your trousers.
“Fabric and season also play a big role. Lightweight wools, linens or silk blends are better in summer to keep things breathable, whereas tweeds, heavier wools and velvet finishes add depth and warmth to winter outfits.”
“Our bespoke tartan wallets from Orraman Leather are great – you can choose everything from
the tartan to the leather colour to the embossing,” says Holly at MacGregor and MacDuff
Must-have accessories for a polished groom outfit
Accessories are where a groom can add personality and bring the whole look together. Think of them as the finishing layer that takes your outfit from “smart” to “styled”.
“Ties, cufflinks, pocket watches – once again, there are so many ways for you to let your personality shine through,” says Jeremy. “Shoes also play a huge part in polishing an outfit, and it can be fun to play with proportions here.
“Where does the trouser fall? Would it benefit from a boot or a loafer? Even the colour of the shoes will have an influence on the overall look of the suit.”
Go the extra mile with luxury Highlandwear touches
If your wedding style leans formal and traditional, finishing details can add that extra level of impact without changing the whole outfit.
“For formal, luxurious weddings, we’d recommend a dress sporran rather than a day or semi-dress one. The dress sporrans tend to be more extravagant and eye-catching. A tartan tie or bow tie to match your kilt is also an opulent touch,” advises Holly at MacGregor and MacDuff.
FAQs: Groom outfits, wedding suits & kilts in Scotland
Ideally, start shopping 3–6 months before your wedding. For made-to-measure suits or a wedding kilt in Scotland, allow at least 12 weeks for ordering, fittings and any alterations – longer if you want a specific tartan or custom details.
Most made-to-measure suits take around 10–12 weeks, depending on fabric availability and tailoring schedules. You’ll also need time for fittings and finishing touches, so earlier is always better.
Made-to-measure uses a standard pattern adjusted to your measurements, while bespoke tailoring is created from scratch with a unique pattern for your body. Both can look premium – but bespoke is usually the most personalised option.
Think about your wedding setting, season, formality and personal style. A wedding suit is great for modern, black-tie or city weddings, while a kilt outfit or Highlandwear can feel especially fitting for traditional Scottish venues, castles and outdoor celebrations.
A luxe groom look usually comes down to:
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Perfect tailoring and fit
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High-quality fabric (tweed, wool, linen or silk blends)
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Smart styling and proportions
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Premium accessories (cufflinks, tie, sporran, shoes)
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Subtle personalised details like embroidery or custom buttons
Common groom accessories include ties, cufflinks, pocket squares and smart shoes. For kilts, add a sporran, belt, kilt pin and fly plaid to complete a polished Highlandwear look.
