What should a Muslim groom wear on his wedding day?
It depends on your culture and taste, but there are only two real rules: no gold and no real silk. A suit, thobe, sherwani or kurta all work if they are modest, not too tight and not wasteful. Islam does not set a wedding outfit for the groom.
Outfit options
Islam welcomes looking your best on a happy day:
- Suit: a navy, gray or black suit with a cotton shirt and a polyester or wool tie, or no tie at all.
- Thobe or dishdasha: white or cream is traditional, sometimes with a ghutra on the head.
- Sherwani or kurta: common in South Asia, but check the fabric and thread.
- Other national dress: a Turkish, Moroccan, Malay or African outfit is equally fine.
Choose what suits you and your family, and what you can still pray in, since you will pray Maghrib or Isha on the day. The bride has her own questions about clothing. See What can I wear at my wedding as a Muslim bride?
Silk and gold: what to check
The Prophet ﷺ said that gold and silk are permitted for the women of his community and forbidden for its men (Sunan an-Nasa'i 5148). This is the main reason grooms need to check their outfit. Look at:
- Silk: many sherwanis, brocade jackets, ties, bow ties and pocket squares are real silk. Tuxedo lapel facings are often silk satin too, so ask for polyester.
- Gold: no gold ring, watch, cufflinks, tie pin or turban brooch.
- Gold thread: traditional embroidery sometimes uses real gold or gold-coated thread. Many scholars treat that like other gold, so ask the tailor what the thread is made of.
Ties and bow ties are the most common hidden silk, since many are made from it. See Can Muslim men wear silk ties?
Silver, steel and platinum are fine for accessories such as rings and watches. See Can Muslims exchange wedding rings?
Modest, not showy
- Avoid tight trousers or jackets that outline your body.
- Keep the total cost sensible. A very expensive outfit for show goes against the spirit of a blessed wedding.
- Skip anything meant to imitate other faiths' ceremonial dress.
If you are wearing different clothes for the nikah and the reception, the same rules apply to both. Check the labels on every item, not just the main garment.
- There is no required groom's outfit in Islam.
- Avoid gold, real silk and gold-thread embroidery.
- A suit, thobe, sherwani or kurta can all be suitable.
- Keep it modest, comfortable and not extravagant.
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