Matching suits for fathers and sons always photograph well, but the photo is not really the point. The point is the handful of days when a boy wants to look like his dad, and dressing the same makes him feel part of the occasion rather than just brought along to it.
Here are the occasions where matching works best, and what to think about for each one.
Weddings
Weddings are the most common reason fathers and sons match, whether the boy is a page boy, a ring bearer or a young guest.
Our men's and boys' matching suits are designed in both adult and child sizes, from age 1 through to adult, so a groom and page boy can wear the same suit rather than an approximation of it. Simply choose the suit and select the boys' option for smaller sizes.
A few things make the day easier:
- Tweed and check styles suit barn and countryside venues, while sharper three-piece suits work for more formal settings
- Comfort matters more for the boy than for anyone else. A jacket he can move his arms in will show in every photo
- If the wider wedding party needs outfits too, the groomsmen collection pairs well alongside a matching set
Christenings and family celebrations
A christening or naming day is often the first time a father buys his son a proper suit. Because the boy is usually very young, simple wins. A plain navy or grey suit that matches dad's colour rather than his exact fabric looks just as coordinated, and nobody at a christening is checking labels.
The same goes for birthdays, parties and other family occasions. The suits do not need to be identical. Choosing a similar colour and level of formality will make the outfits look coordinated.
Formal photographs
Family portraits and school photo days are where a matching suit earns its second wear. A suit bought for a wedding earlier in the year can usually do this job too, as long as it still fits.
That last part is worth checking early. Children grow quickly between a spring wedding and an autumn photo day, so try the suit on a week or two ahead rather than on the morning.
The first grown-up occasion
At some point a boy stops being dressed and starts having opinions. A graduation, a religious celebration or a big family event is often the last time matching feels natural to him rather than embarrassing.
The simplest way to keep him on side is to let him choose one part of the outfit himself, such as the tie or bow-tie. The suits still match. The tie is his.
Matching without being identical
Fully matching suits are not the only option. A shared waistcoat colour, matching ties or the same colour family in different styles creates a coordinated look while leaving room for individuality. This is often the better route when the age gap makes identical styling feel forced, or when the boy needs a standalone outfit from the kids' suits range.
Find father and son matching suits at TruClothing
We stock matching father and son suits from House of Cavani, Paul Andrew and our own TruClothing collection, in a wide range of colours including navy, black, grey, beige, burgundy, blue and charcoal. Free UK delivery is available on orders over £50.
Choose the occasion first, the colour second, and make sure the boy is comfortable. The photos take care of themselves.