The Groom Looks Good In Green Too
With all the fuss over the bridal gown, its easy to forget that the groom has to be dressed for the big day too! And if you’re an eco conscious couple, you’re probably wondering if there’s a way to make his attire earth friendly as well. While new sources for sustainable wedding gowns are emerging each year, eco tuxes have not yet made it to the front page. So what’s a green groom to do?
Although there aren’t any tuxedo designers that are outwardly promoting an eco line of tuxes, there are options. Let’s explore 6 ways your groom’s tux can be eco conscious and how to get there.
1. Organic and Natural: Made of chemical-free, natural, organic or sustainable fabrics such as organic bamboo, cotton, hemp or wool.
Rawganique Eco Couture Collection jacket made of organic hemp, available in natural, black and brown. Retails for $329. Rawganique also has other organic hemp blazers for under $150.
- Photo credit: Rawganique (Eco Couture jacket for men)
Boll Organic makes organic cotton dress shirts available online as well.
3. Animal-Free: Vegans will be interested in tuxedos that incorporate natural or synthetic fabrics that contain no animal-derived materials. (Note: if possible, opt for natural and not synthetic materials, as they are often laden with toxic chemicals and made with petroleum.)
Ecolution offers the Palermo Sport Coat made with 100% organic hemp and plant-based dyes with buttons constructed from tagua-nut and other natural elements.
Photo credit: Ecolution (Palermo Sport Coat)
4. Vintage, Second Hand or Recycled: Regardless of materials, if it was purchased second hand or borrowed from a relative or friend, it is reducing new consumption…which is certainly green. Likewise, if the material of the tux or suit is made with recycled materials, it will also cut back on landfill mass.
Sears offers a suit called Covington Perfect Poly Wool Blazer made from 50% recycled materials, namely PET bottles.
Sears Covington Poly Wool Blazer
5. Versatile and Reusable: Much like the long-to-short, zip-off Eco Beautiful Cotton Bride wedding gown used on the cover of the first EBW issue, a tuxedo that can play the duel role of formal wedding tux and casual business suit will serve your man well. Instead of only enjoying it for one day, it will become a regular part of his everyday wardrobe. To pull this off, just visit your favorite men’s store and scout out some pieces that could easily go from the ballroom to the boardroom, such as pants, shirt shoes and tie. Even if you do have to rent or purchase the tuxedo blazer, at least the rest of your wedding attire will be reusable.
6. Rented: Renting is certainly a lower consumption option, but keep in mind that styles do change and rental companies do buy new pieces often…which means new manufacturing (and not the Fair Trade kind, either). So don’t be afraid to explore other options alongside this one.
Guest Blogger: Katherine DalPra, Green Diva eco bridal jewelry
Interesting post!!!