WITH HIS WEDDING TO TAYLOR SWIFT LOCKED IN, Travis Kelce is about to face one of the toughest challenges of his life: find a wedding suit that actually fits his whopping frame.

Standing at a statuesque 6’5 and weighing in at a robust 113 kilograms, Kelce is a solid-built man. The kind you’d jokingly call a unit. Great on the football field. A hurdle when it comes to finding a wardrobe that fits and flatters. Although so far, Kelce has done a fairly decent job of creating a look for himself. But this has mostly been a mix of novelty and nouveau smart casual that blends more athletic silhouettes with tailoring.

But dressing for a wedding? A literal huge difference. We got a hint of it, perhaps, when Kelce stomped on stage in a full top-and-tails during Swift’s Eras Tour. Fun as it was, it was the perfect example of a big man wearing a suit that didn’t quite fit right.

Image: Instagram/Killatrav

Suiting a unit

Even if you aren’t sharing the air at Kelce’s height, buying off the rack for your wedding should be avoided where possible. But Kelce most likely won’t have a choice. Rarely do ready-to-wear suits come in sizes big enough to accommodate someone of that mass or height. And when they try, that’s when we begin to see pant hems that finish three to four inches above the top of a shoe, or a jacket that looks like a corset when closed.

(To be fair, price isn’t quite an issue for the multi-millionaire athlete who is tying the knot to a multi-billionaire singer. They can afford to buy an entire atelier with their combined incomes.)

But Kelce’s upcoming ceremony is also the perfect opportunity to talk about how to make sure your wedding fit is “fit as” for men who are perhaps tipping towards the bigger end of the scale. To help us get there, we spoke to some of Australia’s best menswear designers and tailors to see how they would dress the bigger boys like Kelce on their wedding day.

Christian Kimber

Co-founder and designer, Christian Kimber

While I’m not quite Kelce-esque in size, I personally still carry a fair amount of heft thanks to years spent in the gym. I’m not massive, but let’s just say that the second I see the words “slim fit” on a tag I’m walking away. 

Acknowledging this, Melbourne-based designer Christian Kimber has been my go-to for several years now, for flattering clothes that don’t succumb to the extra-oversized options that can plague menswear.

His advice? Watch your cut and proportions: “Wider lapels not only frame a broader chest beautifully, but they also bring balance to the face and shoulders.”

Image: Christian Kimber

It’s a small shift that adds strength and elegance without feeling showy. He’s also a fan of the double-breasted jacket for men with bigger builds, describing it as having a “natural grandeur”. The closure creates a “statuesque line through the torso” and works just as well open as it does fastened – a practical touch for a long day that still looks intentional.

But no detail matters if the cut is wrong. “Cut is everything,” Kimber insists. “It’s the difference between wearing a suit and owning it.”

Jackets should taper gently through the waist and trousers should drape, not cling. Straight, not skinny, is the philosophy. Done right, the result is simple: “a well-cut suit should make you feel taller, lighter, and more assured.”

David Bonney

Stylist, M.J. Bale

M.J. Bale has, historically, been known for their more generous cuts. Notch that up to being a regular collaborator with rugby teams such as the Wallabies. 

The brand’s in-house stylist, David Bonney, says his best advice is to stay single. Or consider a throuple.

“A single-breasted jacket can elongate the torso with a deeper V,” he says, noting that double-breasted shapes risk widening the frame. Lapels should be in proportion – never skinny, always broad enough to balance the chest and shoulders. On tuxedos, he favours a peak lapel in contrast satin for sharpness and structure.

Image: M.J. Bale

Bonney also champions the three-piece suit. “A three-piece suit is very useful for bigger guys as the jacket can be open (after the ceremony) and there’s still neatness and structure down the front,” he says. The waistcoat keeps the silhouette tidy on the dance floor, when jackets inevitably come off. 

Cut, meanwhile, should follow the body without clinging: room in the seat and thighs, tapering through the leg, and a gentle curve in the torso. The effect is smart, slim, and never forced.

Joe Farage,

Founder and designer, Farage

Joe Farage has spent decades dressing Sydney’s men and few others know their way around a suit as well as he does. He also has one of the best tuxedos on the market. Which, not so coincidentally, he recommends for being flattering on every body type. Even us big boys. 

“For someone of Travis’s size, I’d suggest a classic two or three-piece black tuxedo with satin lapels and satin-covered buttons,” he says. The look is timeless, flattering, and powerful without effort. Single-breasted is his preferred cut. And a wide peak or wide shawl lapel works best, as it balances the proportions and enhances the shoulders.”

Fit, as always, is crucial. “You can still achieve a tailored, fitted look whilst ensuring comfort,” Farage notes, recommending a gently shaped waist to create structure without restriction. The right cloth also makes a difference – he leans toward lightweight wool, like a Super 130s, for ease and elegance across a full day.

Most importantly, he insists the tuxedo truly works for everyone when cut correctly. “With our made-to-measure service, a tuxedo can be made to suit any body type,” Farage says. For Travis, that means a neat waistline to keep proportions in check.

And what does the Esquire team think . . . ?

So what does the Esquire team think Kelce will don for the big day?

“I think he’ll go classic: a tux, three-piece. Bow-tie. No tails or top hat, though. I also think it’ll be navy, not black. Travis doesn’t get the opportunity to dress this way often and a wedding is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of certain traditions in formality. I’m predicting Ralph or Dolce for the designer.” Benjamen Judd, Head of Digital (not a Swiftie)

“If the cable knit polo, white shorts, and sockless loafers from the proposal signalled anything, Kelce is dressing for his conservative hubby era. That said, I’m expecting something conventional but done with informed choices. He’s no longer the buffoon who wears a black shirt with a tight tux. If it were a fashion suit, he might choose Ralph Lauren to match Swift’s American princess vibe.” Tyler Dane Wingco, Senior Writer (not a Swiftie)

“The theme of the wedding will obviously play a role in what Travis wears. The image my mind conjures up is a very casual outdoor wedding with a mess of flowers as the primary decor. As such, I can see Travis in a grey, plaid, three-piece suit with a burgundy tie. It’s not your typical wedding suit, but Travis is not your typical groom. Cayle Reid, Associate editor, lifestyle (not a Swiftie. Allegedly.)

“If Tree Payne could orchestrate matching Ralph Lauren for the engagement photos, you can bet the wedding will follow suit. My money’s on a “his and hers” moment with Oscar de la Renta, equal parts polished, theatrical, and just a touch excessive.” Arielle Katos, Digital Director, Harpers BAZAAR. (A Swiftie. “But I’m here for the heartbreak anthems, not the breadcrumb trails of easter eggs.”)

“If Taylor’s floating down the aisle in something dreamy (nothing groundbreaking, but definitely with a hefty price tag), Travis won’t be stuck in cookie-cutter black tie. I’m calling a custom Thom Browne white suit — sharp, tie done up, white loafers with socks. Coordinated, for sure.” Ruby Stephens, Style, Jewellery & Watches Editor. (A Swiftie, but really just for the bangers and the Cartier watch.)

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