Walk into any wedding at the Omni William Penn or Phipps Conservatory this year, and you'll notice something different about the grooms. Black tuxedos are still around: they'll never go away: but we're seeing more guys step up their style game with colors that would've turned heads even five years ago.
At Berk's, we've been outfitting Pittsburgh grooms since 1917, and let me tell you: 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting years for tuxedo choices we've seen in decades. Guys are getting bolder, more personal, and honestly? The results look incredible.
Black Isn't Going Anywhere (And That's Fine)
Let's get this straight: classic black tuxedos are still the most popular choice, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. Black is timeless. It photographs beautifully. It works for any venue, any season, any time of day.
But here's what's changed: even our black tuxedos aren't the same flat, boring black they used to be. We're seeing grooms opt for textured fabrics: subtle pinstripes in tonal black, matte finishes that photograph better than high-gloss fabrics, and black-on-black jacquard patterns that add visual interest without screaming for attention.
If you're a traditionalist getting married at Heinz Chapel or another formal Pittsburgh venue, you can't go wrong with black. Just make sure you're choosing one with some texture or a modern cut. That's where the 2026 update comes in.
Midnight Blue: The New "Safe" Choice
Here's what we're hearing from grooms: "I want something a little different, but I don't want to look back at my wedding photos in ten years and cringe."
Enter midnight blue.
Navy has been popular for a while, but 2026 is all about deep, rich navy tones: we're talking almost-black midnight blue that looks sophisticated in person and photographs beautifully. It works for evening ceremonies at places like the Pittsburgh Golf Club or the Fairmont. It's formal enough for black-tie events but has just enough personality to set you apart.
The best part? Your groomsmen can match you perfectly, or you can mix it up: midnight blue tux for you, classic black for your guys. We've seen both approaches work great for local weddings.
Deep Green: The Bold Move That's Paying Off
This is the big surprise of 2026. Deep forest green and emerald green tuxedos are having a serious moment, especially for outdoor Pittsburgh weddings at venues like Hartwood Acres or the Botanic Garden.
Is it bold? Sure. But it's not crazy. We're not talking St. Patrick's Day green here: think rich, sophisticated forest tones that pair incredibly well with gold accents, burgundy bridesmaid dresses, or neutral color palettes.
We've helped dozens of Pittsburgh grooms pull off the green tuxedo look this year, and every single one has thanked us afterward. The key is choosing the right shade: deep and saturated, not bright or lime-y: and pairing it with the right accessories.
Velvet green tuxedo jackets are particularly popular right now. The texture adds depth and luxury, and honestly, they look amazing in photos.
Burgundy and Wine Tones: Perfect for Fall Weddings
If you're getting married between September and November, burgundy might be your answer. We're seeing tons of Pittsburgh grooms choose rich wine tones, especially for ceremonies at wineries like Greendance or autumn weddings in the South Hills.
Burgundy photographs beautifully against fall foliage, and it's formal enough for black-tie affairs while still feeling warm and personal. Plus, it coordinates effortlessly with popular fall wedding colors: dusty rose, gold, deep plum, and neutral tones.
The trend started slowly a couple years ago, but it's exploded in 2026. We're ordering more burgundy inventory than ever before, and for good reason: grooms look sharp, confident, and distinctive without going over the top.
What We're Actually Seeing in Our Pittsburgh Store
Here's the breakdown of what grooms are choosing at Berk's in 2026:
Black tuxedos: Still about 50% of our rentals, but with more texture and modern cuts than before
Midnight blue and Gray Roughly 25% and climbing: this is the choice for guys who want "different but not too different"
Deep green/emerald: About 15%, mostly for spring and summer outdoor weddings
Burgundy/wine: Around 10%, heavily concentrated in fall months
Other colors (warm browns, taupes): Less than 5%, but we're watching this space
The numbers shift depending on the season and venue, but those percentages give you a solid snapshot of what Pittsburgh grooms are actually wearing when they walk down the aisle in 2026.
How to Choose the Right Color for Your Wedding
Picking a tuxedo color isn't just about following trends: it's about choosing what works for your wedding, your venue, your partner's dress, and your own personal style.
Consider your venue. A formal ballroom wedding downtown? Black or midnight blue are safe bets. Outdoor ceremony at a garden or vineyard? That's where greens and burgundies really shine.
Think about the season. Deep greens work beautifully for spring and summer. Burgundy is perfect for fall. Navy and black work year-round.
Match your wedding colors. Your tux should coordinate with your overall color palette: not necessarily match exactly, but complement what your partner and wedding party are wearing.
Look at photos. We always tell guys to look at real wedding photos in their chosen color. Instagram and Pinterest are helpful, but come into the store and we'll show you what these colors actually look like in person.
Try it on. Seriously. Don't order a colored tuxedo based on a photo. Come see us, try on the actual thing, and see how it makes you feel. That's the only way to know for sure.
The Berk's Difference: Customization and Expert Fitting
Since 1917, we've been helping Pittsburgh men find their style, and tuxedos are one of our specialties. Whether you're renting or buying, we offer customized options that big-box stores simply can't match.
Want a midnight blue tuxedo with burgundy accessories? Done. Prefer a deep green jacket with black pants for a unique twist? We can make it happen. Need to outfit twelve groomsmen in different sizes? We've got the experience and inventory to handle it.
Every tuxedo gets properly fitted by our expert staff: no generic sizes or "close enough" measurements. We take the time to make sure everything fits perfectly because we know how important your wedding day is.
Plus, we're local. You're not dealing with a national chain or ordering blindly online. You're working with a Pittsburgh institution that's been part of this community for over a century. We've dressed your grandfather, probably your father, and now you.
Beyond the Jacket: Accessories Matter Too
Once you've chosen your tuxedo color, the accessories are what really complete the look. Bow ties, pocket squares, vests, cummerbunds, suspenders, cufflinks: these details matter more than you might think.
For colored tuxedos, we usually recommend keeping accessories relatively simple. A black bow tie works with almost any colored tuxedo. A tonal pocket square (matching your tuxedo color but in a different texture) adds subtle sophistication.
That said, 2026 is also the year guys are having fun with accessories. Patterned bow ties, colorful socks that match the bridesmaids' dresses, unique cufflinks that mean something personal: these touches make your look distinctly yours.
Come into our accessories section and we'll help you put together a complete look that works with your chosen tuxedo color.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute
Here's the thing about colored tuxedos: they're popular, which means inventory moves quickly. If you're getting married during peak wedding season (May through October), don't wait until two months before your wedding to start looking.
We recommend grooms come in at least 4-6 months before the wedding date to explore options and secure their preferred style. For groomsmen rentals, 2-3 months is ideal.
That gives us time to order anything special, make proper adjustments, and ensure everything is perfect when your wedding day arrives.
The Bottom Line
Black tuxedos aren't going anywhere, but 2026 is proving that Pittsburgh grooms are ready to express some personality on their wedding day. Whether you go with a rich midnight blue, a bold deep green, a sophisticated burgundy, or stick with textured black, the key is choosing something that feels authentically you.
At Berk's, we've seen trends come and go for over a century, but one thing stays constant: guys look their best when they feel confident and comfortable in what they're wearing.
Come visit us and let's find the perfect tuxedo for your big day. We've been doing this since 1917, and we're pretty good at it by now.