When Chet Holmgren walked into Alex Caruso’s wedding on August 9, 2025, he didn't just walk into a venue. He walked into a firestorm of fashion critiques that the internet is still chewing on months later. If you’re looking for the Chet Holmgren wedding suit, you’re likely not looking for a traditional tuxedo. You're looking for that outfit—the one that launched a thousand memes and made "Miami drug lord" trend alongside "NBA Champion."
The Oklahoma City Thunder big man has never been one to blend into the background. Standing seven-foot-one with a wingspan that could shade a small park, he’s a walking statement piece. But at The Astorian in Houston, where teammate Alex Caruso married Haleigh Broucher, Holmgren decided to push the envelope further than a cross-court pass.
Honestly, it was bold. Maybe too bold for some. But in the world of NBA tunnel fits and high-fashion risks, "too much" is often exactly the point.
The Suit That Split the Internet
Let's break down the actual components of the Chet Holmgren wedding suit because the details matter. This wasn't a standard off-the-rack rental. Holmgren showed up in a monochrome, ivory-to-white ensemble that defied almost every unspoken rule of wedding guest etiquette.
Typically, you don't wear white to a wedding unless you're the one saying "I do." Chet? He didn't get the memo—or more likely, he crumpled it up and tossed it in the bin.
The Breakdown:
- The Color: A striking, bright white or deep ivory that mirrored the bridal palette.
- The Shirt: A deep, blood-red button-down that provided a jarring, high-contrast pop.
- The Accessories: Heavy gold chains and dark shades that completed the "vintage mogul" aesthetic.
- The Fit: Tailored for a man of his unique proportions, featuring a relaxed but structured silhouette.
Social media had a field day. People were comparing him to an Elvis impersonator. Others saw a '70s cinema villain. One viral tweet simply said he looked like he was about to sell a "brick" in 1980s South Beach. But here’s the thing: in the NBA, fashion is about presence. By wearing that suit, Holmgren ensured that even at a star-studded event filled with champions, the conversation started and ended with him.
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Breaking the "No White" Rule
There is a lot of nuance to the "wedding guest rules" that Chet seemingly ignored. In traditional etiquette, wearing white is the ultimate "don't." It’s seen as an attempt to upstage the couple. However, at Caruso's wedding, Holmgren wasn't the only one. Teammate Zach LaVine also sported a white-based look.
Was there a dress code we didn't see? Possibly.
Sometimes modern, high-end weddings encourage a "Summer White" or "Black and White" theme. If that wasn't the case, Chet’s choice was a move of pure confidence. When you're a 23-year-old NBA star who just helped lead your team to a deep playoff run (and a 2025 championship, according to the hype), you probably feel like you can wear whatever you want.
Why the Red Shirt Worked (and Why It Didn't)
The red shirt was the wildcard. Without it, the suit is just a white tuxedo. With it, the look transforms into something theatrical. Fashion experts often suggest that tall, slender athletes like Holmgren should use layers or color breaks to avoid looking like a "long vertical line." The red shirt broke that line perfectly. It gave him "shoulders" and a focal point.
On the flip side, it’s a lot of look for a Houston summer. Houston in August is basically a sauna with humidity that makes your clothes feel like they're made of lead. Pulling off a heavy-tailored look in that heat is a feat of endurance in itself.
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Who Tailors a 7-Foot-1 NBA Star?
You can't just walk into a department store and find a Chet Holmgren wedding suit. For a guy his size, everything is bespoke. While Chet hasn't explicitly name-dropped the tailor for the Caruso wedding look, we know his history. In the past, he’s been spotted at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills trying on Prada and Dior.
Fashion icons in the NBA usually work with specialized stylists like Allen Onyia, who handles some of the league's biggest names. These stylists understand that for someone like Chet, the challenge isn't just style—it's geometry. You have to account for limbs that are longer than most people’s entire bodies while ensuring the fabric doesn't bunch or pull.
The "Miami Drug Lord" Aesthetic: A Trend?
The reaction to Chet’s suit points to a larger trend in athlete fashion: the "Vegas/Miami Vintage" look. We’re seeing a shift away from the super-slim, shrunken suits of the 2010s toward more expansive, loud, and "expensive-looking" outfits.
Think about it. The gold chains, the unbuttoned collar, the bold colors. It’s a callback to a time when luxury was loud. Holmgren is leaning into his persona. He knows he’s unique. He knows he’s a "unicorn" on the court. Why should he dress like a suburban accountant at a wedding?
Lessons From the Chet Holmgren Wedding Suit
If you're looking at Chet's style and wondering how to apply it to your own wardrobe (maybe without getting roasted by 50,000 people on X), there are a few takeaways.
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- Tailoring is everything. Even if you hate the color, you have to admit the suit fit his frame perfectly. If you’re a tall guy, stop buying off the rack. Find a tailor who understands how to balance your proportions.
- Confidence carries the fit. Chet didn't look uncomfortable. He looked like he owned the room. If you’re going to wear a "risk" outfit, you can't be timid about it.
- Know the venue. The Astorian is a grand, industrial-chic space. A boring black suit might have disappeared in that architecture. Chet’s white suit popped against the backdrop.
- Contrast is your friend. If you’re wearing a light suit, a dark or vibrant shirt can make it feel intentional rather than like a "failed" tuxedo.
What’s Next for Chet’s Fashion?
With the 2025-2026 season in full swing, the "tunnel walks" are becoming Chet's runway. He’s already been seen in everything from oversized black hoodies to high-fashion casual wear. The wedding suit was just a peak into his formal-wear evolution.
Expect him to keep pushing boundaries. Whether he’s recovering from a hip fracture or leading the Thunder to another win, his style is now as much a part of his brand as his rim protection.
If you're planning on attending a wedding this year, maybe think twice before going full "Chet" with an all-white suit—unless you're prepared for the memes. But definitely take a page from his book regarding custom fits. A well-tailored suit is the difference between looking like you’re wearing your dad’s clothes and looking like an NBA superstar.
Keep an eye on his Instagram and the Thunder’s social feeds. The next big "Chet fit" is usually only a game away. Just remember: in fashion, as in basketball, you miss 100% of the shots you don't take. Chet Holmgren is clearly taking every shot he can get.