I can remember my cousin Scott’s blue ruffled tuxedo shirt like it was yesterday. His bride Leila, all puffy sleeves and perfectly tan skin, was the prettiest woman I had ever seen, and Christopher Cross’s “Sailing” over the church’s PA system was nothing short of magical. I was 11 years old. I probably thought the Jordan almonds were delicious, too.

Of all the early-80s cliches, I bet you never thought this one would make its way back. And it hasn’t. Not really.

But Francisco Hernandez of the locally based but globally effective Built for Man line recently issued a handsomely updated take on my cousin Scott’s wedding day shirting.

White and black versions exist, too, in slightly more austere but still directional styles. To see the shirts yourself, head to David Lawrence (downtown or on the Eastside), or Veridis on Capitol Hill.

You’ll find they’re impeccably made with 2-ply Pima cotton, French seams, and perfect lines.

But how to wear such stylized shirts with a suit? Good Question. The answer: Very carefully.

Hernandez shows them with his corvatts, but not everyone is willing or able to go that route. I’m thinking these are the kinds of shirts a groom can wear when he’s thinking the tie and jacket are not necessary. You know — beach weddings, backyard elopements, casually chic commitment ceremonies. On the other hand, with a slim, streamlined black suit and a skinny, single-color straight or bow tie (plum, slate gray, brilliant bright blue), the white or black version could be stunning.

One thing’s for certain: There are, increasingly, grooms who are just as happy as their brides to stand out and really, you know, bring it, on the big day. To them I say, Do it, brother — locally, in a Built for Man shirt.

********************************************

More Wedding Wednesday content? Sure. Travel here to tell your engagement story to the Jones Soda folks for a chance to win big, and then work backwards from there.