Thread: Tuxedo help, please!

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

Thanks everyone for the advice!

I've just been told by someone who I think I should trust that for youngish men (I'm 35), the bowtie is "out" at the moment when one is going for "stylish" as well as "classic." A vest/tie combo is what is more current.
I am not sure, but THINK that one can buy the classic one button notch lapel and wear a long tie/vest combo. If so, that might be what I am going with. All that time learning to tie a bow tie for nothing!!

I like the vest look with a mandarin/chinese collar shirt and no tie, but again it depends on the occasion...

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

Well, you'll still need one for Black-Tie events. Nothing trendy about the Queen's Tea... or is that White tie only?

Well, even black-tie events often have men wearing a vest/long tie combination, I've noticed. I wonder if perhaps the term black-tie is the vicitm of a shifting meaning?

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

Hey all,

Well, I'm at the point that I am going to buy a Tux. I've been renting forever, and I hate it. They never fit like my own suit, and usually feel cheap.
I am a buy quality, buy once kinda guy, so I am getting a nice one.

The question is, whcih style to get? There is the traditional one button notch lapel, which is generally worn with a bowtie and a point collar frill-fronted shirt and a cummerbund.
I have recently (the past two black tie events) worn a more modern two or three button tux with a long tie, and a "normal" (can't recall the term) collar. However, I think this is usually just for weddings. I have two charity evens in the next 6 weeks that are black tie, and the more traditional tux I think is the way to go. Then I have some weddings, where I have seen more and more of the long tie worn.

One CAN wear the long tie withthe traditional jacket, and CAN wear the cummerbund and bowtie with the more modern jacket....but which will serve me best if I might switch around over the years? My gut tells me go traditional, but the fashion-whore side of me thinks the more modern look suits me (no poun intended) better. I do not want to regret this decision and I DO NOT want to buy two tuxes.

So HELP me gentlemen...I am sure at least some among us have experience in such matters.

Many thanks for your help.

I would go with a very traditional tux with a bow tie and french cuff shirt. No bun.

Do you wear one that often?

Originally Posted by mikedelo

I would go with a very traditional tux with a bow tie and french cuff shirt. No bun.

Do you wear one that often?

Thank you. I am thinking of the traditional suit, so that I may vary the tie/vest/bun use. ANd yes, french cuffs. If I have a suit jacket on, I am almost always wearing french cuffs.

I tend to wear one a few times a year (average maybe 2-3) but I have two ceharity events inthe next month and a half, and then two weddings this year, and one early next year, which will both require a tux.

Unfortunatly the weddings will probably require a rental anyway, but you might get lucky I never have

In the UK most men still wear the classic style of Dinner Jacket ( British for Tuxedo) with matching trousers. Very rarely does one see anything other than a bow tie and dress shirt. Shirt usually has decorative pleats or sometimes a 'fly' (hidden button) front. Few men wear a cummerbund these days. You see the occasional white dinner jacket, often worn with a red bow tie. At the last few formal affairs I've attended, I've noticed the shirt with a wing collar is making a comeback.
One last thing, no gentleman would wear a pre-tied bow tie!

Were I in your shoes, I would be cautious about a notch-lapel tuxedo, as this is a rather trendy choice (yes, I'm a clothes snob).

If you want something classic, the rules are simple...
1. For the tux: Peak Lapel, No Vents, Uncuffed Trousers.
2. For the shirt: Bib Front (meaning flat, not pleated), Windsor Collar (Wing Collar is for white-tie), and Simple, understated studs and links.
3. Pre-tied bow ties are for high-school proms.
4. Cummerbund is optional. Traditional, yes, but not required. Braces also optional.

Here is an example:
Black Dinner Suit Jacket | CTShirts - Summer Sale | US

I just read an article about how the tuxedo should be in a mens fashion magazine. Some points from that article that I have shortened down:

* A tuxedo should only be worn after 6 pm
* Never rent a tuxedo (!)
* The collar: "Pointy" collar is to prefer over the "shawl" kind of collar (sorry I do not know the American terms for these but I hope you understand)
* The colour should be black or midnight blue, and nothing else. Unless you are south of the equator or in casino Monte Carlo, then a white jacket might work to black trousers, never fully white.
* The shirt - this is important - should have a "lying collar" not the "stand up collar" and it should have french cuffs
* The bow tie should always be black, always! The hancerchief's colour and pattern could however be varied. Socks could also for example be red in colour, but the socks should be long enough so you never show skin when you sit down.
* Forget the Cummerbund, however black braces are encouraged
* Shoes: patent-leather shoes are good but smooth shoes that are not to heavy are also fine. The advanced tux wearer can also match it with elegant velvet slippers. But forbidden are shoes with heavy rubber soles and patterned shoes so called brogue-model shoes.

Hope it helps!

You can't go wrong with the traditional style. It's acceptable for any black-tie event, whereas a "stylish" tux may be a bit out of place at a conservative gathering.

I agree with the previous posts...I bought two tuxedos myself over the years. Got tired of shelling out money to the tuxedo rental store. Later, I accessorized with a white dinner jacket for summer.

IMHO go with the traditional style. You can accessorize it later with a formal vest and/or braces, long tie and/or different styles of tie-your own bow ties.

If you want quality and are willing to pay for it, check out Tom James Clothiers. You can get a tuxedo custom tailored. Their haberdasher will also be able to offer helpful suggestions to you concerning which styles are best in the long run. The tuxedo will also fit a whole lot better than the off-the-rack tuxedos and wear better. Believe me. I have purchased several suits, sport coats and the above-mentioned white dinner jacket from them. They can even provide functional button holes on the sleeves of the jacket--a nice touch indeed.