Thread: Tuxedo help, please!

Originally Posted by MrDavid

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

Thank you! I was hoping a self professed clothes snob would show up. I'm a snob in many ways, and wish clothes were one!
Really! A windsor collar instead of a wing collar with a bow tie? I'll keep this all in mind when I hit the store in an hour and a half.
Thanks again!

You can design your own suits and tuxedoes here also http://www.us.suitopia.com/main.aspx

Personally I feel there just isn't enough
plaid in Connecticut. But then there's
this awesome print that will guarantee
you will be remembered long after any event:

The best source of information I have found is here:

The Black Tie Guide: A Gentleman's Guide to Evening Dress

They do a great job of separating what is traditional and correct (style) vs. what is current and popular (fashion). Style is ageless, fashion changes, so I usually go the traditional route myself. Saves money in the long run, and allows me to be a bit snobby about things. (Kind of like using a straight!)

I recently bought a tuxedo myself, after not having one for several years. It feels good to have it back in my wardrobe. I went for the notched lapel this time, but a peak lapel on a one-button, single breasted jacked is the most traditional. I think double-breasted is overdoing it. Please do avoid 2- or 3-button jackets.

The thing to keep in mind is that a tuxedo exists so you don't have to make a lot of choices when you get dressed. Furthermore, you are supposed to look plain so your date looks spectacular. Nothing should detract from her appearance.

Either vest or cummerbund would be traditional, but only in a black fabric that matches the lapel facing. Bright colors are not in keeping with the concept, even though they are popular with the young. I do have a bow tie and cummerbund in a very dark, subtle Blackwatch plaid. From a distance, it looks black.

As for bow ties being out and straight ties being in, this may be true if you are going to the prom, but otherwise, I say no. I was at a Robert Talbot store the other day, and the guy said a lot of young men are avoiding the jacket and just going with a fancy vest. This is fine, of course, but it's not formal wear.

So, you basically will have to decide whether you want to commit to a really traditional look, or if you want to branch out. Either way, enjoy your tuxedo!

Fred

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

Thank you! I was hoping a self professed clothes snob would show up. I'm a snob in many ways, and wish clothes were one!
Really! A windsor collar instead of a wing collar with a bow tie? I'll keep this all in mind when I hit the store in an hour and a half.
Thanks again!

Absolutely. And yes, the windsor collar is correct. The modern "wing collar" is just a variation of the traditional detachable collar (which nowadays is worn almost exclusively by British solicitors). It's really only for very formal events. For everything else, the windsor collar is perfectly acceptable.

I also forgot to mention that the traditional tuxedo jacket is one-button. Two button is also acceptable, but no more than two buttons, please.

Wow, this has been quite a great discussion. I am suprised that so many guys here have their own too. I own two tuxedos. I will throw in my 2c. I feel that the 2 button notch is your best bet. As for shirt, look to James Bond. No really. If your between ages 20 and 100, and you wear what James Bond has in the last movie or two (not the 70's or 80's) you cannot go wrong. You will be in style, and yet be classic. Long ties with a tux are in my opinion not correct. A gentleman should wear a tux with a bow tie and learn to tie it himself. My preference for the shirt is a stright collar(point collar like a dress shirt) and pleets are ok in the front, keep them narrow. I dont wear pleats often anymore and look instead for a nice fabric, that has a texture or herringbone weave or pique. Understated is the key. Wear studs and cufflinks. Tie can be any color that is desired, but, Black is best, never wrong, and never looks out of place. I am 37 years old and wear a tux about two to three times a year. I have a black bow and a dark charcoal bow. Black cumberbun with black tie. You can also wear a vest, which looks better when the beer gut is on the larger side. When I was looking to buy one, a gentleman that was fitting me for a bussiness suit several years ago advised me to spend as much on a tux as I would on a suit of regular price. Avoid dry cleaning as much as possible and the tux will last a long time. Steam pressing is good after a couple of wears, but, the chemicals in the dry cleening really effect a suit. I only take the suits for dry cleaning if they get soiled, spilled on, or lip stick on them. And, if dressed properly, you should have lip stick on your tux and elsewhere at the end of an evening. Wink. Have fun, and remember, "it is better to look good than to feel good" Billy Crystal Playing Fernando Lamas on Saturday Night Live-

This place rocks. I know I've said it before, but what a fantastic wealth of information, experience and opinions we have!
Thank all you gentlemen who saw fit to give me some advice!

Your thread made me realise i have no idea where i've put my beloved suit!
It can't be far away.

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

This place rocks. I know I've said it before, but what a fantastic wealth of information, experience and opinions we have!
Thank all you gentlemen who saw fit to give me some advice!

Did you go for the plaid?

My favorite style is the "Pennsylvania Tuxedo."