Tuxedos

[MaduroBU]

What's a good tux? I'm partial to a 2 button, but I'm open to anything that isn't a.) a 3 button coat that requires one of those damn english ties or b.) a 1 button shawl. Cumberbunds aren't an option since I'm not aware of anyone who makes a decent one anymore. I have a preference for a bow tie. Is 120 good for year round in Texas and possibly some use in the NE?

 

[TxStHorn]

120 is fine for Texas.

See my response to the post on men's suits for fit - same applies here. You can wear patenet leather shoes, but good cap-toed shoes are acceptable, if well polished. Boots in Texas, are, too, of course.

Traditional pin-point with a single or two button is probably the best way to go. Three buttons are a fad, and you'll wind up having to buy another one in a few years if you don't want to look like a *******. Personally, I say skip the fashionable "brooch" and bolo-ties in lieu of the bow-tie, too. I hate that sh**.

If you don't like cummerbunds (I don't either), you might consider a double-breasted jacket. Otherwise, you'll want to go with a vest.

Unless you're going with the "english tie", then get a real bow tie - they aren't that hard to tie, look better, and you can always undo them at the end of the night if you want to pull the classic Dean Martin look.

Always complete the jacket with a pocket square - give's a classy finish.

Jos. A Banks has pretty decent quality tuxes, if you're buying off the rack.

My $.02.

You want to do it right - then study how these guys wore thier clothes:

 

[hornimal]

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[WooHorn]

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[hornimal]

woo -- do you need a tux for functions or for weddings?

if you are buying it for weddings, don't bother. you have to go with that the groom/bride pick out for their wedding party.

you are better off buying a nice set of cuff links, cummerbund/vest, a real bowtie and nice shoes. when you rent you only have to get the jacket and the pants, so you'll have a little money each time.

 

[robr]

Now here's a topic where I can help. I own a tuxedo shop in San Antonio. I've been doing it for 24 years. Got my start at Horace's Formalwear on Guadalupe and 30th when Freddie Akers was wearing a velvet tux to Earl's Heisman presentation. I sell about 90% notch lapel tuxes. A 2 button stance is a good bet. 3 buttons have fallen way off lately. Agreed on the cummerbund - yuk. Jos. A. Banks tuxes are CRAP. Don't do it. Also, you can save some $$ if you go with a Super 100's instead of the 120's. Stay away from high prices labels. There are only a limited number of tuxedo manufacturers (due to the uniqueness of the garments), so you could pay one half or even one third as much and get the exact same product without some guy named "ralph" having his name on the inside of your coat. Really. Someone above mentioned a "pin-point" tux. I don't know what the heck that is, but I do try to learn something new every day. Maybe he means a peak lapel tux. They are also a traditional, classic look, but not currently selling well. While I'm on a roll, I'll add that you shouldn't skimp w/ the accessories. A nice shirt, vest/tie set, jewelry set will complete the outfit. Most guys don't spring for the patent shoes, but I sell a great set for less than a hundred dollars. It's another way to really look the part, but not required if you need to watch the budget. I've had a $2,500 Ermenegildo Zegna (sp?) tux and a $399 one that I sell, and honestly, I prefer the $399 outfit. Shoot me an email if you are interested in discussing it further... I like making fellow Longhorns look great.
[email protected] (Rob)

 

[TxStHorn]

Peak-lapel - that's what I meant. I don;t know what I was thinking.

I will defer to your expertise, but stand by most of what I said.

I disagree about Jos. A Banks, though. You may be able to get better or cheaper through some venues, but for someone buying off the rack, they sure as hell beat Men's Wearhouse and S&K.

 

[WooHorn]

I need one for functions. Should I buy one from a rental place or a suit store?

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[robr]

Re: Jos. A. Banks tuxes- I have had numerous customers bring in their falling apart Jos. A. Banks tux into my store to get either repaired or replaced. Last year, I had a guy call me wanting to dump about a thousand of their tuxes for about ten bucks each. I passed. Who needs the headaches down the road for a buck now? Please don't take my comments as a personal attack. I'm glad that yours is working well for you.
Re: cummerbunds - you need to wear either a vest or a cummerbund with a tux. Never a belt (no loops!). The dang shirts come out of the cummerbund often and my belly pushes it either up or down and it constantly needs adjusting. I'd suggest purchasing a black vest for starters, either solid or with a simple pattern - nothing loud.
I forgot to mention from the original post - please don't do a double breasted unless it is about the fourth one in your tuxedo ratation.
I'm working on a Collegiate vest and cummerbund line to sell. It's a nightmare w/ all of the licensing issues, but lots of stores seem interested. Man, can't you see aggy wearing all that maroon atm crap to whoop over at their wedding reception? I'd laugh all the way to the bank.

 

[robr]

WooHorn, I guess it depends. I'm partial to my type of shop. The customer gets to work with the owner, just like it used to be. I'm here and I'm accountable. Lots of my customers are suprised that we actually sell tuxes, and not just rent them. If you tell me where you live, I might have a suggestion. My primary problem with men's stores is that 1) they really don't know enough about the styles. I sometimes feel that they'll sell some short guy a 3 button tux just because they have one in his size. That's wrong. If I don't have it, I'll order it and give you a loaner in the interim if necessary. I don't have any sloppy looking high school kids working for me (cute college girls, yes!) thereby giving the customer some implied trust in the salespersons knowledge. 2) The salespeople on comission want to sell you the $895 Brioni garment when the $399 Lord West or After 6 is as good or better. I want you to send your friends to me after I make you happy, so I'll try to sell you the less expensive garment if that is comparable to what you would ordinarily purchase in a regular suit.