Today's Tux is Sophisticated, subtle (and, dare we say it?) Hot
Good grief. She wants you to wear a tux on your wedding day. But tuxes are so -- well, stuffy and old-mannish. Right?Wrong! Today's hip, upscale tuxes melt hearts, think Bond, James Bond. Tuxedos, that staple of the ultra-formal occasion, have evolved from their historic roots. We've come along way from puffy shirts and wide lapels. Because today's focus is on individuality, you won't have to stuff yourself into a suit that conforms to just one standard. Find the right suit for your body type and the formality of the occasion, and you'll feel like a million bucks all the way down the aisle.
Buy, Rent: How Do You Choose?
If you're a member of the military, it's acceptable to wear your full dress uniform. For everyone else a decision must be made. There are two basic ways to approach your tuxedo. If you have a high profile job, do charity work or plan on attending formal balls, it might make sense to buy a tux. Having a good tux, that's custom tailored for you, hanging in your closet is a nice addition to your wardrobe. The second, and by far the most common, approach is to rent a tux. Either way you go, you'll need a good men's formal suit shop. And yes, you will have to go shopping!The internet is your best resource for this. Type "tuxedo" into your favorite search engine and click to look for images. When you see one that looks great, open the page to find out how it's described so you'll know what you're talking about once you walk into the shop. Bring along your best man, he and the other groomsmen will need suits too and there's nothing better than having a good laugh at each other in monkey suits!
This may be more than you really wanted to know about the world of formal fashion, but trust us: going into a men's wear shop without any idea what you're looking for is a recipe for disaster. You'll end up sitting there, bored to tears, as shop owners parade an endless rack of styles in front of you. Do your homework now and you'll find your shopping experience MUCH easier. Helpful hint: check with your bride, she'll have definite ideas on color and style that will narrow down your choices considerably.
So Where Should You Start Out?
If your brother, uncle or best bud recently married, ask where he went to buy or rent his tux. The easiest, and often best way, to find a good shop is by word of mouth. You want a shop that's guy-friendly; you need someone to understand your tastes without pushing a different agenda. The ideal locale will also realize that your time is important, and will be glad to answer your questions but conscious of keeping things moving along. You will not only be choosing the basic suit, but matching shirt, vest, cummerbund (if you want them) and even shoes. Be prepared to make a lot of choices.If you're not able to get a good word of mouth referral, thumb through the Yellow Pages or go online. Try to limit your choices to shops with a positive rating. We don't recommend simply driving around and trying out any old store. You really don't know what you're going to get…and there's nothing quite as frustrating as spending hours of your time only to discover that the place really doesn't have what you're looking for after all.
A Note on Tailoring
If you've never been to a tailor before, don't be surprised if they ask you some unusual questions. They'll want to know (or will take) every last measurement: neck, waist, inseam (the length of your leg). A tailor measures and pins bodies all day long, so they'll be pretty bold about that tape measure, prepare yourself to be poked and prodded. There will also be things you never expected to get asked: "Sir, on what side do you dress?" We'll leave that one as a surprise for you, but if you want to be clued in, google it!Hey, handsome! Lookin' Good
The guy in the tux on the poster in the window looks like his suit was made just for him. Your's doesn't? Okay, maybe it's not a perfect fit just yet. Read on and we'll show you how to get the adjustments you need.There are a few basic variations of a groom’s wedding suit/tuxedo. Generally, today’s preferred tuxedo fabrics are black or gray (all shades) and can include pinstripes if these are subtle. Classic tuxedos are double-breasted, with fairly broad shoulders. If you’re afraid this look will overwhelm you, you can opt instead for a single-breasted suit and/or one with as few as two buttons, a very trendy look for today’s groom.
Look for long lines that will blend well. Vests have a trimming effect, while cummerbunds (yes, that's the correct name!) break up the line of a very tall body and are a classic and formal look (just remember, you can only wear one of these; never wear both together!). The suit should follow and flatter the shape of your body. Be careful of very long tails; these are best on exceptionally tall men. Very long tails are also more appropriate for evening weddings, while a shorter look can be worn for an early evening or afternoon occasion provided it is more formal as opposed to casual. No matter what style of coat you choose, your trousers should fit at your natural waist and break when they reach your shoes. Your tailor can see to it that the fabric flatters and the fit is ideal.
What Happens After The Sizing?
Once the in-house tailor has taken your measurements, the store salesperson will help you select the other items you'll need to complete the look. You'll choose a shirt, a tie, shoes, maybe even a pocket silk. You'll need to fill out a rental contract and make arrangements for one last fitting a few days before the wedding. It might be a good idea to be sure the suit has been freshly cleaned and pressed. This will give you a chance to make any last minute adjustments. While you're at the shop, don't forget to buy dress socks!Wedding Day
There's not much to putting on a tuxedo, it's basically just a suit. If you plan to wear a bow tie (and most tux's do call for them), have someone on hand that knows how to perfect the tie (or practice a head of time yourself). Don't forget to wear under clothes that will give you a smooth foundation under your suit. Some grooms like to put a lucky charm in their suit pocket to help sooth wedding day jitters.As one commercial says, if you pick a great tux, you're going to love the way you look. So will the women on your special day: your bride, your mom and everyone else! Do your homework, have a relaxed shopping experience and remember: once this part is over, you're almost ready for your big day. Enjoy it!
