Dinner Jacket advice

[Ashwood]

I have several formals to attend in 2024 and I want to get a jump on buying for them while I can save money by shopping sales now. I can't afford to spend a fortune and I don't usually attend formal events so they won't get a ton of use. I don't like plain old black so I found several very nice dinner jackets with tasteful and interesting designs that use some color--one is gray/black and the other green/black. These to my surprise are poly blends but seem to look like very good quality and nicely made.

Two questions: 1. Is a quality Poly blend for something like this a major faux pas? 2. What's the best advice to find a pair of quality black pants that will work with these jackets--do I need to use a specific fabric or sheen? Any advice appreciated.

 

[breakaway01]

Hi and welcome!
Please don't take this the wrong way but how old are you and what kinds of 'formal events' are you talking about? Also what is your budget?

If you're referring to high school or college formal events, I think you could get away with those jackets because honestly people who go to school formal events don't really know anything about formalwear.

But if you're an adult and referring to a benefit, gala, or other similar kinds of adult formal events, you will stand out and not in a good way. Stick with standard black tie but stand out by being very well put together. It is uncommon nowadays to see someone who really knows how to do it right. Midnight (not just dark blue) blue is an acceptable alternative to black.

There is no such thing as a 'quality poly blend' and such jackets will undoubtedly be cheaply made. The skinny lapels are unflattering on most and you really want to avoid a two-button jacket (the green one).

 

[icebergwtq]

Pretty much what I would have said to the OP as well. But I would add that eBay is your friend when it comes to formal wear. You can buy extremely high quality stuff for pennies. I have a gorgeous Canali double breasted tuxedo I think I paid around fifty bucks for, far less than buying retail or even renting.

Midnight (not just dark blue) blue is an acceptable alternative to black.

Alan Flusser, in his book Clothes and The Man, considers a midnight blue tuxedo to be the ne plus ultra of such things. Under artificial light, midnight blue looks blacker than actual black. Flusser says the first man to have his tailor run up a midnight blue tuxedo was the Prince of Wales who later became the Duke of Windsor, so the provenance for the notion is pretty decent.

 

[Ashwood]

Hi and welcome!
Please don't take this the wrong way but how old are you and what kinds of 'formal events' are you talking about? Also what is your budget?

If you're referring to high school or college formal events, I think you could get away with those jackets because honestly people who go to school formal events don't really know anything about formalwear.

But if you're an adult and referring to a benefit, gala, or other similar kinds of adult formal events, you will stand out and not in a good way. Stick with standard black tie but stand out by being very well put together. It is uncommon nowadays to see someone who really knows how to do it right. Midnight (not just dark blue) blue is an acceptable alternative to black.

There is no such thing as a 'quality poly blend' and such jackets will undoubtedly be cheaply made. The skinny lapels are unflattering on most and you really want to avoid a two-button jacket (the green one).

Pretty much what I would have said to the OP as well. But I would add that eBay is your friend when it comes to formal wear. You can buy extremely high quality stuff for pennies. I have a gorgeous Canali double breasted tuxedo I think I paid around fifty bucks for, far less than buying retail or even renting.


Alan Flusser, in his book Clothes and The Man, considers a midnight blue tuxedo to be the ne plus ultra of such things. Under artificial light, midnight blue looks blacker than actual black. Flusser says the first man to have his tailor run up a midnight blue tuxedo was the Prince of Wales who later became the Duke of Windsor, so the provenance for the notion is pretty decent.

I appreciate the input! I had my doubts about these dinner jackets but honestly of you go to the local shops like JOS Banks or Men's Warehouse that's ALL you see. I was starting to think that perhaps that's how they are made today, excluding vintage. I don't really have a "budget" but I also don't want to spend a lot on something I truly will wear on one weekend and then it will get moth bitten in a closet. That's what happened to my trusty old vintage tux I had received as a young man.

Any advice where I can get something classic that won't break the bank. Is renting really that bad an idea? Ordering on ebay is a problem with sizing and they don't like or accept returns. People told me rented tuxs looked shiny and over pressed. Thanks again!

 

[breakaway01]

Just previews for now - should be available for purchase sometime this fall. They will probably go fast once they go live, so I wouldn't wait for any discounts/sales personally if you really need a formal outfit. Spier & Mackay is very good value for the money. There is an affiliate thread in the Classic Menswear section that you can peruse.

Midnight Navy - Tuxedo | SPIER & MACKAY

Spier & Mackay

www.spierandmackay.com

Midnight Navy - Side Tabs | SPIER & MACKAY

Spier & Mackay

www.spierandmackay.com

Black Stretch - Tuxedo | SPIER & MACKAY

Spier & Mackay

www.spierandmackay.com

Black Stretch - Side Tabs | SPIER & MACKAY

Spier & Mackay

www.spierandmackay.com

Also if you haven't already seen this:

Tuxedo & Black Tie Guide | Gentleman's Gazette

Since 2006 The Ultimate Black Tie Guide. All you ever wanted to know about Black Tie & Tuxedo Dress Codes, History, What To Buy, Mistakes To Avoid, Tux Fit, Bow Ties, Cummerbunds...

www.gentlemansgazette.com

You will also want to budget for a shirt, tie (strongly recommend you learn to tie a self-tie bow tie, looks so much better than pretied) & cummerbund (unless you find an outfit with a waistcoat), and good black shoes (black plain or captoe oxfords are fine, no need to get patent leather or pumps).

 

[Ashwood]

I have black Gucci loafers I bought in Italy that are like new so Shoes I think are good. Appreciate the suggestions.

Are these previews already sold out? or did they just not go on sale yet?

 

[breakaway01]

Not on sale yet.

 

[dral83]

Another option (that is not as crazy expensive) if you want to buy new:

Men's Black Tie Outfits | Charles Tyrwhitt

Buy men's black tie outfits from Charles Tyrwhitt of Jermyn Street, London - the home of proper shirts. Available for international delivery.

www.charlestyrwhitt.com

*Note: haven't bought from them in years but should be better than the previously mentioned J.A.Bank and Men's wearhouse

 

[Ashwood]

Just previews for now - should be available for purchase sometime this fall. They will probably go fast once they go live, so I wouldn't wait for any discounts/sales personally if you really need a formal outfit. Spier & Mackay is very good value for the money. There is an affiliate thread in the Classic Menswear section that you can peruse.

Midnight Navy - Tuxedo | SPIER & MACKAY

Spier & Mackay

www.spierandmackay.com

Midnight Navy - Side Tabs | SPIER & MACKAY

Spier & Mackay

www.spierandmackay.com

Black Stretch - Tuxedo | SPIER & MACKAY

Spier & Mackay

www.spierandmackay.com

Black Stretch - Side Tabs | SPIER & MACKAY

Spier & Mackay

www.spierandmackay.com

Also if you haven't already seen this:

Tuxedo & Black Tie Guide | Gentleman's Gazette

Since 2006 The Ultimate Black Tie Guide. All you ever wanted to know about Black Tie & Tuxedo Dress Codes, History, What To Buy, Mistakes To Avoid, Tux Fit, Bow Ties, Cummerbunds...

www.gentlemansgazette.com

You will also want to budget for a shirt, tie (strongly recommend you learn to tie a self-tie bow tie, looks so much better than pretied) & cummerbund (unless you find an outfit with a waistcoat), and good black shoes (black plain or captoe oxfords are fine, no need to get patent leather or pumps).

I bought the Navy and Black Tuxes that just went on sale rom Spier & Mackay tonight--praying they arrive well and fit well. Thanks for your advice!