Are there any decent black tie options besides buying?

[YoungAmerican]

People email me all the time about black tie events. Mostly, it's not worth it for them to buy something, even something for $300 at Jos. A Bank or whatever.

Is there anything I can tell them to make their rental experience better? Are there any places that rent a decent kit? Any at all?

 

[Concordia]

Try buying vintage at a Junior League thrift shop or a place like Keezer's in Cambridge.

 

[voxsartoria]

Unfortunately there's nothing in the US anymore like what the Brits still have with Moss Bros.

Keezer's isn't what it used to be.


- B

 

[Concordia]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

Keezer's isn't what it used to be.


- B

Well, no. Back in the day, you'd go down to a stifling basement in the middle of the summer and get a shot at all the blazers and DJs recently sold by Harvard seniors-- that they'd likely bought there as freshmen. Now it's much more antiseptic.

 

[YoungAmerican]

Originally Posted by Concordia

Try buying vintage at a Junior League thrift shop or a place like Keezer's in Cambridge.

This usually ends up being my recommendation to people. That's sort of a long-term project, though, and people are usually looking for something for an event that's in, say, a month.

 

[bowtielover]

No, buying is the best option besideds that you haev renting which is the worst thing you can do.

 

[Master Squirrel]

http://www.amazon.com/Giorgio-Premiu...0424937&sr=1-1

If they still have your size and you want it on the cheap.

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by YoungAmerican

This usually ends up being my recommendation to people. That's sort of a long-term project, though, and people are usually looking for something for an event that's in, say, a month.

Well, if you are giving advice to men who have no reason or inclination to own, perhaps you can concentrate your reccomenfations to four bullets like so:

- Make sure that your tuxedo and shoes are black.

- Make sure that your shirt is white with some form of plain collar.

- Make sure that your tie is a black bow.

- Make sure that your rental shop fits it so that (a) the tuxedo is not baggy or big, (b) your sleeves show a bit of cuff, and (c) your pants do not pool on the floor.

Other than that, let the festivities hold sway, and try to ornament yourself with a pretty girl or three.

- B

 

[Will]

Or you could recommend that they stay home and spend the money they've saved on beer. Not certain how well that might be received though.

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by Will

Or you could recommend that they stay home and spend the money they've saved on beer.

I think that the OP's audience is wider than StyleForvm, though.

- B

 

[intent]

I recently received an invitation to a black tie event, and it came with a tuxedo renting form and schedule for "fittings". $150 including shoes. I'm better off with the $300 Zenga that I bought NWT and love.