Buying a Tux

[ginghamphatts]

Hey guys, so I've decided to purchase a tux as I have a lot of black tie events coming up and it's about that time. Here's what I plan to go with:

Notch lapel, single button, flat front pants, self-tie bowtie (obviously), cummerbund.

Does anyone have any recommendations regarding the above? I want to go with something classic that will look good and last 5-10 years.

I'm looking to spend less than $800 on everything (including shoes and any accessories). I'm wary of some of the chains like Men's Wearhouse or Jos A Bank, etc, but am open to them if you guys have had good experiences. Do you have any recommendations for what brand or where to buy otherwise?

Thanks!

G

 

[loreley]

If you want to go classic, go peak lapel, not notch.

 

[bleachboy]

Jos A Bank has one button tuxes with both peak and shawl (and notch) lapels for cheap (around $350 IIRC). The quality is perfectly fine for a garment you aren't going to wear twice a week.

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by loreley

If you want to go classic, go peak lapel, not notch.

Do you think the peak is the more timless of the two? ie. will still look good in 10 years?

G

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by bleachboy

Jos A Bank has one button tuxes with both peak and shawl (and notch) lapels for cheap (around $350 IIRC). The quality is perfectly fine for a garment you aren't going to wear twice a week.

Thanks Bleachboy--I plan to wear my tux only a few times a year. So you don't think I should have any concerns doing Jos A Bank? I was checking them out and they do seem to have pretty good prices and the material looked pretty nice when I checked it out in-store.

G

 

[Mark from Plano]

Originally Posted by ginghamphatts

Do you think the peak is the more timless of the two? ie. will still look good in 10 years?

G

Absolutely.

Before you buy anything, spend some time on this site: www.blacktieguide.com

Follow his recommendations to the letter. I wish it had been around when I was buying my first tux. Would have saved me some money in replacing it later.


Also, if you are going with JAB, go with their Signature peak lapel tux. Will cost a bit more, but is much better quality, IMO.

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by Mark from Plano

Absolutely.

Before you buy anything, spend some time on this site: www.blacktieguide.com

Follow his recommendations to the letter. I wish it had been around when I was buying my first tux. Would have saved me some money in replacing it later.

Thanks, Mark. I'm sold on the peak, and will check out this site before I buy. I was hoping to avoid just what you warned about. I wanna do this right the first time!

G

 

[pmowen]

This site has some good info. Classic is always best to start: http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic...Definition.htm

 

[ginghamphatts]

Also, what about the shirt? What should I go with? What style?

 

[makewayhomer]

Originally Posted by ginghamphatts

Also, what about the shirt? What should I go with? What style?

...

Originally Posted by Mark from Plano

Absolutely.

Before you buy anything, spend some time on this site: www.blacktieguide.com

Follow his recommendations to the letter. I wish it had been around when I was buying my first tux. Would have saved me some money in replacing it later.


Also, if you are going with JAB, go with their Signature peak lapel tux. Will cost a bit more, but is much better quality, IMO.

Originally Posted by pmowen

This site has some good info. Classic is always best to start:
http://www.blacktieguide.com/Classic...Definition.htm

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by makewayhomer

...

Just looking for opinions, man. I'm checking the website, too. Thanks all the same.

G

 

[cptjeff]

Turndown collar. Wing collars virtually always manage to look silly. Pleats are your call, but if you do your own laundry, keep in mind that they can be a pain to iron.

 

[ljrcustom]

What size tux do you need?

-LR

 

[Ianiceman]

It's always a matter for debate but IMO and that of many others on here the turndown collar looks much better than the wing collar, if only because you don't have the black strip of the tie going around the back of your neck. (Don't even think about those 'tunnel necked' wing collar shirts).

I got two from Thomas Pink in marcella, which is the picque texture that is more formal than a plain poplin cotton shirt but not as fussy as pleats or ruffles. French cuffs of course.

I found I preferred the one I can use my studs with to the one with the fly front (hidden buttons). I will happily sell the fly front one - brand new, unworn, 15.5 collar, 34 sleeves IIRC. PM if interested.

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by Ianiceman

It's always a matter for debate but IMO and that of many others on here the turndown collar looks much better than the wing collar, if only because you don't have the black strip of the tie going around the back of your neck. (Don't even think about those 'tunnel necked' wing collar shirts).

I got two from Thomas Pink in marcella, which is the picque texture that is more formal than a plain poplin cotton shirt but not as fussy as pleats or ruffles. French cuffs of course.

I found I preferred the one I can use my studs with to the one with the fly front (hidden buttons). I will happily sell the fly front one - brand new, unworn, 15.5 collar, 34 sleeves IIRC. PM if interested.

So should I go with French cuffs? I have yet to do these--I want to make sure the sleeves are tailored right, so will I need to consider French cuffs when I get the length tailored? I would assume.

G