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cheap tux

kingxxxman

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high school student here nd prom is coming. I would like a suggestion on cheaper tuxs . I'm built but also trim. I am considering a jacket from joss bank for 147.
 

dragon8

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Jos Banks is probably the best bet at that range.
 

kingxxxman

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Do you think i should get matching Jos Banks pants? Or can i go to Men's Wearhouse and get a cheaper pair there?
 

BLU8

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If you get the jacket at JAB, definitely get the pants there as well. You want the fabric for both pieces to match, as opposed to having 2 different shades of black and/or different materials for the jacket & pants. Try to go for a one-button, peak lapel tuxedo, as that is the most timeless, classic style.

Depending on your budget & how soon you need it, the JAB Signature Peak Lapel tuxedo can be had on sale for about $300, which is a great value at that price. You just have to wait for the right sale to come along: http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_101786
 

BLU8

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Looks good to me! If I wanted to be nitpicky, traditionally a tuxedo jacket does not have pocket flaps & should not have a centre vent, but for a budget tuxedo it's not a big deal. Plus, you can just tuck the flaps inside the pockets. Choosing the flat-front pants over pleated is also a smart idea.

To complete the rest of the outfit, make sure you get a nice black vest or cummerbund, black bow tie, & a white tuxedo shirt with a laydown collar, as opposed to a wing collar. Also, get the best pair of black lace-up dress shoes you can afford (ideally something simple with minimal decoration) & give 'em a good polish. A simple white pocket square tucked into your jacket's breast pocket will also look very dashing.

If you need any more info, the Black Tie Guide is an invaluable resource: http://www.blacktieguide.com/index.html

Have fun at your prom!
 

johnvw

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Looks good to me! If I wanted to be nitpicky, traditionally a tuxedo jacket does not have pocket flaps & should not have a centre vent, but for a budget tuxedo it's not a big deal. Plus, you can just tuck the flaps inside the pockets. Choosing the flat-front pants over pleated is also a smart idea.
To complete the rest of the outfit, make sure you get a nice black vest or cummerbund, black bow tie, & a white tuxedo shirt with a laydown collar, as opposed to a wing collar. Also, get the best pair of black lace-up dress shoes you can afford (ideally something simple with minimal decoration) & give 'em a good polish. A simple white pocket square tucked into your jacket's breast pocket will also look very dashing.
If you need any more info, the Black Tie Guide is an invaluable resource: http://www.blacktieguide.com/index.html
Have fun at your prom!


This is good advice. The tailor at the store where you buy the jacket (or a tailor near you if you buy online) can close the vent for a nominal fee. Ideally, the tie should match the fabric on the lapel facings and the stripes down the pants. The formal accessories at JAB don't appear to be on sale now, however. If this is an issue pricewise, an affordable black silk bow tie should be fine for the occasion.

Hope it goes well!
 

kingxxxman

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How necessary is a cumberbund? Also would getting a normal dress shirt with french cuffs be acceptable? Normal tuxedo shirts wear like tents on me.
 

BLU8

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I suppose on a budget you could get away with wearing a normal French cuff dress shirt. However, a tuxedo shirt really should have either stud holes or a fly-front (covered button placket). Of course, in high school not many, if any, people would notice or care about these details, so it certainly wouldn't be the end of the world if you just wore a dress shirt. That said, if you are able, I would highly recommend picking up a proper formal shirt to go with your tux. If you're having trouble finding a slim-fit one, I notice that JAB has this one on sale: http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_350642

As for the cummerbund, traditionally a tuxedo is supposed to have some form of waist covering; either a cummerbund or a black vest. However, in recent years skipping this part of the outfit has become a popular look, given that Daniel Craig wore his tuxedo without a waist covering in the James Bond movie Casino Royale. Keep in mind that this look works best if you are in good shape & wearing a fly-front shirt as opposed to one with studs. You should also remember to keep your jacket button done up whenever you are standing to avoid exposing the white shirt above your waistband. For the sake of tradition, and if your budget allows for it, I would recommend getting either a waistcoat or cummerbund for your tuxedo.
 

ballmouse

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I did not see you mention this, but I would highly recommend trying on these items in person. Jos A Bank and Men's Warehouse carry items that are very generous in sizing. As a high school student, you are probably in good shape or skinny. You are probably going to have to size down for their clothes.

An alternative to the cumberbund would be a vest.
 

musicmax

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How necessary is a cumberbund? Also would getting a normal dress shirt with french cuffs be acceptable? Normal tuxedo shirts wear like tents on me.


I just bought Brooks Brothers' Slim Fit tuxedo shirt (ignore the long tie - I have no idea what BB was thinking pairing a long tie with a formal shirt).

If that's out of your price range for a specialty shirt, get a slim fit french cuff model in oxford cloth and a spread collar (the points of the spread collar will reach the lapels of your jacket, making for a cleaner look than a point collar would provide). Bonus points if you can also find fly front so your lack of studs isn't obvious, but don't expect to succeed on this detail. And either take it to the cleaners, or get out the iron, to get the packaging creases out of it.
 
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dragon8

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How necessary is a cumberbund? Also would getting a normal dress shirt with french cuffs be acceptable? Normal tuxedo shirts wear like tents on me.


If you will be wearing a vest then a cumberbund is not necessary but if not then get one.
 

jamesny

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If you get the jacket at JAB, definitely get the pants there as well. You want the fabric for both pieces to match, as opposed to having 2 different shades of black and/or different materials for the jacket & pants. Try to go for a one-button, peak lapel tuxedo, as that is the most timeless, classic style.
Depending on your budget & how soon you need it, the JAB Signature Peak Lapel tuxedo can be had on sale for about $300, which is a great value at that price. You just have to wait for the right sale to come along: http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/Product_11001_10050_101786

I agree with getting the jacket and pants there and not as separates.
 

kingxxxman

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Thanks guys! Got the tux and the pants! Just need a slim fit tux shirt. Suggestions welcome... on a cheap budget of course.
 

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