Looking to buy a new tuxedo, need advice.

[cococard]

Hello guys, like the topic states, Im in the market for a new tuxedo. I've set my budget at 3000 and have Houston a short flight away.


At that price point what are my best options? Should I just hit the big department stores or look for something more personalized? Im set on a peak one button with flat front pants, im at 6'0 and 186 pounds.

Any suggestions are appreciated...

 

[pvrhye]

At 3 grand, bespoke is an option, but it's a trainwreck waiting to happen if you aren't pretty educated on what to do. The safest bet would be to find a bespoke maker who's house style you like and take it wholesale. Despos used to be in Houston (I think). He might know a good tailor to go to.

 

[cococard]

I tried on a couple of Zegna and Armani Tuxes at Nieman over the weekend. i thought the Zegna was nice but dont know how it measures up to bespoke.

 

[mjphillips]

I've been looking at tuxedos lately and the two that I liked best in that range were Zegna ($2400) and Ralph Lauren black label ($2200). I'm roughly the same size and both are one-button peak lapel with a trim fit, relatively strong shoulders and low button stance - all traits which looks great with a tuxedo.

 

[TimelesStyle]

OP: Don't take this the wrong way, but is most of your weight concentrated in the chest/shoulders/legs area, or does it flow more to the middle (stomach/rear)? That will partly determine whose tuxedos will fit you best.

I have a Zegna myself and really like it. You said you're an hour from Houston, in which direction? There's a Zegna outlet in San Marcos, and if they have the same stuff as the Zegna outlet in Cabazon, CA then I got the exact tux you are describing for $1,000 down from $2,500. I am also a fan of RLBL, which the previous poster mentioned, but that is really but more for someone who's larger up top than in the middle, due to its aggressive V shape.

Every so often Ralph Lauren will have its Purple Label tuxedos on sale, so you can always see if that happens (they retail for closer to $6k). Also, for well styled but slightly less than your budget, try Paul Stuart.

Were I in your position, though, I think I'd be looking at Isaia. They are about $3k and are really, really nice. Probably a half step above Zegna mainline. I also like the fact that you can get them with grosgrain facings instead of satin (not a huge deal, but a nice feature).

Also, skip Armani: The white label is the same price as Zegna, but not nearly as nice and the black label is about the same quality, but more expensive. Zegna's garments in general look more elegant and less dated, IMO.