Shopping for a tuxedo

[BostonRussell]

I'm the early bird, deliberate shopping type. I have a black tie event coming in the Spring but as one who has tastes beyond my salary (and, like most of us, a borderline obsession with purchasing things that will last a lifetime) I start sale shopping extremely early.

That said I want a reasonably classic tux. Could go for one button or two (I'm 6"2) and am deciding between peak and shawl lapel. I'm thinking black, don't quite have the courage for midnight blue.

What brands should I be shopping? Let's say I could go as high as 1,200 but would be MUCH happier spending around 700. I've never purchased one before and can't find a MTM service in my area.

Also would extremely well polished AE Park Ave's work with a tuxedo? I'm cynical because of the cap toe but once again financial constraints would make it fantastic if they would work.

 

[Sander]

Originally Posted by BostonRussell

Also would extremely well polished AE Park Ave's work with a tuxedo? I'm cynical because of the cap toe but once again financial constraints would make it fantastic if they would work.
As for that, I've seen AlanC wear AE PA's with a tuxedo, so there you have a famous scapegoat if you want to... (on the other hand I think he said something in the post along the lines of "well, I know, it's not perfect, give me time" and that he now has opera pumps). I myself would even prefer hi-shine oxfords, but on the other hand I've never worn a tuxedo in my life.

 

[MrFab]

as best as i can recollect nearly all higher end menswear brands make some kind of tuxedo, and the quality is usually about equal to what their suits are, so just judge from that.

As for the shoes, not sure what the rule is for a pa but usually the standard is an opera pump or some kind of patent leather shoe

 

[gumercindo]

for $1200, there are LOTS of options. On the cheap side, try nitr-o on ebay for isaia tuxes. Nice price at ~$500 and the quality is decent. The other recommendation I have is to scour the RL outlets for a blue label, black label or purple label tuxes. I scored a PL tux for $600 last year.

 

[chorse123]

Are you near a big city? Discounts across the board are very good this year, which would make it a nice time to try and buy a tux, an item that seems to get marked down less-and less frequently-than the seasonal items. If I was looking today, I'd try Saks and Ralph Lauren. You could start now, or look after Christmas. Brooks Brothers has some decent ones.

 

[tlmusic]

The best RTW tuxedos I have seen were Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece and Ralph Lauren Purple Label. These two brands emphasize classic details. If this your to be your main tuxedo, I would suggest a peak lapel. My favorite tuxedo is a Greenfield made Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Double Breasted. I bought it on sale at the Fifth Avenue store. After lots of tailoring, I'm quite happy with it.