Suggestions for a Tux for Mardi Gras

[SVS]

I’m going to Mardi Gras in a few weeks and will be attending at least one of fancier parties. I understand that these parties are formal and require a tux. I’ve asked for specific dress code details, but I don’t think I’m going to get any more specifics. (I’m a guest of the invitee.) Does anyone know if these are typically black or white tie?

I don’t have a tux and plan to purchase one. Do you have a recommendation? If the tux makes it through the week, I don’t expect to need a tux often. I really don’t even know what to look for when considering a tux. Any assistance will be appreciated.

 

[zalb916]

I have been to these events. They are certainly not white tie. People will be wearing standard black tie. There is plenty of information on this web site about what standard black tie entails.

 

[voxsartoria]

Originally Posted by SVS

I don't have a tux and plan to purchase one. Do you have a recommendation? If the tux makes it through the week, I don't expect to need a tux often. I really don't even know what to look for when considering a tux. Any assistance will be appreciated.

What's your budget?

- B

 

[SVS]

Originally Posted by voxsartoria

What's your budget?

- B

That's a great question. I haven't spent any time in the tux market at all. (Looked a little online, but that isn't helpful unless you know what you're looking for.) Is tux pricing similar suits?

Does sub-$500 get it done? I don't want to look terrible, but this isn't a long-term investment for me.

A good first step might be a trip to the nearest bridal store.

 

[saint]

Is it a party, or the ball of one of the Krewes? If the latter, wear black tie and rent it, if the latter, renting a tux probably isn't a bad idea anyway, even if you might be overdressed. In either case, by the end of the evening if whatever you're wearing isn't trashed, you aren't doing it N'awlins style.

 

[X-Calibre]

I just went through this myself for the inauguration, so I'll tell you want I've learned. Joseph a banks has a single button peak lapel that's pretty nice, its got all the features of a classic tuxedo, though its obviously fused. It retails for 800 and they sell it for 425 on sale. I bet if you call one up and lean hard enough you can get it for the latter, they seem quite flexible. There is an ebay seller who has single button peaks in a slimmer fit for pretty cheap, if you contact him directly you can get a "SF discount" he's very easy to work with and if you have time you can get something from him. The seller is http://myworld.ebay.com/style-wizard/, msg him directly to work with him off ebay for better pricing. I think its like 260-280 shipped. Whatever you do, don't rent. JC penny's has tuxedo separates for 100 total, 70 for the jacket, 30 for the pants, no joke. I'm sure its polyester, but whatever. Every other rental tux imaginable can also be had on Ebay for less than or equal to the rental price.

 

[Dewey]

The JAB Signature one-button single-breasted peak tux just went off sale. It was $398.

You'll need braces - $75 from Albert Thurston - and a cummerbund - maybe $25 from armyhardhat on ebay for a BB Makers one, or more elsewhere - or a waistcoat - you can sometimes find these on sale - check Ben Silver - and a tux shirt - price will vary, but armyhardhat can have them - and a bow tie - and shoes. I wouldn't skimp on the accessories. A $4 pre-tied catering bow tie can will ruin the whole deal. So with a $400 tux, I'd budget at least $600-$700 to complete the outfit if you have the shoes.

and google black tie guide for a good overview of the situation

 

[X-Calibre]

Here's what I did: JAB Signature while on sale: http://www.josbank.com/IWCatProductP...duct_Id=239324 White pique vest: http://www.uniformalwearhouse.com/ap...sts_pique.html They have 3 options from poly blend to full cotton and sized. Shirt: armyhardhat seller on ebay. He has the golden fleece, formal shirts for like 40 bucks with collar. JAB charges you for alterations, shirt, suit, vest put me back a bit over 500.

 

[SVS]

Originally Posted by saint

Is it a party, or the ball of one of the Krewes? If the latter, wear black tie and rent it, if the latter, renting a tux probably isn't a bad idea anyway, even if you might be overdressed. In either case, by the end of the evening if whatever you're wearing isn't trashed, you aren't doing it N'awlins style.
You understand my question perfectly. I'm attending a Krewe ball and a private party in uptown. Dewey & X-Calibre, Thanks! That is great information. I will try to pull things together as you suggested.

 

[butkusrules]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/men...-occasion/all/ Check those out The Joseph Abboud looks like a good price @ 345. You can proably use a coupon to lower that even farther down. Somebody buy the velvet ISAIA.

 

[RSS]



I have been to these events. They are certainly not white tie. People will be wearing standard black tie. There is plenty of information on this web site about what standard black tie entails.

Too late to help someone for 2009 ... but if anyone is looking back ... hoping for advice: Much depends on which Krewe is hosting the ball. If it's Comus or Rex, the dress is white tie. Most others are black tie and there must be 150 or more krewes hosting balls or parties of some type.

Rex is the King of (all) Carnival ... but it's interesting that he leaves his festivities for a journey to meet and bow before the King of Comus (who remains seated) to end Mardi Gras. It was especially unusual in 1950 when the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor attended and played their parts gracefully, bowing first to Rex and then with Rex to Comus.

Rex is typically someone involved in civic and/or philantropic causes and his identity is made public on Lundi Gras. The King of Comus is typically a society figure but no one is supposed to know his identity as membership in Comus is kept private.

I feel strange answering this question on Ash Wednesday ... almost if I shouldn't speak of the season again until after the next Epiphany.