The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[ImTheGroom]

Funny.

I've worn mine seven times since I got it in August. JollyRoger is right - I find reasons to wear it.

 

[LeviMay]



Buy one, and you will find occasions to wear it.

It's like having a bottle of champagne in the fridge.

J

Well put.

 

[sugarbutch]

I wear a suit to work every day in Silicon Valley, and even I struggle to find occasions to wear black tie.

 

[Midnight Blue]



If I attend 3 events a year that require a tux then I will buy one. Yesterday I tried on a Castangia Tuxedo and it fit me like a glove. That being said I won't buy one unless I hit that threshold.

That threshold is awfully high. If you attend just one black-tie event per year wouldn't you want to arrive at each glamourous affair in your own tuxedo that fits like a glove and looks like a million dollars rather than show up in rented clothing?

 

[archibaldleach]



That threshold is awfully high. If you attend just one black-tie event per year wouldn't you want to arrive at each glamourous affair in your own tuxedo that fits like a glove and looks like a million dollars rather than show up in rented clothing?

+1. You can easily get a decent OTR tuxedo on sale for $500 and a complete rig sans shoes (wear well shined oxfords, ideally plain toe) for $800 (assuming you buy a tuxedo shirt, studs, bow tie and either vest or cummerbund) that will be of higher quality than most rentals, will fit you better and will look better. Rentals seem to go for at least $150 now, so the real question is whether you will go enough black tie events (6 or so) in the next decade where you'd get to wear your tuxedo. If so, owning your own is the better economic decision (to say nothing for aesthetics).

 

[J011yroger]



I wear a suit to work every day in Silicon Valley, and even I struggle to find occasions to wear black tie.

Perhaps such things are easier to come across in my neck of the woods.

J

 

[J011yroger]

How is this vest for morning dress?

Not that I could afford it barring a steep discount.

J

 

[CTLION]

The tuxedo I am looking at retails at $2700. One event a year will not justify.

 

[CTLION]



The tuxedo I am looking at retails at $2700. One event a year will not justify.

I think it's a matter of looking good and looking perfect.

 

[gringodaddy]

I've worn mine seven times since I got it in August. JollyRoger is right - I find excuses to wear it.

FTFY

 

[J011yroger]



The tuxedo I am looking at retails at $2700. One event a year will not justify.

That is like riding a bicycle because you can't justify buying a Ferrari.

I have no stake in the matter, and certainly do my own share of things that make no sense to the casual observer.

J

 

[J011yroger]



FTFY

Let's not start throwing stones, we are all perfectly happy to keep up the delusion that we need any of this crap we buy.



J

 

[ImTheGroom]

How is this vest for morning dress?

Not that I could afford it barring a steep discount.



J

Pretty good, but will depend on the button point of your Morning Coat. You want about the same amoount of vest above and below the closure.

 

[ImTheGroom]

FTFY

Thanks. And what's wrong with finding excuses? lol

 

[gringodaddy]

nothing necessarily; if you already own black tie rig. If you don't, then IMO just because one can find excuses/reasons for wearing it doesn't necessarily justify the purchase.