The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[hpreston]

Those could work if that's what the hosts are going for. Maybe just keep 'semi-formal', which actually means black tie. Thinking about the OP, it seems like we still need a separate code for less formal black tie events.

Semi formal might have meant Black Tie 100 years ago, but it certainly doesn’t mean that any more

 

[PBJelly]

Hello! I have some concerns about purchasing a tuxedo for use at an upcoming wedding (May) and in the future.

It's my first time looking for a suit like this, and I've done research into what I want. I'm just not certain where to shop.

In my area of southeastern Massachusetts, I've only found one relevant store within a practical distance: Men's Wearhouse. I have not heard great things here about their work.

There are the online options, like Suitsupply or Indochino. I have also not heard many wonderful things about them and I'm wary about spending a lot of money on something that I haven't tried on.

This leads me to believe that I should schedule an appointment with a reputable store that's further away. Unfortunately, anything like that is over an hour away in Boston, so I'd like to know which to pick so I'm not wasting a lot of time.

Here are some details about me and what I'm looking for:

My body type is such that, if I were to buy RTW, 42R jackets fit pretty well but my larger thighs could require a 38"x32" that is taken in to a 36". I don't think I would need a MTM suit in that case, but I'm not opposed.

I prefer to stick with classic styles that are versatile and reusable. Besides the obvious (no single-vented jackets, no flap pockets, etc.), I'm generally confident in having the following elements:

• Black wool, ~300g/m^2
• Peak lapels
• Satin facings
• Suspender buttons

I would like to keep the budget around or below $1000, to allow room for me to purchase the required black tie accessories.

Back to the point, there is a Ralph Lauren, a Brooks Brothers, and an Andover Store in Boston. Are there any recommendations between them for my situation? Any alternative recommendations?

I would greatly appreciate any advice!

 

[symphvaria]

Hello! I have some concerns about purchasing a tuxedo for use at an upcoming wedding (May) and in the future.

It's my first time looking for a suit like this, and I've done research into what I want. I'm just not certain where to shop.

In my area of southeastern Massachusetts, I've only found one relevant store within a practical distance: Men's Wearhouse. I have not heard great things here about their work.

There are the online options, like Suitsupply or Indochino. I have also not heard many wonderful things about them and I'm wary about spending a lot of money on something that I haven't tried on.

This leads me to believe that I should schedule an appointment with a reputable store that's further away. Unfortunately, anything like that is over an hour away in Boston, so I'd like to know which to pick so I'm not wasting a lot of time.

Here are some details about me and what I'm looking for:

My body type is such that, if I were to buy RTW, 42R jackets fit pretty well but my larger thighs could require a 38"x32" that is taken in to a 36". I don't think I would need a MTM suit in that case, but I'm not opposed.

I prefer to stick with classic styles that are versatile and reusable. Besides the obvious (no single-vented jackets, no flap pockets, etc.), I'm generally confident in having the following elements:

• Black wool, ~300g/m^2
• Peak lapels
• Satin facings
• Suspender buttons

I would like to keep the budget around or below $1000, to allow room for me to purchase the required black tie accessories.

Back to the point, there is a Ralph Lauren, a Brooks Brothers, and an Andover Store in Boston. Are there any recommendations between them for my situation? Any alternative recommendations?

I would greatly appreciate any advice!

Andover is good and would be able to point you in a decent direction, though I doubt it would end up under $1000.

 

[DorianGreen]

 

[Cause Moe]

Hello! I have some concerns about purchasing a tuxedo for use at an upcoming wedding (May) and in the future.

It's my first time looking for a suit like this, and I've done research into what I want. I'm just not certain where to shop.

In my area of southeastern Massachusetts, I've only found one relevant store within a practical distance: Men's Wearhouse. I have not heard great things here about their work.

There are the online options, like Suitsupply or Indochino. I have also not heard many wonderful things about them and I'm wary about spending a lot of money on something that I haven't tried on.

This leads me to believe that I should schedule an appointment with a reputable store that's further away. Unfortunately, anything like that is over an hour away in Boston, so I'd like to know which to pick so I'm not wasting a lot of time.

Here are some details about me and what I'm looking for:

My body type is such that, if I were to buy RTW, 42R jackets fit pretty well but my larger thighs could require a 38"x32" that is taken in to a 36". I don't think I would need a MTM suit in that case, but I'm not opposed.

I prefer to stick with classic styles that are versatile and reusable. Besides the obvious (no single-vented jackets, no flap pockets, etc.), I'm generally confident in having the following elements:

• Black wool, ~300g/m^2
• Peak lapels
• Satin facings
• Suspender buttons

I would like to keep the budget around or below $1000, to allow room for me to purchase the required black tie accessories.

Back to the point, there is a Ralph Lauren, a Brooks Brothers, and an Andover Store in Boston. Are there any recommendations between them for my situation? Any alternative recommendations?

I would greatly appreciate any advice!

I would recommend Drinkwater's in Cambridge (make an appointment), but I think $1000 is not a likely budget there, either. With accessories, and including shoes, it could even be twice that amount.

Depending on your location, you might find something closer in Providence.

 

[PBJelly]

I would recommend Drinkwater's in Cambridge (make an appointment), but I think $1000 is not a likely budget there, either. With accessories, and including shoes, it might be could even that amount.

Depending on your location, you might find something closer in Providence.

Thank you for the recommendation!

Providence could be a bit closer for me than Cambridge. Are you familiar with any shops in that area?

 

[Cause Moe]

Thank you for the recommendation!

Providence could be a bit closer for me than Cambridge. Are you familiar with any shops in that area?

Sorry, no. Just familar with some places in SE Mass being closer to Providence than to Boston.

 

[ericgereghty]

Hello! I have some concerns about purchasing a tuxedo for use at an upcoming wedding (May) and in the future.

It's my first time looking for a suit like this, and I've done research into what I want. I'm just not certain where to shop.

In my area of southeastern Massachusetts, I've only found one relevant store within a practical distance: Men's Wearhouse. I have not heard great things here about their work.

There are the online options, like Suitsupply or Indochino. I have also not heard many wonderful things about them and I'm wary about spending a lot of money on something that I haven't tried on.

This leads me to believe that I should schedule an appointment with a reputable store that's further away. Unfortunately, anything like that is over an hour away in Boston, so I'd like to know which to pick so I'm not wasting a lot of time.

Here are some details about me and what I'm looking for:

My body type is such that, if I were to buy RTW, 42R jackets fit pretty well but my larger thighs could require a 38"x32" that is taken in to a 36". I don't think I would need a MTM suit in that case, but I'm not opposed.

I prefer to stick with classic styles that are versatile and reusable. Besides the obvious (no single-vented jackets, no flap pockets, etc.), I'm generally confident in having the following elements:

• Black wool, ~300g/m^2
• Peak lapels
• Satin facings
• Suspender buttons

I would like to keep the budget around or below $1000, to allow room for me to purchase the required black tie accessories.

Back to the point, there is a Ralph Lauren, a Brooks Brothers, and an Andover Store in Boston. Are there any recommendations between them for my situation? Any alternative recommendations?

I would greatly appreciate any advice!

Spier and Mackay?

View attachment 2331943
View attachment 2331945

This is very meh to me. Would like a more "fun" jacket. STRONG preference for a tartan jacket rather than pents

 

[meshiach]

I'm in the process of putting together a tuxedo rig, and I have a question about shirts. People here seem to feel very strongly that wing collar must be detachable only, but where does one actually go about getting a collar-less dress shirt and an attachable collar in this day and age? Is custom the only real option here?

I'm thinking about getting two shirts, one turn-down and one wing (as I really do like the look of wing shirts), but if I'm going to do it I'd generally prefer to do it right. I'm in NYC if that helps.

 

[Faux Brummell]

Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

[DorianGreen]

This is very meh to me. Would like a more "fun" jacket. STRONG preference for a tartan jacket rather than pents

I also prefer the reverse combination, but not that STRONGLY. Very nice and sophisticated look for me.

 

[DorianGreen]

Trousers a little too short for my taste.

 

[classless]

I'm in the process of putting together a tuxedo rig, and I have a question about shirts. People here seem to feel very strongly that wing collar must be detachable only, but where does one actually go about getting a collar-less dress shirt and an attachable collar in this day and age? Is custom the only real option here?

I'm thinking about getting two shirts, one turn-down and one wing (as I really do like the look of wing shirts), but if I'm going to do it I'd generally prefer to do it right. I'm in NYC if that helps.

 

[William Kazak]

View attachment 2332649 View attachment 2332655

Trousers a little too short for my taste.

I love the jacket. That tie seems a bit large to my taste.

 

[Andy57]

I'm in the process of putting together a tuxedo rig, and I have a question about shirts. People here seem to feel very strongly that wing collar must be detachable only, but where does one actually go about getting a collar-less dress shirt and an attachable collar in this day and age? Is custom the only real option here?

I'm thinking about getting two shirts, one turn-down and one wing (as I really do like the look of wing shirts), but if I'm going to do it I'd generally prefer to do it right. I'm in NYC if that helps.

Budd. Although they are in London, you can order online, I'm quite sure. I'm not sure if Turnbull & Asser still has a location in NYC, but, if they do, that is another possibility.

But, my advice would be to forget about a wing collar, especially if comfort is something you value.