Vintage Tuxedo Thoughts

[Rylsa]

Hey gents,

What is your opinion on vintage tuxedos? I have a friend's wedding coming up and it's certainly a cheaper alternative to buying a new $1500++ tuxedo which I will not wear often.

A shawl and db peak caught my attention. They are pretty old though (1940-60s). Thought I get your opinions on them!

Shawl:

Is the lapel width too large and long?



DB peak grosgrain:

Would this look dated?
Thanks for any input in advance!

 

[dreamspace]

They don't look dated IMO. I've owned a couple pretty old tuxedos, among others a Henry Poole from the 50's.

One thing I've noticed, that seems to be a trend, is that the material has been THICK. Don't know if this is because they used to have multiple tuxes, for different seasons, but each and every vintage tuxedo I've owned has been very heavy on the cloth, unless it was specifically made for summer (silk or mohair blends, very light wools, etc.). The thread count has also been fairly low, so don't expect a very smooth Super 150's tuxedo for that matter.

Another thing is that they used to be bespoke. You'll of course find RTW, but many were Bespoke or tailored for the owner. I've tried on some pretty weird fitting vintage tuxedos and dinner jackets in the various thrift stores.

So, try before you buy. Picking up Vintage stuff on Ebay is a total crapshoot, even more so than modern clothes.

edit: I also want to mention that in my experience, stuff from the 30's-40's, and some 50's seem to have the classic drape cut. That may look dated today, and can make things more difficult in guessing the size. The trousers are also cut very large, compared to modern standards. Very high rise and no slimming down the legs.

 

[Andy57]

That shawl collar dinner jacket looks great and the lapels are perfect. So, yes, if you can find a vintage dinner jacket that fits you and is in good condition, go for it.

 

[Rylsa]

Thank you gentlemen. Any thoughts on the grosgrain lapel db?

 

[Andy57]

Thank you gentlemen. Any thoughts on the grosgrain lapel db?

Also very nice.

 

[Faux Brummell]

I have a vintage single breasted peak lapel and I was surprised at how heavy the material was. I asked Peter at The Black Tie Guide about it and he said that very heavy materials were common for dinner jackets until the 1950s.

They don't look dated IMO. I've owned a couple pretty old tuxedos, among others a Henry Poole from the 50's.

One thing I've noticed, that seems to be a trend, is that the material has been THICK. Don't know if this is because they used to have multiple tuxes, for different seasons, but each and every vintage tuxedo I've owned has been very heavy on the cloth, unless it was specifically made for summer (silk or mohair blends, very light wools, etc.). The thread count has also been fairly low, so don't expect a very smooth Super 150's tuxedo for that matter.

Another thing is that they used to be bespoke. You'll of course find RTW, but many were Bespoke or tailored for the owner. I've tried on some pretty weird fitting vintage tuxedos and dinner jackets in the various thrift stores.

So, try before you buy. Picking up Vintage stuff on Ebay is a total crapshoot, even more so than modern clothes.

edit: I also want to mention that in my experience, stuff from the 30's-40's, and some 50's seem to have the classic drape cut. That may look dated today, and can make things more difficult in guessing the size. The trousers are also cut very large, compared to modern standards. Very high rise and no slimming down the legs.

 

[Faux Brummell]

Those look incredible.

Hey gents,

What is your opinion on vintage tuxedos? I have a friend's wedding coming up and it's certainly a cheaper alternative to buying a new $1500++ tuxedo which I will not wear often.

A shawl and db peak caught my attention. They are pretty old though (1940-60s). Thought I get your opinions on them!

Shawl:

View attachment 132118


Is the lapel width too large and long?



DB peak grosgrain:

View attachment 132119


Would this look dated?
Thanks for any input in advance!

 

[paxonus]

If you decide to go vintage, which I would also recommend, take a look here as well:

https://www.savvyrow.co.uk/

 

[GBR]

The DB is fine but the shawl looks like a cheapskate abomination.