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The Perfect Tuxedo

Even though the groom doesn’t have quite the angst that brides have in selecting their wedding attire, it’s still important that he feels as “dashing or handsome” as the bride does beautiful. Below are a few ideas as he begins his search.

Rent or Buy?

If the groom will wear a tuxedo a few times in the future, it makes perfect sense to purchase and invest in a quality tuxedo. However, if the groom will not be wearing a tuxedo much and has his eye on a look that he is less likely to wear again, then it makes more sense to rent his attire for the wedding. A cut-away coat is a trend currently being worn, but it is a coat he would be less likely to wear again, so this is a situation when renting is cost effective.

Body Shape

If the groom has a shape that is hard to fit, then choosing to buy a tuxedo or suit is the best way to go and you can have it tailored to fit his body type. Choosing a style that uniquely fits his shape is crucial to the fit and comfort of the attire for the groom. A three or four-button suit lengthens the appearance of his body and gives added height to his appearance. The groom should avoid slacks and cuffs and try something along the lines of a peak-lapel jacket. A man with broad shoulders and a broad
build will fit better and feel more comfortable in a single-breasted jacket.

Trendy or Not?

If the groom likes to stay in tune with the latest styles and trends, it’s important not to overdo it on the big day. Going with the trends for a waistcoat or shirt color along with the bride is acceptable, but he should stick with one variation. Hot trends right now include black four-in-hand ties and waistcoats.

Year-round Style Guide

(Source: Brides.com)

Daytime Informal   

Winter

• Dark business suit, navy-blue blazer with khaki trousers, navy-blue blazer with cream or white flannel trousers
• Plain shirt with four-in-hand tie (aka standard long necktie)
• Plain coordinating shoes 

Summer

• Light-colored suit or navy-blue blazer with khaki, white, or cream linen trousers
• Plain shirt with four-in-hand tie
• Plain coordinating shoes

Daytime Semiformal

• Black or dark-gray sack coat, gray waistcoat
• White pleated shirt or soft white shirt with standard four-in-hand tie
• Plain black shoes

Daytime Formal

• Black or gray morning coat (cutaway) with black- or gray-striped trousers and gray waistcoat
• Starched white shirt with turndown collar and a black-and-gray striped tie or dress ascot
• Gray gloves
• Black patent-leather dress shoes

Evening Informal

Winter

• Dark business suit or tuxedo, depending on bride’s level of formality

Summer

• Navy or light-colored business suit or tuxedo, depending on bride’s level of formality

Evening Semiformal

Winter

• Tuxedo

Summer

• Tuxedo or white dinner jacket with formal black trousers
• White pleated shirt with turndown collar
• Black vest or cummerbund and matching bow tie or cravat (a short, wide tie)
• Black patent-leather dress shoes or plain black calfskin shoes

Evening Formal

• Black tailcoat and trousers
• White piqué waistcoat
• White starched-bosom shirt with wing collar
• White bow tie
• White gloves
• Black patent-leather dress shoes

2 Comments on “The Perfect Tuxedo”

• Margaret December 13th, 2008 8:53 am

  I love reading your blog, and I am getting married next year, and I can look at your blogs on a weekly basics. You have a lot of great topics, that are better than some magazines.

• Terri December 13th, 2008 8:49 am

  I was so glad to see this post on The Perfect Tuxedo, great information, thank you.

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