Tuxedo Tips and Facts

Picking out a tuxedo for your big day is a big deal and a lot of guys end up having fun doing it. Here are some common questions and some tips on how to look your very best by picking the right tux. We suggest that your wife-to-be visit the tuxedo shop with you to get an idea of how formal your wedding will be and at least steer you in the right direction.

First you need to decide whether you will be buying or renting your formalwear. Look at our local formalwear vendors to find a shop.

When is the best time to register for my formalwear?
We say usually around the 3 or 4 month mark. Truthfully, the more time you give your male attendants to be measured, the better. Let them know where you are registered at, and tell them they can stop in at any time to get measured, even if you don't know what style or color you want them to wear. You can make those choices at a later date.

You probably think getting measured is a hassle and you may have attendants that live out of town. How can I make it easier for the guys to get measured?
Your attendants can go in to any formalwear shop to be measured and then pick up their tuxedo when they arrive for the wedding. We recommend that all of your tuxedos come from the same formalwear specialist to receive uniformity. Most places will give you a form, which they take to a formalwear dealer where they live to get their measurements (most companies will do this as a professional courtesy and we strongly recommend they don't measure themselves!). Then all they have to do is fill out the form and mail it to the store. When they arrive for the wedding, their formalwear will be waiting for them.

***Also be sure to ask about discounts for the entire wedding party. In some stores if all of the groomsmen and fathers rent from the same place the groom might even get his tux free! Who wouldn't love that?***

My fiancée's bridesmaids have a unique dress color. How can I be sure that my male attendants will color coordinate?
Bring a sample of your bridesmaids' dress fabric to the tux place and the formalwear specialists will help you color-coordinate everything. Most formalwear shops have lots of different styles of vests, cummerbunds and bow ties in tons of different colors. They can help make sure everything coordinates beautifully for your special day.

***We suggest you attendants try on their tuxedos in the store when you pick them up so alterations can be made if needed. It may take more time now, but will save you time and worry later on.***

Choosing the right type of tux matters too. You want one that will enhance your body type because a lot of pictures will be taken of you on the big day. Here are some suggestions to get you started, but we think it's best to try on a few different styles at the store to see what you feel most confident in. You may also want to separate yourself from your groomsmen - you are "the one" after all. You could pick a different color vest or shirt to subtly make yourself noticed.

Short, Slender Grooms:
-Grooms should look for single-breasted jackets with long lines, a low button stance (it elongates the body), and wide peak lapels.
-Other stylish options include wearing a double-breasted tuxedo jacket or subtly patterned vest and tie.
-Selecting the right pant style is key, too. Reverse double-pleated pant leg should always break slightly on top of the shoe and angle a bit downward in the back.

Short, Stocky Grooms:
-Grooms with athletic or muscular body types look best in tuxedo jackets with slim shawl collars.
-The top button should fall at the small of the waist to give the torso a leaner look.
-Also, choose jackets with a natural shoulder line and avoid the more broad European styles.
-When it comes to pants, reverse double-pleated trousers with pleats extending toward the pockets tend to offer the best comfort and style. Pants should extend as low as possible on the foot, angled slightly in the back to elongate the leg. Be sure to avoid too much of a break on the foot, otherwise the pant leg will look sloppy.

Tall, Husky Grooms:
-Grooms with broad shoulders and muscular frames look best in shawl collar tuxedos.
-Jacket length is especially important. To determine a good fit, groom should place his arms at his sides and relax hands and fingers. His fingertips should touch the bottom of the jacket and his shirt cuffs should extend at least half an inch beyond the jacket sleeve.
-The construction of the jacket may need to be a bit loose to provide ease of movement.
-Also, grooms with thick necks and wide faces should avoid ties that are too narrow and wing tip collars that look constrictive. Instead, opt for lay-down collars and fuller bow ties.
-And the pant leg should have a slightly wider silhouette to accommodate muscular thighs.

Tall, Slim Grooms:
-Congratulations! Tall and slim grooms look good in just about every tuxedo style. An especially good choice is a double-breasted tuxedo with slightly broad shoulders and a suppressed waist.
-Jacket buttons closed up high on the waistline look especially good, and a high shoulder line is better than a natural one.
-Garments should be full, while still following the lines of the body, and trousers should also have a higher-rise with more of a break in the pant.
-This figure type can easily wear vests and ties in colors and patterns.

Sizing:
When it comes to sizing, make sure your jacket and trousers fit well. When you button your jacket, the material near the buttons shouldn't pull. Your trousers should fit comfortably around your waist; too loose is better than too small. You can always wear a belt, but nothing looks quite as bad as too-tight pants.

Accessories and extras:
If you wanted to jazz up the tuxedo's for you and your attendants you may want to think about a cane or top hat. It may not be appropriate for the ceremony but it could make for some fun with pictures. You may also need cufflinks, shirt studs, and shoes.