Maryland Tuxedo Guide
Tuxedo Guide- Style Basics For Him
By Jessica Lynne Gardner
In all honesty, weddings revolve around the bride; gowns, decorations, hair and other beauty endeavors may make the men in the party feel left out. This one is for the men who dutifully hand over the spotlight to the ladies for this special day. The simple tuxedo, with its relatively plain look and color, may seem bland in comparison to the rest of the décor but with proper fit and classic cuts, every guy can look stunning.
Anatomy of the Tuxedo
A tuxedo is basically a dressed up version of the suit. The lapels on the jacket are a silky satin material and the trousers are more formal. There are a multitude of different styles one can choose from:
Single Breasted
Double Breasted
Eaton Tuxedos
Tail Coat
The Single Breasted is one of the most frequently worn as it is not as formal as the Double, and is named for the straight line of the button holes that trail down the center. The number of buttons can range from 1-12, the higher number of buttons, the more formal it is considered.
The Double Breasted features two rows of buttons and overlaps much more than the Single. The look is sleeker and this tux must remain closed to maintain the neat, tucked in effect.
The Tail coat, also known as the full-dress tuxedo, has a long pleated back and a waist-length front. A popular look for vintage inspired occasions, it is usually paired with a tie and cummerbund or a vest and tie. If you wish to have a 19th century look, top hats and canes go well with this type.
The Eaton Tuxedo is simply a tail coat without the tail. It is a more modern-looking coat because it is shorter than the other three and has the satin lapels to dress it up.
The Formal Accessories:
A white tuxedo shirt, cufflinks, black or white striped trousers, silk bowtie, cummerbund/vest, black socks, and black tuxedo shoes.
Best Tuxedo Style for your body
Many guys think that any tux style will look good on them but just as women know how to choose their dress shape to their body, men should learn this as well to look their best.
Here is a basic overview:
Short and sleek- Since you are trying to elongate the body, a single breasted jacket with long lines is a good choice. Pick one with wide lapels. Reverse double-pleated dress pants will compliment your height perfectly.
Short and wide- Opt for smaller lapels and a cleaner style. Make sure the pants end just over your shoe to avoid a sloppy appearance. Avoid bold patterns on the tie and vest. Monotone colors work well to slim and lengthen the look.
Tall and thin-Every style works with your body type! Double breasted tuxes with high shoulder line, broad shoulders and a fitted waist look great on tall figures. Try a two-tone effect (white and black, black and gray) to give a more balanced effect.
Tall and wide-To make the look a bit softer around the neck use a lay down collar shirt and bow tie instead of the more angular collars. As for the jacket, shawl collar tuxedos make the desired look. Make sure the jacket is the best length by relaxing your hands at your sides and observing where your fingertips fall. The best length is when the fingertips touch the bottom edge of the jacket.
What about a suit?
Some grooms are opting to wear dressed up suits for their wedding day, sticking to the idea that they will get more use out of a suit than a tux. There is nothing wrong with this notion as long as the wedding is a casual one. If the bride is wearing a beaded gown with a long train for instance, than you should wear a formal tuxedo, if she is going to wear a knee length dress then a suit may be more appropriate.
When to Wear White- The Fashion Dilemma
White tuxes exist in many cuts and styles- some even use a white jacket with black pants for a two-toned appearance. The theme of the wedding is a huge indicator that will help you decide if white is appropriate. The first question is what color is the bride wearing? If she is wearing ivory or off white, for example, the colors will clash. White on white, of course, is always a safe bet and depending on the accessories, can make a very attractive color combination. The best time of year to wear white is the summer as it is practical for an outdoor event to keep cool. Traditionally, if your ceremony is going to be at a church or other formal indoor location, black is the color of choice. White looks much better during outdoor and destination weddings.
Renting a Tuxedo Vs Buying a Tuxedo
Renting can be the perfect way to save money on your budget; you’ll look great for your big day and can return it for a worry free event, no dry cleaning necessary. Others argue that a man should own at least one formal tuxedo in their wardrobe to wear during a future event. The purchase of a tux is an investment and in the casual lifestyle adopted by men and women today, many don’t see the point in buying something they may only wear once.
Spotlight Vender: Tuxedo House
We at Tuxedo House, have four Generations of formal experience. We carry our own inventory, here in Timonium, Maryland and carry over 9000 tuxedos in stock. Tuxedo House stocks from size 2 to 80. We are the official Rental House for The Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Blast, and proudly represent S.A.A.D., Students Against Drunk Driving. Tuxedo House is Maryland's finest formal wear company since 1910.
Mission Statement:
Tuxedo House, style, service, selection, savings, that you won't find anywhere else. For the most important day of your life, don't compromise on your attire! At Tuxedo House, we've spent the last 97 years establishing our reputation as the leader in service, reliability, and quality formalwear for rental and sales. Make a lasting impression with your wedding attire.
23135-37 Greenspring Drive
Timonium, Maryland 21093
Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Open Sundays May 1st thru 2nd Sunday in June
Web Site:www.tuxedohouse.com