Investing In A Tuxedo
Gentlemen it is time to buy a tux. Ever since I saw the Indochino line I realized I should invest in one. I have always rented and the tuxes have been too large or too…blech (that is a word of my own invention. It means awful). For some reason a lot of places think that one shoulder size too large makes a trim man look awesome. Not so.
Now, before you tell me that you definitely will never have use for a tuxedo, I guarantee it is something you will appreciate in your wardrobe. Even if you do not need it immediately for only $299 you can own a beautiful classic tux via Indochino and through August 30th, you can get the shirt, cuff links, and bow tie for free (enter promo code TUXEDO at checkout). Seeing as though you may only use it once or twice a year, you should have it for a very long time and will be very happy you do when that last minute wedding or formal event happens. Plus you’ll look better than those guys in the baggy rented numbers…blech. Just make sure you go for something that will never go out of style.
My own tuxedo came from Indochino on Friday and spent the weekend getting hemmed up. This time, the measurements I used gave me a perfect result and there was no tailoring necessary at all for the jacket or pants. Construction on the Classic Tuxedo is FLAWLESS. I have never felt classier taking a photo of myself. Now all I need is a few black tie events to go to this year. It’s either that or get married (ladies I am recently single, will sing you songs, love to shop, and will buy you flowers and present them to you in my new outfit pictured below).
Entire outfit $299 from Indochino (shoes by ALDO $90)
For an excellent guide on what to look for in a tux, check out the GQ slideshow below:
Photo Courtesy GQ (click for slideshow)
Shouldn’t have knotches.
Chris,
Although Peaked Lapels are considered the norm on tuxes, notched lapels are my own personal preference.
Thanks for the input,
Dennis
You look handsome….even if I can’t see your face!
I actually read this yesterday then had a dream last night about you in a tuxedo in a bodega. Then this morning, “Angie” came up on shuffle on my way to work. This is the universe’s way of tell me that we should see each other soon.
Stella.
Wow, for $299 that fit looks damn impressive!
I’d love to try out Indochino, especially since I’d be supporting a grassroots co. without having most of my $ go into global marketing and distributing.
My problem is that I know the first go with them won’t be perfect. By the second or third time around, I might as well spend that much on a killer OTR suit that I know will fit marvelously as well, without all the hassle…
Since you’ve done both–what do you think?
Hey Shogo,
There is no comparison between a made to measure suit vs. an off the rack. There is nothing like a custom made suit. I swear I will not go back to otr after getting it right with Indochino.
Even if the first suit is a little off, the tailor could most likely fix everything and you’ll not have to pay a lot for the alterations. Plus Indochino refunds up to $75 in alteration fees.
IMHO I believe the quality of Indochino suits are far beyond that of H&M or Zara. I highly recommend you try my measurement tips and get your first from them. Try something like the Navy Performance suit.
All the best,
Dennis
I was wondering if you had some tips on what I need to do in placing my order at Indochino for a tux. I want a made order tux for my wedding in September 2010. I took all my measurements and have them saved on their site. I haven’ t placed my order yet.
Hey Garrick! Thanks for the question.
What I did was knock off 2-3 inches off my actual measurements because the first suit I got from them was baggy. I actually had a post about how much I ended up shaving off that you can find here:
http://madetomeasureny.com/2009/05/06/indochino-fitting-tips/
Again, those are the measurements that worked for me. I cannot guarantee you will get the same results.
I would, however, go for PEAK not notch lapels. I regret not getting the classic peak lapels but am ultimately happy with my tux.
Congratulations, too!! I’m getting hitched on 11/11/11 and will most likely be wearing the tux in the photo.
Have a great day,
Dennis
Hi Dennis. Tux looks great. That’s the classic tux, correct? Do the pants have a classic tuxedo satin stripe going down the pant leg?
i’m deciding between the indochino classic and midnight blue tux, but not sure I like the lapel on the midnight blue. It looks kind of large.
Great site, btw…been in my bookmarks for a while now.
Hi Jordan,
Thank you so much for reading the blog and your question.
The tuxedo pictured is in fact the classic tuxedo by Indochino and the pants do have the stripe down the sides of the legs.
Pictured on the midnight blue tux are PEAK LAPELS. This is the classic, proper, and timeless lapel to wear on a tux. Every traditionalist will tell you that a notch lapel (featured on mine) is the worst choice one can make. Wear as I do not regret my choice, I wish I had gone for a peak lapel in the long run. They just fit better with a tux. Here is a fine example of a proper tuxedo:
http://www.gototennisblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Cary_Grant_tuxedo.jpg
I got my tuxedo from Indochino before they offered full customization on their suits so you will actually have a choice between peaked, notch, or slim lapels at purchase. What I suggest is PEAK LAPELS with a SINGLE BUTTON. This is the most traditional and eye catching you can get. Ultimately, though, go with what YOU want.
Best,
Dennis
Dennis-
Thanks for the info! very helpful. What are your thoughts on the midnight blue? I’ve read that it is actually a bit formal than traditional black.
Midnight blue, in my opinion, is the epitome of tuxedo coloring. It actually looks blacker than black under most lights as some black has a greenish tint to it.
I may actually order up that same one for when I get hitched.
Best,
Dennis
As a man with exaggerated proportions (13-inch drop), I’ve been considering Indochino for my first tuxedo purchase instead OTR, which never fits me. I enjoy the customization options on the Indochino site, but their tuxedo offerings are always one element shy of traditionally complete evening wear. Single-button, peak lapel is the most formal and my desired option, but Indochino does not offer a matching formal waistcoat save for the Nouveau Socialite Tuxedo design. This model of tux is super-trendy and still exposes the waist of the pant and shirt front (as seen in the picture), which completely defeats the purpose of the waistcoat, and the vest is cut too high so it ruins the deep-V of the one-button jacket. Further, they don’t offer matching cummerbunds, which are typically paired with shawl lapel jackets and can be very difficult to match (closely) to the facing on the lapel if purchased separately (especially in midnight blue). I truly hope Indochino starts to include these traditional options for waist coverings. Despite the recent popularity of Bond’s (Casino Royale) uncovered waist in formalwear, it’s much more flattering to have a seamless transition between pant and shirt afforded with a vest or cummerbund (and to cover that bottom button of the shirt).
@Jordan: I was extremely excited to see the midnight blue offering from Indochino, but then I noticed that the suit fabric is 100% polyester. What a shame… many of the other tuxes are offered in a 97% wool, which is a lot closer to the 100% worsted wool of which a traditional tux should be constructed. I’m sad to say that the lower-quality material could seriously detract from the classic appeal of the midnight blue color design.
Thanks for the post and for the measurement suggestions re: Indochino. I’m eager to hear if anyone has had success finding good waist coverings to match to their formal Indochino purchases.
Cheers,
Garrett