Modern Tuxes for Your Man
Before you and your fiancé track down the tux, keep in mind that wedding photos and DVDs last a lifetime. While hubby might think the suave Armani tux t-shirt might seem just the right mix of glam and glamour for your evening affair, remember that someday you’ll have to explain the look to your kids. Classic is back big-time at weddings, and with the trend comes a return of the classic tux, albeit with some modern trimmings.
Suits him.
The basic evening tux, with either a notch or peak lapel is a safe bet, while the lay down (or shawl) collar has been largely relegated to James Bond movies and Mom and Dad’s prom photos. (A disadvantage of lay down collars is they do nothing to enhance your upper body; if he has any sort of a gut, that’s where the emphasis lies, so hopefully he's built like Bond boy Daniel Craig. That's one reason we prefer either the peak or notch, since they accentuate the chest.) Mandarin collars, which don’t require a tie, made a big splash about five years ago, but seem to be fading from the market. Black is an especially popular tux color, and essential if the affair is a formal ceremony. A white Oxford shirt still offsets it perfectly. The more casual and earlier in the day, the more creative the colors can be. If you’re renting the tux, make sure it’s a reputable store, and, like every other aspect of your planning, if you don’t like the salesperson, ask for someone else or move on. A reliable store will know what goes with what type of occasion, yet still let your decisions rule.
As for updates, the biggest shift in classic tuxes is probably the move away from cummerbunds and bowties in favor of vests and four-in-hand ties. Also, slim is in, as tuxes tend to look more like business suits with satin trim. Flaps are disappearing from classic lines, and so are pleats. Anything “extra,” such as ruffles, bright-colored shirts or vests and cummerbunds, adds bulk.
Tailor made.
As for vests, they’re more slimming than cummerbunds, and retain a classic look when paired with a tie—ties and cummerbunds together are a fashion disaster. If you or your betrothed are dead set on a bowtie, which can give the groom a distinctive look from tie-laden groomsmen, make sure it’s a real bowtie, not a clip-on. Know, also, that they’re extremely difficult for clumsy hands to master, especially when combined with wedding-day jitters. Either practice on a daily basis, or assign a fashion smartie to assist the groom at the wedding site.
Double breasted suits are not nearly as common as they were, say, ten years ago. Instead, the more sleek two- or three-button jackets reign. If you don’t believe us, check out what the male celebs wear on awards shows; designers’ trends are first seen on runways and red carpets. Another idea: go to a site devoted to celebrity photos that updates daily. Look for something hot on a male hottie, print out the photo, and take the picture to the stores with you. You’ll be talking tux like a pro.