How Should A Tuxedo Fit?

When it is time for you to start looking for your tuxedo, your first major decision is whether you should rent or purchase your tuxedo. If you attend events that you could use a tuxedo or you will be attending these events, then the best decision to make might be to purchase your tuxedo. If you do decide to purchase your tuxedo you can still rent just the accessories which include the shirt, shoes, vest/tie, cummerbund/bow-tie, the cuff links and studs. This will save you money in the long run instead of renting a tuxedo for every event.

When deciding on your location to get your tuxedos from there are a few things to consider. If you have out of town groomsmen you want to try and select a reputable place that has many locations in many different states. It really makes it easier for the Bride and Groom if they know that their out of town groomsmen can go to the same place to get fitted and they can also order their tuxedo from there. They will have the option of picking the tuxedo up at their location or picking it up at your location. If it happens to be that the company you choose to use for your tuxedos does not have a location where your groomsmen are they can go to any formal wear location and have their measurements taken. Some of them my charge a small fee for this, but the majority of them will do the measurements for free.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOUR GROOMSMEN GO TO A FORMALWEAR PLACE TO GET THEIR MEASUREMENTS. OTHERWISE THEY MAY NOT BE ACCURATE AND THIS COULD CAUSE FITTING PROBLEMS, AND IF THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO PICK UP THEIR TUXEDOS UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE IT MAY BE HARD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

If you do your homework ahead of time when you go into the formal wear location of your choice it will really make the process so much smoother and less stressful. It is real helpful if you already know your colors and are able to take in a swatch of the color you want to match. Many places now have a website and you are able to go online and look at the line of tuxedos they have or even create your whole wedding party so to be able to see what everyone would look like together. There are two companies that I know for sure if you purchase your bridesmaids dresses at David's Bridal you can then go to Mens Warehouse and you will be able to find the exact matching colors in the vest & ties to match the girls dresses.

Coordinate Your Wedding Here

• First thing is to register your wedding; for this you will need everyone's name that is wearing a tuxedo and what their role is.



• I would then go ahead and choose the vest/tie or cummerbund/bow-tie colors. At the same time you can also do the shirts if wearing bow-ties make sure you select a wing tip shirt. You also want to make sure that if the Bride's dress is white to get white shirts, DO NOT get ivory shirts if the dress is white as this will make the dress look yellow in photos.



• Now you can select the tuxedos. Something to keep in mind is if you have guys in your wedding party that are short or stalky that you do not want to select a 3 button tuxedo, this will look like your groomsmen are trying on their dad's tuxedo.



• Make sure that the groom is set apart from the groomsmen, you want everyone to know that he is the groom as soon as they look at a picture.
  
  
• Select your shoes and make sure that if you have a white tuxedo that you also have white shoes. A suggestion also is that unless someone has to wear certain shoes for medical reasons I would make sure that everyone rents their shoes so everyone looks the same.


A few suggestions with this process is that if your groomsmen are paying for their own tuxedos is to maybe go ahead and put a deposit on all of their tuxedos so that as soon as their measurements are received their tuxedos can be ordered. Many places require a deposit before a tux can be ordered. Also I would suggest purchasing socks for everyone, I used to work in a tuxedo shop and I can't tell you how many times groomsmen would show up and not have black socks to go with their tuxedo or colored socks with a white tuxedo.

Don't let the salesperson talk you in to or out of anything. They can accommodate almost anything within reason, so make sure you get what you want. But do listen to their suggestions, remember if you go to a reputable place they are professionals and do this on a daily basis.

Again it is very important that you go to a formal wear place to get your measurements done. They will not be accurate if done elsewhere or on your own

• For the shirt measurement they should measure from the middle of the base of the neck, up over across the shoulder, down the arm and about an inch below the wrist. Then around the neck and you should be able to put no more than 2 fingers between the tape measure and your neck.



• For the pants the waist should be measured no lower than an inch below the belly button, however if you normally wear your pants higher than this make sure to tell them so they measure your pants so they will be comfortable for you to wear. When measuring the length there are 2 ways you can have no shoes on or have the shoes on that you will be wearing. The measurement should be taken from the top of the pants down the side to the bottom of your heal. The pants should brush the top of the laces on the shoes.



• Now for the jacket a measurement of your chest should be down hold your arms out and then when the wrap the tape measure around you they should have you relax your arms to your side. Normally for the jacket size there is about a 7 inch difference between your waist measurement and your chest measurement. When you have the jacket on the sleeve should stop at about your wrist so that the shirt just sticks out below it. When you hold your hands down to your side you should be able to just wrap the tips of your fingers over the bottom edge; unless of course the jacket is a longer style. Also make sure that if you are a tall guy that they do order you a long instead of a regular.



• If possible make sure that you try on the rental shoes to get your correct size, as they do not usually fit just like your tennis shoes or other dress shoes you may have.

A little note if the groom or the groomsmen feel that they have gained a significant amount of weight since they were measured have them go back into the store and get remeasured just to make sure their sizes will be correct. They can do this up to about a week before the wedding.

All members of the wedding party should be measured and/or have their measurements to the formal wear location about one month prior to the date of the wedding. Remember members fo the wedding party who live out of town should have their measurements taken professionally at a formal wear store. Young children/ring bearers should not be measured until less than one month before the wedding since they tend to have growth spurts all the time. If they are measured before this there measurement should be redone about 2 weeks prior to the wedding just to make sure everything will fit properly.

When picking up your tuxedo all wedding members should try on their tuxedos prior to the wedding preferably at least a day but two if possible, this will allow time if any corrections need to be made. This is especially important for out of town groomsmen. A suggestion is that if everyone can go at the same time to pick up their tuxedos it will help to make sure that everyone is going to be looking the same.

Make sure before you leave the store that you have checked to make sure you have everything you are supposed to. Check for your shirt (make sure you tried this on), cuff links and studds, vest/tie or cummerbund/bow-tie, shoes and make sure you have purchased your socks to match your tuxedo.

Q: How far ahead should we choose what the men will wear in our wedding?
A: I suggest you make arrangements two or more months before the wedding date. Some prefer to book their wedding six months or more ahead of time. You definitely want to allow plenty of time for all of the men (and boys) in your wedding party to get measured at their convenience.

Q: How far in advance should I have my tuxedo fitting?
A: It's preferred to have you come in at least three weeks prior to the use date. Most formal wear specialists are able to accommodate your order in a week's time or less, if the need should arise. However, allowing the preferred time for your order will reduce stress and increase the enjoyment of your special occasion.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment for my tuxedo fitting?
A: This depends on the location that you choose to use for your tuxedos. Most encourage you to come in at a time that is most convenient for your schedule. A rule of thumb though is to remember that you may want to avoid Fridays as this is a tuxedo pick up day and can be very hectic for the specialist and they want to make sure that they are able to give you the proper attention you deserve in helping plan your wedding.

Q: How long will it take for my tuxedo fitting?
A: It will only take about 15 to 20 minutes to be properly fitted (measured) for a tuxedo. In order to give the proper attention to your fittings it is suggested that the whole wedding party does not come in at the same time. One or two at a time is best. Which is the opposite when picking up your tuxedo, if the whole wedding party can came at the same time then it is best.

Q: What about the hard to fit man?
A: Most specialist are able to fit the "hard to fit man". Many locations stock sizes that range from boy's size 3 up to mens size 60 and above in selected styles. Extra longs are available in most styles. If this is a concern for you make sure that when you are registering your wedding that you let the specialist know and they will be able to help make suggestions on what tuxedos would be a better fit.

Q: When will I pick up my tuxedo?
A: Your rental tuxedo is usually ready two days before the wedding or event. Unless prior arrangements have been made. You will have to check with the location you have chosen.

Q: Do I have to try on the tuxedo in the store when I pick it up?
A: It is best to allow 15 to 20 minutes pick up time so that you can try on the whole tuxedo minus the cuff links and studs. This way the specialist is assured that every tuxedo leaving their store fits properly. If there are any adjustments necessary they can usually be taken care of immediately. If you are not able to pick up your own tuxedo, you should try it on as soon as possible at home. If you have a concern about the fit, contact your specialist immediately by phone so that they may remedy the situation before your event.

Q: When do I pay for the tuxedo rental?
A: Tuxedo rentals must be paid in full at the time of pickup. Keep in mind that most places will not even order a tuxedo unless a deposit has been placed on the which goes towards the cost of the tuxedo.

Q: Should all tuxedos match for a wedding party?
A: Yes, it is very important that ll men in a wedding party wear matching tuxedos. However, many brides prefer to have the groom wear a different style or color tuxedo. While this is an option you can also take a more subtle approach and select a different color of accessories for the groom.

Q: What if I'm going on a cruise or an extended honeymoon or vacation? How do I return my tuxedos?
A: Most places will offer a one and two week rentals. If you do not need the tuxedo for your cruise or honeymoon you can designate one of your groomsmen to return your tuxedo for you. Since at most locations the tuxedos are due back the day after your wedding.

Q: What is the etiquette for wearing tailcoats?
A: Tailcoats often referred to as "tails," are the most formal of all formal attire. They are worn only after sundown, unless the event begins earlier but will extend into the evening. They usually require a white pique shirt, a white pique vest and a matching bow tie.

Q: What is a cutaway coat? When do I wear a cutaway coat?
A: Cutaway coats, also commonly referred to as "morning coats" are worn during the day and are not to be warn after sundown. These coats do not have satin lapels and are available in black and gray. The gray coat is worn with gray striped slacks and is the traditional attire for morning weddings. The black coat is worn with black tuxedo slacks and is acceptable attire for any part of the day

Q: Who should wear a tuxedo at my wedding?
A: A good rule of thumb is to have allthe men you want in your wedding photos wear tuxedos. Obviously the groom and his attendants should be in tuxedos, but you should also consider other family members, including fathers, brothers, and grandfathers, as well as the ushers.

You can also consider having any entertainers, photographers and videographers wear tuxedos as well.

Q: Why should I rent shoes?
A: Do you really want to leave it to chance that everyone in the wedding party will have the appropriate shoes to wear with their tuxedos? Make sure your wedding photos turn out perfectly by having every man in the wedding party wear matching shoes.