I have a black tie optional wedding next month and would prefer to wear my tux. The tux I have was purchased in 1997 and is a fairly conservative black two button affair with black pants. The jacket has a typical collar although the lower half of each side is black silk. The pants have a silk band running down the outside seam of each leg. I do not have a photo of it but could get one and post it.
All “real” tuxedo pants have the silk stripe down the leg. Never goes out of style. If the jacket is a plain single breasted jacket with no weird lapel or anything, you should be fine. You might just update your shirt or tie or something, but a classic tuxedo is never out of style. If you’ve taken care of it, and the material is still in good shape, you should be fine.
The lapel looks standard to me; not strange looking against the very current single breasted Hugo Bosss suits hanging next to the tux. I’ve just left the tux hanging in my closet, I am not sure how else to properly care for it.
If it looks similar to your regular suits, sounds like you have a standard 2 button notch lapel lapel tuxedo. While the most timeless designed tuxes tend to be 1 button peak lapels, your tuxedo will certainly fit the bill. It is really all about the way you wear the tux. If some time has passed since you last wore the tux, you should take it out and try it on to make sure everything fits the way it used to. This will give you some time to bring it in or out in case your stats have changed. Be sure that you have a crisp white tux shirt with either a turn down collar (my preference) or wing collar. PLEASE tie your own bowtie, and make sure your shoes are patent pumps or tuxedo slippers (once again-my preference). One more note, refrain from removing your jacket or undoing your tie at any point during the reception, this is a very tacky move no matter how hot or inebriated the crowd or yourself may be.
A wise man once told me…“It makes no sense financially or stylistically to rent a tuxedo.” Sounds like you are good to go.
Once more thing, as far as storing your tux, keep it in your closet out of direct light. Cedar blocks are a nice addition to keep the fabric fresh and moth free. Air it out once in awhile too.
FWIW - I agree that as long as it isn’t highly styled with an extra wide collar or extra thin collar you should be fine. As already stated, be sure it fits great. Men look fantastic in a well fit tux. I think you should post a photo with you wearing it to get the full critique ![]()
If it looks similar to your regular suits, sounds like you have a standard 2 button notch lapel lapel tuxedo. While the most timeless designed tuxes tend to be 1 button peak lapels, your tuxedo will certainly fit the bill.
Yes, the peak or even shawl collar are the traditional tuxes.
A friend in the clothing industry said the big push for notch collars (as in regular suits) is so the factories don’t have to change cutting or sewing machinery. So they are pushing them as the “new look” so they can save a buck on the manufacturing. Not a fan of them at all myself.
Zev,
A tux is a tux is a tux. Seriously, nobody will notice. As a part time wedding photographer for ten years, it’s mostly about the bride and her mom. The rest of you are just accessories/props for the event and nobody is watching or even cares.
If in the doubt ask the groom in the middle of his stag.![]()
I bought my tux in 1984. It is never out of style. Great investment. Buy an assortment of bow ties and cumberbunds and you will always look cool. I once went on a cruise and forgot my tux shirt. I improvised and wore my denim shirt and everyone thought I was really hip. Can’t go wrong in a tux.
I bought my tux in '95. Wore it last night for a charity event. As long as it’s classic/traditional, it’ll never go out of style.
If you want to really stand out, throw away the pre-tied strap on boxtie and learn to tie a real one. Not as hard as you’d think and adds even more class and a bit of individuality.