Groom and Groomsmen's Wedding Attire

If you don't already own a tuxedo  and you'll need one for either your wedding or for that of a friend or family member, you might be considering buying one. Buying a tuxedo can be an important and useful investment depending on how often you'll be attending formal or semi-formal events. The general rule of thumb is if you wear a tux (or plan to) twice a year or more, then it's worth buying. Otherwise, renting is usually the more affordable option. There is always the option of wearing a nice suit.  That depends on the formality of the event and your preferences. Learn more about Men's Suits or read on to find out if renting or buying is best for you.

• Renting
• If you don't have at least $300-$400  minimum to spend on a tux, the shirt,  and accessories,  it's better to rent. Designer tuxedos  can cost as much as $700 not including accessories. Most rental shops will provide everything as a package, such as shirt,  cummerbund,  tie,  and cuff links,  which can reduce your costs. This is ideal for weddings since you may be asked by the bride to wear certain colors to match her or the bridesmaids and you might not want to wear those colors again. Or, you might need a very formal tux that simply won't work for any other occasions.
• Love to be in style and on the edge of fashion? Styles come and go, so you might as well rent. You can wear the newest threads each time without spending an arm and a leg for your wardrobe. However, you must be sure to rent far in advance since rental shops don't carry many of these trendy tuxes.
• No dry cleaning to worry about and no maintenance throughout the year.
• Buying
• Buying a tux in a classic shape and color will last you a lifetime. As trends change, you can simply update your accessories to make it look newer. However, do remember that over time, people's bodies change. How many times have you seen the movie where the dad goes to try on his old tux and it bursts when he tries it on? That really happens. Ten years down the road, you too may be confronted with a similar situation.
• When buying a tux, you have many more options with fabrics, colors, and cut.
• With a good shop, you'll have better chances of getting special attention, last-minute fittings, and the advantage of seeing, feeling, and wearing what you want to buy before you make the investment.
• If cost is a concern but you feel that buying a tux is really what you want, consider buying a low-priced "tuxedo in a box", which include everything from the tux to the cummerbund. 

Tuxedo and Suit Types

The first and easiest thing to know when it comes to tuxedos is that you want to choose the right color. Black, dark grey, and navy blue are the preferred colors since they can be worn for formal evening or daytime affairs. Unlike tan, white, light grey, or light-colored summer tuxes, the traditional black tux can transcend seasons. It is recommended though that you purchase a lightweight black tux. A breathable fabric makes it easier to dance all night or to wear the tux during warmer months or in hotter climates.

As you can see below, there are only a few basic types of tuxedo styles from which to choose. The style you buy should be in sync with the formality of the wedding.

Classic Black Tie Options
Peak Lapel  The peak lapel  is your standard tuxedo jacket with an angular lapel. Pair it with a vest  or cummerbund  and a four-in-hand  or bow tie  for a traditionally formal evening look. One button is the norm, but two and four are coming into style and are considered more modern. Groom and groomsmen usually match.	Shawl Collar  The shawl collar  is a classic tuxedo look with a rounded lapel and usually only one or two buttons. Wear it with a bow tie and a wing tip shirt  to get a formal look. Great for slimming round faces. Usually single button tuxedos only. Wear it black in winter and white in summer.	Double-Breasted  Good for tall, lean men, the double-breasted  is a standard formal tuxedo for just about any affair. Choose your ties as you please but never wear vests  or cummerbunds.  Keep in mind the hassles involved with two sets of buttons (everytime you stand it has to be buttoned).

Daytime and Evening Formal and Ultra-Formal
Stroller The grey stroller coat  is formal, and is worn with matching striped trousers, a laydown shirt,  pearl vest,  and four-in-hand tie.  This is common for daytime weddings before 4PM. The attendants and fathers should dress the same. The only differentiating features are the boutonnieres. The more contemporary option is mixing and matching styles and colors.	Cutaway  The cutaway,  also known as the morning coat,  is a broad, single tail jackets with one button. Wear them with an ascot tie,  a grey vest,  and a wing tip shirt  for very formal daytime weddings (before 4PM). Attendants and fathers should wear the same, but they may choose different color shirts and ties or to make the groom stand out.	Tailcoat  Keep it black with a white vest  and white bow tie  to be in the most formal "full dress" or "white tie". Tell the guests this is a "black tie affair". Matching trousers  should have two stripes instead of the normal single stripe and you might also want gloves,  a top hat,  and cane.  All men should match for ultra-formal affairs. Change vest and tie colors for something more contemporary. "White tie" dress is unusual today.

Fit Guide

If you are...

• Short and stocky -- Muscular men should look for slim collars and single- or double-button jackets. Get the longest jacket available so that the top button hits around your waist. It will help create a slimmer look and lengthen your body. Beware of prints, bright colors, and mismatched vests and ties. You need dark, solid, continuous color to create a longer line that extends all the way down to your feet. When it comes to trousers,  keep them long enough to cover the foot without breaking. Instead, the pants should angle backward to create a smooth, not sloppy looking line. Keep the pleats to a minimum, if any.
• Short and thin -- Always choose single-breasted,  not double-breasted  jackets. They will create a longer line throughout the torso. The pants can be pleated  and they should break slightly over the foot creating a long line down the back of the leg. This will create the illusion of being a little bit taller.
• Tall and bulky -- Take advantage of shawl collars  and single-breasted jackets.  They will complement your broad shoulders but keep you from looking too thick. Bow ties  and laydown collars  will look great on you, but avoid ties that are too thin. They'll look fragile compared to a large torso. Be very careful about testing the sleeve length and the comfort in the armpits.
• Tall and slim -- Add a little enhancement in the shoulders and taper the waist of your jacket to give you a great looking torso. Also enjoy the fact that you can wear double-breasted suits  and tuxedos. You might also try neru style jackets  and three or four button jackets  as well. Use color or patterns on vests and ties at your whim (albeit tastefully).

Choosing a Tuxedo Shop

• Ask around for referrals to a good tuxedo shop that is close to where the wedding will take place.
• It should be a shop that does its own alterations and that has an on-site tailor available. The shop should also have its own stock in store. That means you can get what you need when you want it.
• The items you see in the store should be in the style that you like. If there is plenty of versatility, you'll be able to get just what you want.
• Check on the rental pick up and return policies too. If the time frame for pick up and drop off is very narrow and only allows a mere 24 hour rental period, consider going elsewhere. You should be allowed up to five days to return a tuxedo rental. Some national chains will also allow you to pick up and drop off a tux at different locations.
• If you have people coming in from out of town that will need to rent a tux, make sure that the store will be able to accommodate these people. If you are using a local store rather than a national chain, have your wedding party send you their measurements (as taken by a tailor) at least two months in advance. This information can be used to rent their tuxes without them having to be physically in the shop.
• Finally, if the shop seems like it is helpful and accommodating, making you feel comfortable about doing business with them, then you know that you have found the right shop with which to do your business.

Style Suggestions and Trends

Great for Summer
White on White White on white  is formal, yet modified to work well in tropical climates or during the summer months. It is increasingly popular amongst celebrities too.	A Splash of Color This very stylish ensemble of a white tux  and colored tie  looks great and can be a help in bringing together the colors used in the wedding.	Tasteful Tan For casual or semi-formal daytime affairs in warm weather, a tan suit  is a fine choice. Just make sure it matches the bride and bridesmaids.	Classic Grey or Navy Grey  or navy  is a simple twist on the classic. Wear them for casual and semi-formal daytime events. Or pair a navy coat with khakis on the beach.	Suave Dinner Jacket Always in white  or similar color, it may have a shawl, peak, or notch collar, and perfectly replaces the black tux when temperatures rise. Always wear it with a cummerbund.

Winter Suggestions
Young and Dashing This is the updated black tie look. Sport a black shirt  under an evening coat and dress it with a four-in-hand tie in the color of your choosing.	Classic Class A black tux  and crisp white shirt  are boldly accented with a flash of color to match the wedding decorations or bridesmaid's dresses.	Bright Accents A colorful vest and tie  (that hopefully match the wedding colors) make the basic tux above and beyond.	Nehru/Mandarin Style Tuxedos with these modern styles are edgy and youthful. Nehru  and mandarin  collars can work well for semi-formal and formal affairs.	Navy Suit For casual daytime events, a dark colored suit  or tuxedo is perfectly acceptable with a four-in-hand tie.

Shirt Options

Wing Tip	Lay Down	Spread	Banded

Necessary Accessories

The cummerbund  is the classic tuxedo accessory.	A simple Four-in-Hand tie  is a good choice with a vest.	An elegant tie tack  helps keep everything in place.	A button stud set  includes shirt studs and cufflinks -- like jewelry for your suit.	Tuxedo vests  have become a popular alternative to cummerbunds.

The Ascot  is a style of necktie that more closely resembles a loose scarf than a modern tie; usually worn with morning coats.	A black bow tie  is the classic accessory for the tuxedo, with either a black or white jacket.	Cuff links  add a personal statement to the cuff of your shirt and can be as traditional or whimsical as you like.	Suspenders  keep your pants up while you dance the night away.	Pocket squares  add a romantic touch to any suit.

Boutonnieres  will probably be selected by the bride. Fresh flowers add a festive touch to any suit.	Patent shoes  -- it's like they say, when there's a shine on your shoes, there's a melody in your heart.	Button covers  keep your buttons under wraps.	Black Dress Socks  are an overlooked but critical part of your dress wardrobe. White sport socks won't do!	Black leather belts  will work as well as suspenders, but don't combine them