With New Years Eve just a few weeks away, some of you might be in need of a tuxedo for the evening’s festivities. If you do not have one already, you can rent one but as one of the rare articles of fashion that has not significantly changed since its inception, it could be a worthwhile purchase.
Part of the reason why the tux has remained so classic has to do with its evolution. As the long dinner jackets for men that were worn in the 1800’s began to be seen as impractical, especially in outdoor settings, British tailors started to shortening the coats. While this look had been become fashionable among the upper class version of the hipsters of that time, King Edward VII, when he was still just a measly Prince (of Wales), became the most famous trendsetter in 1886 when he stepped out into royal society with a shorter cut jacket.
This look caught on stateside, most notably at the exclusive Tuxedo Park Club in New York and the name was born. Originally, the jackets were black and sometimes grey but by WW1 midnight blue, a hue in between navy and black, caught on. While the tux started out just as a jacket, matching pants were customary by the beginning of the 20th century. The single stripe on the out seam became the standard in the 1930’s.
What I find interesting is how a dinner jacket that was meant to be less casual evolved into the most formal outfit in menswear today. When the Prince of Wales and younger members of the British and American gentry exchanged coattails for the shorter dinner jacket, it was seen as act of rebellion as this was the dress of servants and waiters, not the ruling class.
However, as the tuxedo evolved, with bow-ties, cummerbunds, vests, pleated shirts with cuff-links and matching buttons, and winged tipped or loafer shoes, a distinct look was formed that took over formal ware.
And, even though there are different styles – double breasted versus single breasted, lapel types and fabrics – and colors, the look has remained classic. What is most important is the fit and that of course depends on body type.
Many people opt to rent tuxedos when they have an occasion that requires “black tie” and if you find yourself in need of one less than once a year that might be a good route to go but should you decide to take the plunge and buy one, you can rest knowing that even if it hangs in the closet most of the time, it will not go out of style and is in fact, one of the best fashion investments you can make.
