Muhahaha... Tux??

[Scuffy]

I know there has been a thread that pops up occasionally about new tuxes with vintage style and I have yet to find it with the search function so I'm going to harass you with my questions! lol

I'm looking to buy a tux this season and I'm looking for something with a vintage flair to it. Tails are sharp but I think I'm looking more towards a traditional coat style if that makes sense. Any suggestions as to which direction to look in? Hmmm... Maybe if the price is decent I'll get a black tux and a white jacket to switch into if the mood strikes me.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Wild Root]

If you're looking for a tux, you'll be happy to know they never had tails... only tail coats had them. A tux was a black or midnight blue suit with grosgrain or satin lapels with a matching stripe down the side of the pants. They come in single or double breasted styles. Tails are very formal and are good for white tie events.

It depends on your size but, you could find an original 30's or 40's tux for cheap... double breasted tuxes are my favorite. Nice wide lapels and hour glass cut... also, they feel nicer since they're all wool. Keep your eyes open on ebay or even in thrift shops... you may just find what you're looking for. Also, another plus about a vintage tux is that they fit nice and high, also they hold a crease very well and don't need much ironing. The cut to the coat is also superior... takes some digging and looking but, if you're a size 38-42, you'll find one easy! If you're thinking about a dinner jacket, you may want to have one made... originals are getting pretty rare to find! Also, off white is the best looking shade to go with! Very classic!

Good luck!

=WR=

 

[resortes805]

I run into tuxedos all day and night at thrift and vintage stores; really nice ones from the 30's and 40's in great condition. Someone may have pointed this out already, but one of the reasons why there is such an abundance of vintage tuxedos in tremendous shape is because overall, tuxedos don't receive the same daily use and abuse casual daywear and workwear were subjected to.

As an aside, I always find the most amazing vintage tuxedos in the the thrift store costume aisles during the halloween season! They just sit in a warehouse somewhere all year long until somebody decides to put it out on the racks for someone to wear (and abuse!) a great piece of history as a costume.

 

[Wild Root]

Very true! In fact, I have a single breasted tux, it's notched lapel and has a very basic style about it but... it's cut so well, it fits like a glove!!! I mean, this thing is in mint condition, it gives me a nice shape and is even dated 1927!!! Cost me only $50 bucks!

So, get out there, hit the vintage shops and thrift shops, get your hands dirty and do some diggin'! You'll find some great stuff, save money, have a collectible wearable quality made garment and have a piece of history! All good things!

=WR=

 

[Scuffy]

Root- thanks brother! I had always heard the tail coats classified in with tuxedos. Interesting, thanks for the heads up!

Unfortunately, between the Goodwill and the Salvation Army (which have a sparse collection of vintage dress goods at best) there is not another thrift store in my area. Might have to make a pilgrimage to Cleveland....

 

[Wild Root]

Also don't forget estate sales! That's where most of the sellers on ebay get their goods! If you can swing it, get up early on a Friday or Saturday, grab a paper and look for estate sales... you can find some great stuff out there! Also, tuxes tend to turn up at Antique shops too... that's where I got my '27 dated tux!!! Also, I found a set of tails at another Antique shop!!! So, don't limit your self to thrift shops, you've really got to hunt ebay, estate sales, garage sales, thrift shops and vintage shops!

=WR=