Groom Tux Shopping Tips From the Experts
From avoiding common mistakes to knowing if your tux is “the one,” these five tuxedo experts from across the country told us what every grooms needs to know.
Photo: Judy Nuñez Photography
While the wedding dress seems to get all the attention, it’s just as important for the groom to have flawless aisle style. If you're suiting up for a classic or formal wedding, there are some important things you should know about shopping for a tux, so we went straight to the pros.
From avoiding common mistakes to knowing if your tux is “the one,” these five tuxedo experts from across the country told us what every grooms needs to know—and then some.
Q1: What is the most important part of picking out a tuxedo?
“The biggest consideration in the selection process should be the confidence and comfort level of the groom. Wearing a tuxedo that looks and feels perfect will provide an assuredness that will show when he says ‘I do.’”
-Tom Buczynski of Louie’s Tux Shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana
“The trickiest part of renting a tuxedo is making it look like you didn’t. The most important part of choosing a tuxedo rental therefore, is the fit. . .if the tuxedo is ill-fitting however, your outfit will scream rental and you’ll be unhappy.”
-Richard Ardito of Biltmore Tuxedos in Ridgewood, New Jersey
“Making sure that the style will coordinate with the theme of the wedding and style of the bride & bridesmaids. If it is a formal wedding, you should do a formal tuxedo and if it is a casual/destination type wedding you could do something more dressed down or a suit.”
-Joann Ambriz of Formally Modern Tuxedo in Chicago, Illinois
“There isn’t a most important in my opinion. It should reflect him as a person. When the grooms looks at his photos 50 years from now, will he still be pleased that he made the choice that he did?”
-Anthony Commisso of Tuxego in Latham, New York
Q2: What is a common mistake you see grooms making while tux shopping?
“A common mistake we see when grooms are tux shopping is not trying on the tuxedo they've chosen before the wedding. A tux may look good in a picture, but may not be a comfortable fit or the quality of tux the groom desires.”
-Ginny Russo of M. Stein & Company Tuxedos in Woodbine, Maryland
“Grooms understand that keeping their bride happy is priority #1 throughout the engagement process and many times forfeit their input on clothing selections in favor of ‘whatever she wants.’ . . . this is your day too and your confidence in your attire will set the tone. Take ownership of the decision with the input of your bride.”
-Tom Buczynski of Louie’s Tux Shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana
“Occasionally grooms will come floating in the door with their best man and some of their groomsmen with this tiny swatch that the bride sent them out with. They have preconceived what they want the wedding to look like because of Pinterest. Don’t rely on Pinterest to put your wedding together, rely on professionals.”
-Anthony Commisso of Tuxego in Latham, New York
Q3: What are 3 things a groom absolutely must know before tux shopping?
“One, understand the fabric...never shop from a catalog because you will be missing out on the most important feature of your wedding tuxedo. Touch and feel is critical. Two, Understand the fit. What used to be ‘one cut fits all’ now involves standard, modern, slim and skinny fits. Your body type will determine which is best for your big day. Three, the final fitting is the most important step. Brides and grooms should expect alterations.”
-Tom Buczynski of Louie’s Tux Shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana
“One, does the tuxedo shop carry its own stock? This is important for two reasons, first, for making the initial selection...second, there may need to be last minute changes. Two, does the tuxedo shop do on-site alterations? It’s not uncommon for a rental to need alterations at pick-up especially if a customer was fitted elsewhere. Three, what are the shop’s pick-up and return policies?”
-Richard Ardito of Biltmore Tuxedos in Ridgewood, New Jersey
“The time of day of the wedding (so the attire is appropriate), color scheme of the wedding (flowers, bride & bridesmaid's dresses, etc.) and his budget per tuxedo.”
-Ginny Russo of M. Stein & Company Tuxedos in Woodbine, Maryland
Q4: How will a groom know if he’s found the right tux?
“When the groom is comfortable (as comfortable as he can be in a tuxedo), and he has found a style that suits his frame, that’s the style he should go with.”
-Richard Ardito of Biltmore Tuxedos in Ridgewood, New Jersey
“The Groom will know if he's found the right tux if he's comfortable in the feel & happy with the look. Just like a bride knows when she's found her dress, the groom will know when he's found his perfect tux.”
-Ginny Russo of M. Stein & Company Tuxedos in Woodbine, Maryland
“Once he puts on different styles, he will know what he likes as far as fit, material and color. If he has his bride/partner with him, the look on their face will also tell him.”
-Joann Ambriz of Formally Modern Tuxedo in Chicago, Illinois
“Take it for a test drive! Most formalwear specialists will provide a try on free of charge to ensure that you have made the proper choice for your wedding day.”
-Tom Buczynski of Louie’s Tux Shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Q5: Who should join the groom while he goes tuxedo shopping?
“Bride and bride only...the groom will be tossed back and forth between everyones opinions. . .it’s important that the couple knows that they get what they want.”
-Anthony Commisso of Tuxego in Latham, New York
“The wedding attire is too important to be left up to a large group decision. A large group of the groom’s friends and family will undoubtedly offer a number of different opinions on what is appropriate or current.”
-Richard Ardito of Biltmore Tuxedos in Ridgewood, New Jersey
“The bride should be with the groom to select his tuxedo style and groomsmen styles. Unless of course, the tuxedo will be a surprise for the bride. In that case, the groom should include someone with whom he values their opinion.”
-Ginny Russo of M. Stein & Company Tuxedos in Woodbine, Maryland
Q6: How can a groom personalize his look without going overboard?
“The best way to do it is to have the accessories vest and tie complement that of the bride.”
-Anthony Commisso of Tuxego in Latham, New York
“It depends on the personality of the groom and how much he wants to stand out. A subtle distinction in the accessories will usually do it, a different color tie or vest or both.”
-Richard Ardito of Biltmore Tuxedos in Ridgewood, New Jersey
“Different pattern ties in a subtle color will give him some flair but won’t distract from the bride. Also some fun cufflinks and socks are a great way to bring out his personality.”
-Joann Ambriz of Formally Modern Tuxedo in Chicago, Illinois
