The Secrets of Wedding Tux Shopping

If you’ve never shopped for formalwear before, the prospect of finding your wedding attire can be a little perplexing.

We asked George Zimmer, founder and CEO of Generation Tux, to answer some of the top tux-shopping queries!

WW: What are some of the benefits of renting a tux online?

GT: Sometimes your groomsmen are located all over the country or even the world, so renting online makes it easy for everyone to rent from the same place. Renting online also prevents having to make three store visits (for shopping/measurements, pickup, drop off), which can be tough.

WW: What details about the wedding should a groom know before renting a tuxedo or suit online?

GT: A groom should be able to answer these five questions: What time of day is the wedding? Is the wedding formal or somewhat informal? How many men are in your wedding party—not just including groomsmen, but also ring bearers, dads, grandfathers, ushers? What are the bridesmaids, if any, wearing? Does your future spouse already have something in mind for you to wear?

WW: How has the tuxedo shopping process changed in the past ten years?

GT: Nowadays customers expect higher quality and more convenience. They will no longer settle for a mediocre fit because it’s a rental. Because retail suiting has developed a more modern fit with slimmer cuts and lapels, customers are demanding the same from rental. There is also a higher demand for suits that are appropriate for more casual settings.

WW: How much should a groom and his groomsmen match?

GT: There are 3 different options in terms of matching (we recommend 1 or 2):
1. Grooms and groomsmen wear completely matching attire, but the groom may be distinguished with a special boutonniere.
2. Groom has same suit or tux as groomsmen but wears different accessories. For example, groomsmen wear all black and groom wears white vest and tie.
3. All wear same tux/suit but accessories are different shades of the same color - this is more popular among bridesmaid dresses, but sometimes you see this with groomsmen, too.

WW: How can a groom determine which accessories he should wear (tie clip, pocket square, etc.)?

GT: A groom will have to make the following decisions when it comes to accessories:

• Long tie or bow tie?
• Vest, cummerbund or nothing?
• Which other accessories are appropriate? These can include pocket squares, lapel pins, suspenders and jewelry, such as cufflinks, studs, or tie bar.

It’s really a matter of taste, but there are some rules of thumb:

• Don’t wear a long tie with a cummerbund
• Don’t wear both a vest and a cummerbund
• Wear suspenders, not a belt, with a tuxedo. Tuxedos don’t have belt loops! You can wear a belt with a suit, though.
• Brown shoes cannot go with a black suit or tux
• Don’t mix gold and silver jewelry
• Don’t wear both a boutonniere and a lapel pin

WW: If a groom wants a more unique look that isn't too over the top, what styles would you recommend?

GT: Blue is the new gray. If a midnight blue tux or a blue suit goes with your wedding, it’s a great choice. Brown shoes make for a statement if you’re not wearing a black tux or suit. Fashion socks, pocket squares and lapel pins are a great way to make a look unique. I also like a floral lapel pin, which is a nice alternative to a boutonniere.

WW: What is your one "golden rule" of tuxedo shopping?

GT: You deserve to feel confident and simply enjoy yourself at your wedding. Don’t wait until the day before the wedding to make sure the fit of your tuxedo or suit is perfect. Try it on early and make sure you look and feel great on your big day!