Plan "B"

Well, I own a tuxedo now. It was a VERY long road for what is essentially a style of suit which has not changed in centuries! A very simple, classic, well tailored tuxedo that I'm pretty happy with. As with most things like this (watches, cameras, trucks - even belts) my perfect tuxedo simply doesn't exist.

What was I looking for?
I was really looking for a well made - hand tailored single button notch lapel tuxedo, which is easy enough, but I was also looking for a top quality merino super 170 wool. I was looking for a garment that would look and feel great. I was looking for an excellent fit too. I wanted the material to flow when my arms were at their sides, but also give nicely when I would sit and eat. And let's face it - 90% of my tuxedo wearing time is going to be spent sitting and eating.

What did I finally get?
I've kissed a lot of frogs during this 2+ month trip. I'm confident that if I had just gone with the Armani I picked out at the beginning, I would have come out ahead. But the Armani didn't have what I was looking for (yes, believe it!) And, this is probably the fifth sentence I've started with a conjunction - sorry. Like I was saying, I've kissed a lot of frogs. Yesteray's trip to San Francisco and the Versace that I looked at cinched it - my perfect tuxedo doesn't exist. So, [and I hate saying this] I settled. P.S. while I'm at it, don't bother going to either the Armani or Versace web sites looking for any tangible information about their products. Their web sites are strictly eye-candy for angry people who lack the ability to show their product well.

So, what I ended up with was a nice Brooks Brothers which I hope to enjoy for the next several years. I ended up with a single button, notched lapel, single vent jacket and pair of double reverse pleated tuxedo pants. At $178, these are the most expensive pants I've ever purchased ;-) They do carry a higher quality wool (Golden Woolmark), but they didn't have any tuxedos made from this material in stock for me to look at. Perhaps in a few years when I'm in the market again.

I can now say, "Why yes, as a matter of fact I do own a tuxedo" when I'm invited to fund raisers at the last minute. I no longer have to rent those ridiculous 1/2 vests with two rubber bands posing as their backs. I will no longer need to be concerned with the temporary stay stitching of a rental. I can purchase my own shirts and cufflinks and not feel bad because a shirt already comes with the rental.

By the by - the tailor said that he'd teach me to tie a bow tie. Perhaps I'll take him up on it when I pick the tux up next week. I've got more shopping and sewing to do before I'm ready for this trip. The additional stress at work isn't helping, but if I can pull this off - it'll be great!!!