Guest post by Elizabeth Howard
The Tuxedo first came to the limelight as evening wear for the social elite. However, what was once the pinnacle of menswear has dropped down the pecking order. According to IBISWorld market research, the formal wear rental market has declined by 4% in the last decade. This is partly due to a change in fashion preferences among the millennials. The humble tux is now considered a staple for weddings and other big events. Here four places you can wear a tux other than a wedding.
Entertainment Events
A tuxedo is a must-have for certain public and private entertainments. For instance, the Opera is considered one of the most prestigious arts and patrons must dress accordingly. While the strict requirements have since relaxed, you can still join the aficionados and occupy some of the best seats in the house if you bring your finest wear. Other public entertainment events that command similar respect are ballets and symphonies. The opening nights for such major theatrical productions are often strictly black-tie events.
Not everyone enjoys the finer arts. Fortunately, there are even more private black-tie events than public ones. The requirements are often be indicated in the invitation. You can also wear your tux at banquets and dance parties hosted by professional associations, large corporations, or a fraternal organization. At the same time, you don’t want to be the only one dressed up. It all depends on the occasion and what type of people you expect to attend.
Formal Dinners
In most families, eating at home means everyone grabs their portions and eat while doing something else. It is always a good idea to eat out at a fancy restaurant once in a while. Going to a formal dinner is actually an opportunity to spend a little more time with the family. It is also the perfect time to break out your tuxedo. If you wear anything else, be prepared for the possibility that the waiters will be better dressed than you. Formal dinners aren’t just for people with families. If you are a single guy, you can still take your date to a fancy restaurant. The fancy dress code, great food, and wonderful atmosphere will surely leave a lasting impression on your companion. Just remember to inform your date to dress the part as well. The same rules apply to corporate dinner parties. Don’t let your company down by showing up underdressed.
Evenings at Sea
Although black ties are no longer mandatory, an evening at sea is still one of the few places you can wear your tuxedo. Traditionally, a tuxedo for men was considered the only acceptable shipboard attire. The only other exception was military uniforms. However, thanks to budget cruises, the dress code is much more casual today.
Traditionalists will be happy to know that some ships still insist on this requirement. Passengers are informed in advance before they board. If you going on a long cruise, you may need to pack more than one tux. The requirements are not just for one night; you are expected to look sharp for the entire cruise. Some cruises even offer tuxedo rentals for those who fail to bring their own.
Coming of Age Ceremonies
A tuxedo isn’t reserved for adults, there will be plenty of opportunities to wear it before you are 18 years. Apart from weddings, different cultures have coming of age ceremonies where a tuxedo might be required. Jews have Bar Mitzvahs, the Japanese have Sijin No Hi, and Latin Americans have Quinceaneras. Even if you don’t belong to these cultures there’s always sweet sixteen and of course the prom. Whether the celebration is held for a boy or girl, there is an expected dress code. Today, the celebrants invite their friends and classmates to these events. Every young man in attendance is expected to look sharp. In some cases, uncles are also expected to come looking their best. If you are lucky to be invited to the coming of age ceremonies, you will be glad you own a tux. However, you can always rent one.
Hopefully, this article opens your eyes to the benefits of owning a tuxedo. You only get one chance for first impressions. Make it count by donning a tuxedo to every formal event you attend. It is a versatile attire worth adding to your wardrobe.