Jan 18, 2013

Ask dapperQ: Where to Find a Tux?

Anita Dolce Vita / Answered Questions, Style + Advice / Ask dapperQ, suits, tuxedos / 1 Comment

A reader asks:

“I’m having a major issue that somewhat has me frustrated.  I am attending a Human Rights Campaign Gala Event in Charlotte, NC on February 23rd. I am excited about this event because it will be my first Gala event ever, especially in the LGBT community. But, my first issue of the New Year is finding a tuxedo for myself. I have searched many sites, while doing so I stumbled on dapperQ, thank god! dapperQ seems very knowledgeable about fashion, so can you please help?”

Thanks for your question. The first thing I’m going to do is refer you to our Suits 101, 201, and 301 manuals on Autostraddle. These guides will give you an idea of how to measure for tuxedos, what attire is appropriate for black-tie events, and guidelines for tailoring.

Ellen DeGeneres (left) and Samantha Ronson (right) in their take on the tux

Did you read them? Great. Then you know what I’m going to say next: If you want to look swag, you have to go custom made or at least purchase a decent tux and get it tailored. But, I’m not sure if you’re planning on renting or purchasing. So, since the clock is ticking, here are some vendors that our readers swear by:

• Fourteen: Each component of Fourteen’s ready-to-wear “lesbian wedding tuxedos” is sold separately, allowing you to mix and match sizes to fit your specific needs.
• Men’s Wearhouse: Our readers have rented and purchased tuxes here for proms and weddings. One reader said of her Men’s Warehouse prom tux, “They had a variety of name brands to choose from. I wore a Calvin Klein tuxedo and my package came complete with shoes, socks, suspenders, cuff links, and a pre tied bow tie.”
• Her Tuxedo: Starting at $295, Her Tuxedo offers tuxedos for “women” in sizes 4-12.
• J-Crew: The J-Crew Ludlow tuxedo is $525 but well worth it! Many of our transmasculine identified readers have invested in Ludlow tuxes for weddings and other formal events.
• Town and Country Tuxedo: He Said/We Said model Lilly Alban wore this amazing white tailored tux by Christian Dior from Town and Country Tuxedo.

Update 1/20/2013: Readers suggested the following additional places for tuxedos:

• Tomboy Tailors: We featured Tomboy Tailors in our list of retailers specializing in custom made clothing for masculine-of-center and transmasculine individuals. We did not realize that they were also going to be offering tuxedos! So excited to hear. Highly recommend.
• Butch Clothing Company: I did not include the amazing Butch Clothing Company, a bespoke suit clothier, in our roundup because the individual who submitted the original “Ask dapperQ” question seemed to have some time restrictions. However, for future reference, our readers should know that the Butch Clothing Company is definitely an option for tuxes.

Lilly Alban in tailored Christian Dior tuxedo from Town and Conntry Tuxedo

Hope this helps. Have fun…and send us pictures of you in your outfit!