History of the Tuxedo

Recently I designed and fitted a young groom with a tuxedo for his wedding. During the final fitting, looking dapper, smiling and admiring himself in the mirror, he asked me jokingly: “Who invented these penguin suits?” I thought possibly it was an explorer-wanna- be-designer who went to the South Pole and was inspired by these formal-looking magnificent creatures. But, I thought a little more research was warranted before jumping to conclusions. Here’s the scoop:

Tuxedo Park

To my surprise it comes from New York, specifically, Tuxedo Park in Orange County, N.Y.Young Griswold Lorillard, the son of Tuxedo Park developer and tobacco magnate Pierre Lorillard IV, a wealthy American aristocrat, was to attend the community’s Autumn Ball.Griswold invented the dinner jacket on a whim after getting frustrated that his tails were interfering with sitting and dancing.Thus the tailless tuxedo burst upon the scene.In the ’30s, the tuxedo was the standard mode of dress for all dinner attire.In the 1940s it was trumped by the suit and was worn primarily for black-tie and formal occasions. “Black tie” also became “blue tie” as mills churned out more navy fabric during the war.Tuxedos throughout the years took on many variations. Peak lapel, notched lapels, shawl collar and double breasted all became acceptable options.

The Modern Tuxedo

Today, everything goes when it comes to formal attire. Beach weddings with no shoes or sandals in white tuxedos. Tuxedo jackets worn over jeans for hipsters. The resurgence of the midnight blue, burgundy and grey tuxedos have prevailed at the Oscar awards.

How do you Choose Your Tuxedo?

At Giorgenti your tuxedos can be rented, purchased or custom made. Rental tuxedos are made of industrial fabric, because they are worn over and over again by many wearers and are frequently dry cleaned and re-tailored. The price range for rentals can range from $250 plus deposit on up.Tuxedos that are purchased generally cost between $495 up to well above $1,000 if it is a designer brand.

Custom-Made for the perfect fit and Style Choice

For many, a good option is custom-made. Many men have fit challenges. Some are athletically built,some are portly, tall and thin and shorter in stature pose the most common problems. Sometimes men just want a special design that they cannot find in the stores. Prices for a custom-made tuxedo generally run from $995 and up depending on fabric and style details.But one thing remains constant. Tuxedos are worn for special or memorable events. So, maybe the penguins got it right as they slip and slide with their happy feet. Tuxedos are worn for fun occasions.
 
Janine Giorgenti is a fourth-generation Italian designer and image consultant. See more at her website: www.giorgentiweddings.com Phone: (646) 957-6916