Skeffington's Formal Wear

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Skeffingtons | Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is the proper fit for a tuxedo?
2) I’ve never worn a tuxedo, how do I know what to wear?
3) What is the difference between black tie and white tie?
4) Do all tuxedos have a satin stripe down the side?
5) Do I need to make an appointment for my tuxedo fitting?
6) How long does it take for my tuxedo fitting?
7) When will I pick up my tuxedo?
8) Do I have to try it on in the store when I pick it up?
9) When do I pay for the tuxedo rental and how much will it cost?
10) When will the tuxedo rental be due back?
11) Do you rent suits?
12) Do you sell tuxedos?
13) What is included in the rental package?
14) Who usually selects the wedding tuxedos?
15) Do all the men in my wedding party need to wear tuxedos?
16) How far ahead of time, should we choose what the men will wear in our wedding?
17) When does everyone need to be fitted?
18) When should I select my prom tuxedo?
19) Do I have to match my date’s gown?
20) What is the origin of the tuxedo?
21) Who wore the first tuxedo and why is it called tuxedo? 

 General

What is the proper fit for a tuxedo?
Coat: Should fit comfortably across the shoulders. On most styles, the body should be long enough for the coat to brush the insides of your fingers when your hand is cupped around the bottom.
Sleeves: Each should fall just below the wrist bone.
Collar: It should comfortably hug the neck.
Trousers: Worn at the waist, they should not grab the hip or thigh, allowing the pleats to fall naturally. The length should brush the shoe tops.
Vest: The vest should be adjusted at the neck so that the bottom of the vest covers the waistband of the trousers, hiding the slide adjustments.

 I’ve never worn a tuxedo, how do I know what to wear?
With today’s choice of tuxedos styles, trust your formal wear specialist to be your guide when choosing your tuxedo and accessories. They will help you select the right tuxedo for your build and body shape.

What is the difference between black tie and white tie?

“White Tie” or “Full Dress” it’s a very special occasion. The following is appropriate: a white wing collar pique shirt, crisp white pique vest, white pique tie, classic black trousers with the formal satin stripe, traditional black tailcoat just covering the vest, black patent shoes.
“Black Tie” or “Black Tie Invited” is worn to any formal event after six pm. The following is considered appropriate: traditional black tuxedo worn with white shirt and vest (or cummerbund) in black or dark shades, a black tie, and black patent shoes.

Do all tuxedos have a satin stripe down the side?
Yes, except for daytime formals featuring cutaways.

Do I need to make an appointment for my tuxedo fitting?
You can call ahead if you prefer, but an appointment isn’t necessary. Stop by any Skeffington’s location.

How long does it take for my tuxedo fitting?
It takes about 15 minutes to get you fully measured for your tuxedo.

When will I pick up my tuxedo?
For weddings, in most cases your tuxedo will be available for try on and pick up two-days prior to the event.
For proms, your tuxedo will be available one day prior to the event.

Do I have to try it on in the store when I pick it up?
It is not required to try on your tuxedo at the store, but if adjustments need to be made it is always better to fix them right away.

When do I pay for the tuxedo rental and how much will it cost?
Skeffington’s is very conscious of cost associated with your wedding and we try to offer several levels of tuxedo rental. For the most part you can plan on your tuxedo rental costing $50-$100.

When will the tuxedo rental be due back?
All tuxedo rentals are due back the day following the event.

Do you rent suits?
Yes, we have several basic suit styles to choose from.

Do you sell tuxedos?
Yes. With all our knowledge in formal wear where else would you go to find the best selection and styles?

What is included in the rental package?
Your tuxedo rental includes jacket, trousers, shirt, vest, tie, cuffs and links. Shoes and pocket squares are an additional charge.

Wedding

Who usually selects the wedding tuxedos?
The bride and groom. Style, formality, and time of day will affect the decision.

Do all the men in my wedding party need to wear tuxedos?
It is customary for the Groom, Bestman, ushers, Groomsmen, ring bearers, and fathers to wear tuxedos. Some couples request grandfathers, uncles, or other close family and friends to wear tuxedos as well.

I’m getting married. How far ahead of time, should we choose what the men will wear in our wedding?
We suggest you make arrangements two or more months before the wedding date to allow plenty of time for all the men in your wedding to be fitted.

When does everyone need to be fitted?
As a general rule of thumb, all groomsmen should complete initial fittings at least one month prior to the wedding day. Coordinating all the proper sizes and styles takes time so having everyone fit in ample time is important.

Prom

When should I select my prom tuxedo?
It is best to select your tuxedo at least a month before prom. This will insure you will have the most complete selection to choose from.

Do I have to match my date’s gown?
Though not mandatory, it’s fun to coordinate the colors of your vest with your date’s gown. We offer the latest fashion vests to make this possible.

Other tuxedo tips and fun facts:

Work with an expert: A dedicated formalwear specialist will be up on the latest styles and can offer assistance with fitting and accessories.
Choose your look: Suave, sophisticated, or traditional? Your tuxedo is a reflection of your personality, so put as much thought into your choice as your date does into hers.
Dare to be different: Tuxedos can be dressed up with creative use of accessories, such as a colorful print vest, or a patterned bow tie and cummerbund. Even an inexpensive pocket square can go along way toward helping you express your individuality.
Coordinate with your date: It’s important not to clash with your date, so be sure to find out what she’ll be wearing.
Shop early: Since most men are now renting tuxedos, early planning and shopping helps insure you will get the style you want. What is the origin of the tuxedo?
The tuxedo evolved from military uniforms of the 19th century. The uniforms of the day had long tails and were worn with the sashes of the various regiments. This evolved into the civilian full dress suit (tails) and the more familiar suit length tuxedo jacket, which is still worn with a cummerbund reminiscent of the regimental sashes.

Who wore the first tuxedo and why is it called tuxedo?
P. Lorilard had the first formal suit made to his specifications and wore it to his estate in Tuxedo Park, NY, hence the name tuxedo.