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How to measure for a Tuxedo or Suit

Posted by Elizabeth Sawyer

When buying a Tuxedo or Suit it is important to accurately determine your sizes to get the best fit. It is not like getting a t-shirt where you basically have to choose between small, medium or large. If you are unable to come in to our store to try on your tuxedo please use these guidelines to choose your sizes. To learn how to take the measurements properly, we've put together this resource. Measuring the chest area, overarm, neck size, waist size, pant length and sleeve length are all necessary to get a well fitting tuxedo. In addition, you should have another individual take these measurements for you. A friend or loved one will be able to give you a far more accurate length, and you will not have to worry about accidentally measuring something incorrectly. Make sure that the person measuring you holds the tape measure straight and tight. When in doubt please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

When possible you may want to consider visiting a Men’s Formal Wear store in your area and request a courtesy measurement to ensure accuracy of measurements. For assistance finding an independent Men’s Formal Wear store in your area visit TuxedoFit.com. For your convenience we have also provide these measuring guidelines that you can follow to determine your sizes.

Please keep in mind the fit of a Tuxedo may vary slightly from one Designer to another and depend on whether the style is a Classic, Modern or Slim Fit. Please be advised we use the guidelines everyday to correctly fit tuxedos. Occasionally alterations will be necessary to get a more tailored fit.


1) To determine the Jacket size 3 measurements are typically taken in to account - Chest Size, Overarm and Height.

1a) Chest Size
Place measuring tape under arms and measure around the broadest part of the chest, just under the arm pits.
Arms should be relaxed at the side. For a traditional fit you will add 2 to this number and you will have your Jacket size.
For example a 38″ chest measurement would require a 40 Jacket. For a more fitted style you may choose the chest measurement without the addition of 2 inches.
How to measure your chest for a Tuxedo - Formalwear Outlet


1b) Overarm
With arms down to the side, place measuring tape around the broadest part of the chest and shoulders making sure to keep the tape measure level. This measurement is especially necessary to determine jacket size for someone who is particularly broad shouldered.
Subtract 7 from this number to assist in determining Jacket size.
For example 47″ Overarm minus 7 is a size 40 Jacket.

For a broad shouldered man use the Overarm measurement first in determining Jacket size
How to measure your overarm for a Tuxedo - Formalwear Outlet

1c) Jacket Length
Jacket lengths range from Short, Regular, Long, and Extra Long.
The following list shows height ranges that generally coincide with the appropriate length jacket.
Keep in mind some people have a longer torso, and others have longer legs. These may cause variations
in the necessary jacket length. Also, be aware that some jacket lengths may vary depending on style and designer.

Short 5’0 – 5’8
Regular 5’8 – 5’11
Long 6’0 – 6’4
Extra Long 6’4 +

2) To determine the Shirt size you should measure the Neck size and Sleeve Length

2a) Neck Size

Measure around the neck where a shirt’s collar would be buttoned.
Measure with one to two fingers between the tape measure and the neck to determine the neck size for the tuxedo shirt or you
can measure as we have without any fingers in between the neck and tape measure and add 1/2″ to the measured size.
The Shirt size for the example shown would be 16″
How to measure your Neck Size for a Tuxedo Shirt - Formalwear Outlet

Small fits a 14″ – 14 1/2″ Neck Size
Medium fits 15″ – 15 1/2″ Neck Size
Large fits 16″ – 16 1/2″ Neck Size
X-Large fits 17″ – 17 1/2″ Neck Size
2XL fits 18″ – 18 1/2″ Neck Size

2b) Sleeve Length

Place the tape measure at the base of the neck centered on the spine.
How to measure your Sleeve Length for a Tuxedo Shirt - Formalwear Outlet

Tape measure must go from the center back over the top of the shoulder, down to the point of the elbow and then down the arm to approximately one inch past the wrist bone. It is best to measure a little longer than shorter if you are between sizes.
How to measure your Sleeve Length for a Tuxedo Shirt - Formalwear Outlet

Sleeve Lengths come in sizes 30/31, 32/33, 34/35, 36/37 and 38/39. The taller the person the longer the sleeve will likely be.

3) Pant size

3a) Waist Size

Wrap a tape measure over a shirt around your waist at the height you usually wear dress slacks. Tuxedo pants are made to be worn at the natural waist (your navel). Keep one finger between tape and body. You do not want these pants to be baggy in the waist or length.

FYI: Many of the tuxedo pants that we offer are adjustable in the waist between 3 sizes at set intervals (27″-29″, 30″-32″, 33″-35″, 36″ – 38″, etc.) however, some styles come as a fixed waist size only.
How to measure your  Waist Size for Tuxedo Pants - Formalwear Outlet

3b) Pant Length
Measure your outseam from the top of the waist band to the bottom of the hem on a pair of dress slacks or pants that fit you well.
How to measure your  Outseam for Tuxedo Pants - Formalwear Outlet

You will be looking for the length that allows for a slight break on the top of the shoe and for the pants to stop just above the heel in the back. As you can see the measurement here is 42 inches.
How to measure your  Outseam for Tuxedo Pants - Formalwear Outlet

**Keep in mind some tuxedos that we offer may come with pants that have been hemmed and we make sure there is adequate length in the pants selected for you, however upon receipt of your Tuxedo you will most likely need to have your pants tailored to shorten or lengthen the hem to be the right length for you. Other styles may come with pants that are long and unhemmed and you will have them hemmed to your specific length once you have confirmed the tuxedo you have selected is the size that fits you best.

Do keep in mind All measurements should be taken in inches as shown.
Read more
When buying a Tuxedo or Suit it is important to accurately determine your sizes to get the best fit. It is not like getting a t-shirt where you basically have to choose between small, medium or large. If you are unable to come in to our store to try on your tuxedo please use these guidelines to choose your sizes. To learn how to take the measurements properly, we've put together this resource. Measuring the chest area, overarm, neck size, waist size, pant length and sleeve length are all necessary to get a well fitting tuxedo. In addition, you should have another individual take these measurements for you. A friend or loved one will be able to give you a far more accurate length, and you will not have to worry about accidentally measuring something incorrectly. Make sure that the person measuring you holds the tape measure straight and tight. When in doubt please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

When possible you may want to consider visiting a Men’s Formal Wear store in your area and request a courtesy measurement to ensure accuracy of measurements. For assistance finding an independent Men’s Formal Wear store in your area visit TuxedoFit.com. For your convenience we have also provide these measuring guidelines that you can follow to determine your sizes.

Please keep in mind the fit of a Tuxedo may vary slightly from one Designer to another and depend on whether the style is a Classic, Modern or Slim Fit. Please be advised we use the guidelines everyday to correctly fit tuxedos. Occasionally alterations will be necessary to get a more tailored fit.


1) To determine the Jacket size 3 measurements are typically taken in to account - Chest Size, Overarm and Height.

1a) Chest Size
Place measuring tape under arms and measure around the broadest part of the chest, just under the arm pits.
Arms should be relaxed at the side. For a traditional fit you will add 2 to this number and you will have your Jacket size.
For example a 38″ chest measurement would require a 40 Jacket. For a more fitted style you may choose the chest measurement without the addition of 2 inches.
How to measure your chest for a Tuxedo - Formalwear Outlet


1b) Overarm
With arms down to the side, place measuring tape around the broadest part of the chest and shoulders making sure to keep the tape measure level. This measurement is especially necessary to determine jacket size for someone who is particularly broad shouldered.
Subtract 7 from this number to assist in determining Jacket size.
For example 47″ Overarm minus 7 is a size 40 Jacket.

For a broad shouldered man use the Overarm measurement first in determining Jacket size
How to measure your overarm for a Tuxedo - Formalwear Outlet

1c) Jacket Length
Jacket lengths range from Short, Regular, Long, and Extra Long.
The following list shows height ranges that generally coincide with the appropriate length jacket.
Keep in mind some people have a longer torso, and others have longer legs. These may cause variations
in the necessary jacket length. Also, be aware that some jacket lengths may vary depending on style and designer.

Short 5’0 – 5’8
Regular 5’8 – 5’11
Long 6’0 – 6’4
Extra Long 6’4 +

2) To determine the Shirt size you should measure the Neck size and Sleeve Length

2a) Neck Size

Measure around the neck where a shirt’s collar would be buttoned.
Measure with one to two fingers between the tape measure and the neck to determine the neck size for the tuxedo shirt or you
can measure as we have without any fingers in between the neck and tape measure and add 1/2″ to the measured size.
The Shirt size for the example shown would be 16″
How to measure your Neck Size for a Tuxedo Shirt - Formalwear Outlet

Small fits a 14″ – 14 1/2″ Neck Size
Medium fits 15″ – 15 1/2″ Neck Size
Large fits 16″ – 16 1/2″ Neck Size
X-Large fits 17″ – 17 1/2″ Neck Size
2XL fits 18″ – 18 1/2″ Neck Size

2b) Sleeve Length

Place the tape measure at the base of the neck centered on the spine.
How to measure your Sleeve Length for a Tuxedo Shirt - Formalwear Outlet

Tape measure must go from the center back over the top of the shoulder, down to the point of the elbow and then down the arm to approximately one inch past the wrist bone. It is best to measure a little longer than shorter if you are between sizes.
How to measure your Sleeve Length for a Tuxedo Shirt - Formalwear Outlet

Sleeve Lengths come in sizes 30/31, 32/33, 34/35, 36/37 and 38/39. The taller the person the longer the sleeve will likely be.

3) Pant size

3a) Waist Size

Wrap a tape measure over a shirt around your waist at the height you usually wear dress slacks. Tuxedo pants are made to be worn at the natural waist (your navel). Keep one finger between tape and body. You do not want these pants to be baggy in the waist or length.

FYI: Many of the tuxedo pants that we offer are adjustable in the waist between 3 sizes at set intervals (27″-29″, 30″-32″, 33″-35″, 36″ – 38″, etc.) however, some styles come as a fixed waist size only.
How to measure your  Waist Size for Tuxedo Pants - Formalwear Outlet

3b) Pant Length
Measure your outseam from the top of the waist band to the bottom of the hem on a pair of dress slacks or pants that fit you well.
How to measure your  Outseam for Tuxedo Pants - Formalwear Outlet

You will be looking for the length that allows for a slight break on the top of the shoe and for the pants to stop just above the heel in the back. As you can see the measurement here is 42 inches.
How to measure your  Outseam for Tuxedo Pants - Formalwear Outlet

**Keep in mind some tuxedos that we offer may come with pants that have been hemmed and we make sure there is adequate length in the pants selected for you, however upon receipt of your Tuxedo you will most likely need to have your pants tailored to shorten or lengthen the hem to be the right length for you. Other styles may come with pants that are long and unhemmed and you will have them hemmed to your specific length once you have confirmed the tuxedo you have selected is the size that fits you best.

Do keep in mind All measurements should be taken in inches as shown.
Read more

When is a Tuxedo the appropriate choice?

Posted by Elizabeth Sawyer

When Is a Tuxedo The Appropriate Choice for an Event?

When giving thought to dapper, iconic icons, James Bond comes to mind. With his debonair looks, this sophisticated super spy donned perfectly fitted tuxedos for most of his films. That iconic image brings with it associations of confidence, strength, and elegance, all labels anyone would be delighted to have applied to them. The right tuxedo can have this impact on any wearer, and there are a range of tuxedos for sale ideal for any event that can be custom fitted to your body for a look that just can’t be perfected with a rental. But which events are appropriate for a tuxedo? 


What Are the Differences Between a Suit and a Tuxedo?

There are several physical differences between the two, where a tuxedo, traditionally would have satin on the lapel fronts and button covers with a satin stripe down the sides of the pants and then a suit would be of the same fabric with no outstanding elements in the design. You can also find differences in the types of accessories worn; a tuxedo is typically worn with a bow tie and a cummerbund or perhaps a vest and long tie. A suit is normally worn with a long tie and does not require a vest. Tuxedos are typically worn with a shiny patent leather style shoe as opposed to a more informal matte shoe worn with a suit. Read more about the differences between suits and tuxedos here.


When Do You Wear a Tuxedo?

Weddings, proms, stage performance along with other formal events is where a tuxedo will usually be worn. The main reason for wearing a tuxedo to an event is to show that the event is so special that you need to wear clothing that is reserved for special occasions. For these types of special occasions, many men would rather rent a tuxedo rather than buy one but you may want to consider the latter and have it customized so you look your very best.


What Styles Are Available?


Style variations are available in the color, lapel style, and contrasting fabric (that silk trim already mentioned). The more traditional tuxedo will be a black color but these days tuxedos in other colors are becoming more popular depending on the occasion. One popular choice is a tuxedo in midnight blue which for some is as classic as a white dinner jacket. A notched or peaked lapel may be more traditional however the shawl style is becoming more and more popular with no notches or peaks, only a straight line from the bottom to the top.


How Do I Choose?

Tuxedo buying can be a stress filled experience. Given that tuxedos are not worn often, the average shopper doesn’t necessarily know what to look for. Even James Bond has a personal preference of midnight blue for his tuxedos then again black seems to be a safe color choice for people who find themselves unsure of what color to go with. If well executed, any color may be striking but nevertheless risky. The peaked lapel is regarded as the most traditional option of the three, with a notched lapel resembling a suit lapel and the shawl lapel being a bit more fashion forward. Fashion accessories can safely be matched to any tuxedo color, or they can be matched to the color theme of the celebration you are attending, like the colors of a wedding, or red for Valentine’s Day. When it really comes down to it, the most important aspect of your tuxedo is the fit. The very best accessory you can buy for the tux is to have an experienced tailor fitting it to you.

Tuxedos really are a classic piece of men’s formal wear, and it is well worth the investment to have a well-tailored08 tux and accessories in your closet for the next formal event. Visit Formalwear Outlet at 415 Millstone Drive Hillsborough, NC 27278 or online at www.formalwearoutlet.com and you’ll be perfectly dressed for any formal occasion.

Read more

When Is a Tuxedo The Appropriate Choice for an Event?

When giving thought to dapper, iconic icons, James Bond comes to mind. With his debonair looks, this sophisticated super spy donned perfectly fitted tuxedos for most of his films. That iconic image brings with it associations of confidence, strength, and elegance, all labels anyone would be delighted to have applied to them. The right tuxedo can have this impact on any wearer, and there are a range of tuxedos for sale ideal for any event that can be custom fitted to your body for a look that just can’t be perfected with a rental. But which events are appropriate for a tuxedo? 


What Are the Differences Between a Suit and a Tuxedo?

There are several physical differences between the two, where a tuxedo, traditionally would have satin on the lapel fronts and button covers with a satin stripe down the sides of the pants and then a suit would be of the same fabric with no outstanding elements in the design. You can also find differences in the types of accessories worn; a tuxedo is typically worn with a bow tie and a cummerbund or perhaps a vest and long tie. A suit is normally worn with a long tie and does not require a vest. Tuxedos are typically worn with a shiny patent leather style shoe as opposed to a more informal matte shoe worn with a suit. Read more about the differences between suits and tuxedos here.


When Do You Wear a Tuxedo?

Weddings, proms, stage performance along with other formal events is where a tuxedo will usually be worn. The main reason for wearing a tuxedo to an event is to show that the event is so special that you need to wear clothing that is reserved for special occasions. For these types of special occasions, many men would rather rent a tuxedo rather than buy one but you may want to consider the latter and have it customized so you look your very best.


What Styles Are Available?


Style variations are available in the color, lapel style, and contrasting fabric (that silk trim already mentioned). The more traditional tuxedo will be a black color but these days tuxedos in other colors are becoming more popular depending on the occasion. One popular choice is a tuxedo in midnight blue which for some is as classic as a white dinner jacket. A notched or peaked lapel may be more traditional however the shawl style is becoming more and more popular with no notches or peaks, only a straight line from the bottom to the top.


How Do I Choose?

Tuxedo buying can be a stress filled experience. Given that tuxedos are not worn often, the average shopper doesn’t necessarily know what to look for. Even James Bond has a personal preference of midnight blue for his tuxedos then again black seems to be a safe color choice for people who find themselves unsure of what color to go with. If well executed, any color may be striking but nevertheless risky. The peaked lapel is regarded as the most traditional option of the three, with a notched lapel resembling a suit lapel and the shawl lapel being a bit more fashion forward. Fashion accessories can safely be matched to any tuxedo color, or they can be matched to the color theme of the celebration you are attending, like the colors of a wedding, or red for Valentine’s Day. When it really comes down to it, the most important aspect of your tuxedo is the fit. The very best accessory you can buy for the tux is to have an experienced tailor fitting it to you.

Tuxedos really are a classic piece of men’s formal wear, and it is well worth the investment to have a well-tailored08 tux and accessories in your closet for the next formal event. Visit Formalwear Outlet at 415 Millstone Drive Hillsborough, NC 27278 or online at www.formalwearoutlet.com and you’ll be perfectly dressed for any formal occasion.

Read more

Why Owning your Tuxedo is a wise decision.

Posted by Elizabeth Sawyer

Most people are probably used to renting a tuxedo for special events. Whether you are attending your high school prom, a wedding ceremony or some other function, renting has long been the go-to approach. By buying your own tuxedo, there is a lot you would be gaining. At Formalwear Outlet you can purchase your Tuxedo for less than the cost of a typical rental, an investment that can pay off handsomely over time. Thinking about all the rewards associated with tux ownership will help resolve any doubt you would have to getting one.

You Are Ready for a Number of Occasions

When you are renting a tuxedo, either in person or online, you need to give yourself sufficient time before the event to ensure you can get what you need. Whenever you want to rent another tuxedo, you have to plan it out many weeks in advance. Buying a tux is much easier because will be in the closet waiting for you anytime it is necessary. The first time you get it, you will have to purchase it months ahead of time, but after that, you can go to fancy events with very little notice. This serves to be a good convenience and will save you a lot of hassle down the road.

It Can Be Altered to Your Exact Measurements

Nothing quite compares to sporting something specifically made or altered to your specifications while you still have the choice of renting one, each time it would need to be fitted and it won't ever be as good as a tuxedo tailored specifically for your body. You can get the perfect fit by purchasing a tuxedo, either new or previously rented, instead of renting one that will likely never be perfectly tailored to fit you.

It Is Perfectly Acceptable to Wear the Same Style Often

When you rent a tuxedo, you might be able to go for something a little off of center because you would be wearing it just for that individual event and then returning it. If for instance you know you will be wearing the same style at multiple events, then purchasing a tuxedo in a classic style comes in handy. You will look wonderful no matter what the situation is and no matter what the weather is like. Whatever your date is wearing, you can still coordinate the outfit with accessories in an array of colors.

If you know you will need to wear a tuxedo for multiple occasions, then it is definitely cheaper to buy one and wear it again and again. It can even be the more affordable option when you only plan to wear it once! Keep in mind, if you have been renting a tuxedo fairly often, the price to purchase one will absolutely be cheaper in the long run. Be sure to think about what functions you could be attending in the future before deciding on a style or color to buy. You possibly can save hundreds if not thousands of dollar in rental fees by simply planning things out.
Be sure to consider fit, style and also the material the tux is made from before making any type of purchase. Because you will likely be sporting the tux numerous times, you want a quality suit that will take normal wear and tear well.

There are tons of rewards to purchasing a tuxedo and Formalwear Outlet offers thousands of tuxedos in stock and available for same day purchase so it shouldn’t be too difficult to uncover one that matches your tastes and fits you magnificently. To learn more about Formalwear Outlet and our selections visit us in store at 415 Millstone Drive Hillsborough, NC 27278 or Online at formalwearoutlet.com.
Read more
Most people are probably used to renting a tuxedo for special events. Whether you are attending your high school prom, a wedding ceremony or some other function, renting has long been the go-to approach. By buying your own tuxedo, there is a lot you would be gaining. At Formalwear Outlet you can purchase your Tuxedo for less than the cost of a typical rental, an investment that can pay off handsomely over time. Thinking about all the rewards associated with tux ownership will help resolve any doubt you would have to getting one.

You Are Ready for a Number of Occasions

When you are renting a tuxedo, either in person or online, you need to give yourself sufficient time before the event to ensure you can get what you need. Whenever you want to rent another tuxedo, you have to plan it out many weeks in advance. Buying a tux is much easier because will be in the closet waiting for you anytime it is necessary. The first time you get it, you will have to purchase it months ahead of time, but after that, you can go to fancy events with very little notice. This serves to be a good convenience and will save you a lot of hassle down the road.

It Can Be Altered to Your Exact Measurements

Nothing quite compares to sporting something specifically made or altered to your specifications while you still have the choice of renting one, each time it would need to be fitted and it won't ever be as good as a tuxedo tailored specifically for your body. You can get the perfect fit by purchasing a tuxedo, either new or previously rented, instead of renting one that will likely never be perfectly tailored to fit you.

It Is Perfectly Acceptable to Wear the Same Style Often

When you rent a tuxedo, you might be able to go for something a little off of center because you would be wearing it just for that individual event and then returning it. If for instance you know you will be wearing the same style at multiple events, then purchasing a tuxedo in a classic style comes in handy. You will look wonderful no matter what the situation is and no matter what the weather is like. Whatever your date is wearing, you can still coordinate the outfit with accessories in an array of colors.

If you know you will need to wear a tuxedo for multiple occasions, then it is definitely cheaper to buy one and wear it again and again. It can even be the more affordable option when you only plan to wear it once! Keep in mind, if you have been renting a tuxedo fairly often, the price to purchase one will absolutely be cheaper in the long run. Be sure to think about what functions you could be attending in the future before deciding on a style or color to buy. You possibly can save hundreds if not thousands of dollar in rental fees by simply planning things out.
Be sure to consider fit, style and also the material the tux is made from before making any type of purchase. Because you will likely be sporting the tux numerous times, you want a quality suit that will take normal wear and tear well.

There are tons of rewards to purchasing a tuxedo and Formalwear Outlet offers thousands of tuxedos in stock and available for same day purchase so it shouldn’t be too difficult to uncover one that matches your tastes and fits you magnificently. To learn more about Formalwear Outlet and our selections visit us in store at 415 Millstone Drive Hillsborough, NC 27278 or Online at formalwearoutlet.com.
Read more