Just wondering if possibly a thrift shop near a U might have something suitable? Otherwise, consider asking the music department at the school. Sometimes they have deals with rental places where kids can buy inexpensive suits that were used as rentals. If the young man is still growing, I would try not to spend too much on this outfit. Our kids’ HS had a deal with one formal rental place, where the kids could buy tuxedos for very reasonable prices (like about $100-200). The slacks were adjustable at the waist as well, to accommodate some growing that the young men might do in the years the owned it.
BB, my son is offended at the very idea of actually driving to a mall, going into a store, and trying on clothes. I have always bought my sons’ clothes from Lands End, LL Bean, and Gap online. I managed to buy this son an absolutely beautiful Italian wool black suit from Overstock that he wore in middle school for a number of events (performances, graduation, etc.) So he is not used to having to do this.
Our Nordstroms is large and they probably carry Topman suits. I’ll have to have him move his arms around to make sure the fit isn’t too tight.
Larger sizes with pleated pants is exactly what DH wears!
Thanks for the warning about short jackets, Kajon. I noticed that some of the suits online have this feature.
What a great idea, barfly! If he were only doing the piano solo, he could wear a tux, and I was wishing we could do this because of the rental options (and because I’d love him to wear a tux!). Renting a black suit would be ideal!
They might even give a student rental discount. Try asking your school’s music dept. if they have any arrrangements with any formal shops.
I tried a couple of tux rental places, and they only rent tuxes. But I’m wondering, what makes a tux a tux? From the photos some look like black suits to me. Is the difference satin lapels?
Great suggestions, HIMom. I don’t have time to look in thrift shops, and I know the music school doesn’t have arrangements with any rental places. The HS may, but I was hoping to get this out of the way tomorrow.
“BB, my son is offended at the very idea of actually driving to a mall, going into a store, and trying on clothes.”
I know the scenario. Beware… He will have to come back to try it on after the alterations. Mr. B was shocked that he had to go to the store and try on the same suit - twice!
^^ They are so spoiled!
NYMom…Suzuki Level 9 piano?
Mens suits are sized by chest size, and length. 38short, 44 regular, 42 long, etc. More common that the suit being too short is a stocky kid wearing a regular when he needed a short, which makes him look like he’s in his dad’s suit. Get the right size. The bottom of the jacket should just touch the inside of your cupped fingers with your arms hanging loose. Longer than that and its quite noticeable. Make sure the sleeves are right. They can’t be too short, or too long.
For what its worth, I don’t think I would buy a black suit. I’m not sure any place I’ve ever been carried them. If you don’t think you’ll ever wear the suit for anything other than music work, I suppose its ok. Otherwise I’d reconsider.
Barfly’s advice is good.
A tux has a satin stripe down the pant leg, for one thing @NYMomof2, and usually satin lapels. But when we recently went to Al’s Formal Wear to rent a tux, they had “tuxes” that did NOT have the satin and, in my opinion, were black suits! (They also had super ugly khaki colored suits for rent). Men’s Warehouse did as well.
To me, tuxes are all about the fancy shirt, cumberbund and black satin stripe on the pants. Never really paid much attention about the jacket. I’m frankly surprised you can’t rent a black suit.
Zappos!
We had good luck buying DS a suit at a store similar to Men’s Wearhouse. They had a buy-one / get one free deal. So we bought a lovely blue blazer (which he will end up wearing more) and got the suit free. I think it cost us a few hundred dollars. Of course there were alteration charges for both.
I just bought DS a tux since prom is coming up, etc. we got it at suit supply for $800 for the whole outfit: suit, tux shirt, bow tie, and black patent leather shoes. It looks amazing.
“For what its worth, I don’t think I would buy a black suit.”
Musicians and certain business people (marketing especially) wear black suits all the time. Also, it would be very appropriate for “black tie optional” kind of events where it is not clear that anyone would show up in an actual tux or a tux-like suit with satin accents. I agree that spending a lot of $$ on a suit for a growing boy is not a good idea.
Wow, neither D nor I own any clothing worth $800! Glad it looks terrific. When our kids were in HS, we were hoping they weren’t done growing and didn’t want to spend a lot on clothing. Since S has started working, he prefers to select and purchase his own clothing. He has great taste and the budget to afford it (plus he knows how to get great deals on things he likes).
We recently bought DS a suit from Macy’s. The jacket and pants were sold separately to allow a better fit. I believe the marked price was about $550 and I think we ended up paying about $135 for both pieces. He’s worn it twice and it looks very nice. It’s one of the slim fit styles. Macy’s always has sales, so chances are there’s a big sale going on right now.
granny2, no, he’s never taken Suzuki anything, just regular lessons.
Thanks for the information, dadx. I’ll check the jacket length and sleeve length. I know what size DH wears but his body is completely different than DS’. DS has a navy blazer, has always had a navy blazer. The latest one has to be in men’s sizes, maybe a 32?