Although some Americans believe that the tuxedo was originated by financier James Brown Potter, who was one of the many American aristocrats attending the Autumn Ball in New York’s Tuxedo Park in 1866, the magnificent suit was actually created by King Edward VII – when he was still a prince – with his Savile Row tailor in 1865.
You see, the prince found himself tired of wearing traditional formal tails and wanted something dressier than a leisure suit but less complicated than formal tails and could be worn to dinner meetings or in informal settings. He worked with his tailor and thus, the birth of a brand-new garment. Legend has it that the prince sent James Brown Potter to his tailor and asked him to make a similar garment. When Potter brought it back to America, the tuxedo took off in popularity.
For many years, the tuxedo was a staple in aristocratic society, later becoming popular in the world of movies and representing the epitome of elegance and gentlemanly class. By the early 1900s, the tuxedo was a black, shawl-collar garment that included matching accessories such as tie and studs. But as time went on, the shawl collar evolved into a peak lapel, and in the 1920s, it was the standard dinner jacket for men.
[caption id="attachment_388283" align="alignleft" width="300"]
ALWAYS IN: This single-breasted
peak lapel tuxedo is an outfit that would look great on anyone. / COURTESY MARC ALLEN FINE CLOTHIERS INC.[/caption]
In the 1930s, designers sought to bring something special to this formal attire, and taking advantage of the fact that more blue wool was being milled than black, the midnight blue tux became all the rage. Following the new color, the tuxedo once again got an update with the slimming double-breasted jacket.
In the South, the warmer climate gave rise to the popularity of the white dinner jacket, allowing men to wear a contrasting top and bottom, something that hadn’t been done before.
Throughout its evolution, the tuxedo has largely remained true to the prince’s original vision. However, design changes also influenced material variations. Wool gave way to polyester, then silk, and then blends of different fabrics and even patterns.
Today, the tuxedo has made a huge comeback, and I believe it is largely because of the pandemic. Over the last year and a half, men were increasingly content with wearing sweatpants and T-shirts, as business was conducted in living rooms and over video calls. As business has slowly returned to normal, we are more frequently attending meetings, events and formal gatherings. The opportunity to put your best foot forward has partygoers getting dressed up again. We’ve definitely seen the tuxedos return on the social circuit.
Never in the 17-year history of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers have we made as many tuxedos as we have this year. Whether it’s a peak lapel, a subdued notch lapel with grosgrain accents, or a bold velvet or jacquard silk print with exaggerated lapels, the tuxedo is the one outfit that any man looks great in. Its sleek but strong silhouette provides a commanding and authoritative presence.
Whatever your taste – bold or traditional, a tuxedo is a wise investment, as it will never go out of style.
Marc A. Streisand is the owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers in Providence.
