Tom James Company is the world's largest manufacturer and retailer of custom clothing. Our highly trained Tailors come directly to your home or office, saving you valuable time. They plan, coordinate, and maintain your wardrobe so you are perfectly attired for any situation - business, casual, social, or formal. Our Tailors are wardrobe consultants, well-versed in fabrics, style and patterns. They assist you in selecting a wardrobe that will compliment you with the finest clothing and the best value at a price that is comfortable to you.

Formal

Formalwear Q & A

Got questions on formal attire? The Virtual Tailor has the answers!

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Q: What is the difference between a shawl lapel, notch lapel and peak lapel?  Are there times when one is more appropriate than the others?  A:       The Shawl lapel is smooth and rounded.  A shawl lapel tuxedo is best for social occasions.   The Notch lapel has a triangular indentation cut where the lapel joins the collar.  A notch lapel tuxedo is best for a business formal setting.   The Peak lapel is a broad V-shape that points up and out just below the collar line.  Popular in the 1920's, the peak lapel is enjoying a renaissance.  Q:   When is a white dinner jacket appropriate?  If I have a tux, would a white dinner jacket make sense for me?  A: The conditions for a white dinner jacket are dictated solely by the climate.  In a word, "hot".  In North America, Memorial Day through Labor Day is loosely white dinner jacket season.   But the white dinner jacket is perfect for any warm weather formal occasion, such as a February Caribbean cruise.  Q:   Is a vest preferable to a cummerbund?  A: It's more a question of style really.  Vests are becoming more fashionable right now, and a contrasting vest is an easy way to diversify your tuxedo options.  Other pluses: a vest makes one look thinner and is more comfortable when sitting down to dinner.  Q:   What type of shoes should I wear with my tux?  A: A patent leather shoe is best.  You might be able to get away with your black cap toe shoes, but those in-the-know will consider you unaware or worse yet, cheap.

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