The formalities of choosing a tux

Guys, preparing for the prom requires some homework - color, fabric, style - but help is available.

	[Photo by Stephanie Gurtman]
	Michael Sher holds up a fabric sample for a vest. He was surprised by his many choices.

ST. PETERSBURG - Who would have thought that renting a tuxedo is harder work than picking out a prom dress? In preparation for prom season, I went shopping with Michael Sher, 18, a senior at Shorecrest Preparatory School, who will be attending three dances in the course of a month.

Before choosing a tuxedo, you must have an idea of what look you want: funky or conservative. A knowledge of the different types of shoes, vests and jackets is also helpful.

At the Men's Wearhouse in St. Petersburg, sales clerks greeted us, eager to help. The store was large and chilly. Hundreds of colorful coats and pants lined racks, and vibrant ties lined display tables. Posters advertising upcoming prom specials dangled from the ceiling. This store boasts something for every occasion.

First, the clerks gave us a large book with different styles, colors and fabrics for the vest and jacket of the tuxedo. Several choices had to be made. Sher definitely wanted to wear a vest, but was unsure if he wanted a double-breasted jacket or one with one, two, three, four or five buttons. Did he want tails on the jacket and satin lapels? A high, low or V-neck jacket? And what about the vest? Vests, too, come in high, low, V-neck or round neck and with or without a back.

Sher was indecisive and surprised by his many choices. He knew he wasn't going to match his dates, especially because he would be attending two back-to-back proms in this tuxedo, with different girls. He was feeling a little daring and decided to try something different from his usual conservative black-on-black tux.

"I think all guys are (unsure) when they come (tuxedo shopping)," Sher said. "That's why I try to stick to the black-on-black (tuxedo) so I don't have to make any decisions. But since it's my last year in high school, I might as well change."

The thick catalog left him bewildered, with page after page of pants, jackets and accessories, including fabric swatches. Pictures of teenage boys and men showed the versatility of each tuxedo. After a few minutes of deliberation, Sher chose a three-button jacket with shiny lapels. "I like my suits (with) three buttons, and I don't want to get out of routine," he said. He chose a traditional V-neck vest with a full back and a black-and-white design. "When I take my jacket off for dancing it looks better with a full back," he explained.

Sher also selected silvery white matching buttons and cuff links and a plain black bow tie. He hopes the bow-tie decision doesn't backfire, like it did last year when his bow tie unraveled when he tried to put it on. His parents were away, and neither he nor his friends knew how to redo the knot.

"People were huddled around me trying to figure it out. After all that I couldn't even wear it," he said.

Next, with almost all decisions made, came time to collect measurements. Sher's chest, waist, arm and hip were measured. Then he was given a sample shirt, vest and jacket to try on for size. They fit. So far, so good.

Finally, Sher had to pick his shoes. Out of five choices of footwear (the Oxford, Mozart, square-toe, slip-on and cap-toe), Sher decided to play it safe and go with the Oxford, which he had worn at previous proms. "My foot is sensitive, especially when dancing. I wore the Oxford last time and had no problems," he said. "I don't want to get calluses on my feet from double prom-ing."

The total cost for the jacket, pants, shirt, vest, bow tie and shoes came to $112. Michael was disappointed at first, but he remembered that he forgot to ask while choosing each piece.

"The problem with prom is the price," he said. Aside from renting the clothing, Michael will have to pay for the tickets, the corsages, the dinners and possibly even limos.

Calling himself a "prom master," Sher's advice for other shoppers concerned with the price is "to dress like an old man" in all black.

In the end, Sher felt reassured about his choices.

"I am excited for my new look. I just hope that I don't spill a drink on my shirt the first night so it's dirty for the second (prom)."

As for his recovery plan, with back-to-back proms on consecutive nights, Sher said, "I'll just get Power Bars and sleep it off. Then I'll come back for Round 2."

The next day, he'll need to return his tuxedo. And about a month later will come the third prom, and a third trip to the tuxedo-rental store.

- Stephanie Gurtman, 16, is in 10th grade at Tampa Preparatory School.

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