spamtrap

Formal/Semi-formal Morningwear

A reasonable first approximation of morning formalwear is available in the venerable Black Tie Guide's supplemental section. While not as common to find in the states, due to the simplicity of materials (no silk is required), decent morning dress can be had often cheaper than the more common Tuxedeo (dinner jacket)

  • Uniformal Wearhouse is a cost-effective solution, with jacket, pants and vest running you $240.
  • Brooks Brothers has only the formal morning cutaway for sale, and while it's high-quality, it's also $1600. You'll still need to get a stroller if you're looking for something semi-formal.
  • Pakeman Catto & Carter have pants for £125 (with VAT, which will be removed for US orders). If you don't mind dealing with shipping between UK company I recommend them for the pants quality and correct forward pleats. I don't however recommend getting a vest from them.

All-in-all, morning dress, like all clothes has a wide range in what you can pay. Rentals start at $120, but for twice that you can get a set that you can have custom tailored and ensure for which is properly cared. Be careful in that some cheaper pants, especially, are of polyester-blends which are noticeably lower quality even when new. Likewise, many places have sub-quality ties, pushing cheap Ascots.

My wedding

The following items can be rented for about $129:

  • Black stroller jacket
  • Striped formal trousers
  • Dove-gray single-breasted vest

The following items it is expected that you already have:

  • White dress-shirt with turned-down collar (detachable collar not necessary)
  • Black shoes (plain Balmoral, Blücher, or similar; e.g. no wing-tips; caps permissible)
  • Braces (if necessary)

The following items will be provided:

  • Tie (four-in-hand)
  • cuff-links

I ordered a copy of the vest sold by Uniformal Wearhouse. It's of acceptable quality, but is in a three-size fits all which may find thinner, smaller frames awkward in it. Nevertheless, with a jacket on, this should not be a problem if one chooses it.

--