Models Jay and Christina take a stroll in the rain as Jay shows off our new gray tuxedo, the Aspen. Notice how great the tux looks with a purple Windsor tie.

The tuxedo has been designed and so has a companion suit. The tux will be called the “Aspen” and the suit, the “Dillon.” A matching gray vest will also be available to accompany both. The shade of gray for the new tux and suit will fall comfortably between the lighter, heather gray of our Savoy and the darker shade of our Steel Gray tuxedos.

Are you thinking colorful accessories are going to look good with these gray coats? So are we. As we were preparing for the photo shoot, we saw a number of great color combinations come together. A wide variety of colors from our extensive fullback vest program will complement these gray styles nicely…

As you can see by the images posted here, our photo shoot for the new gray tux and gray suit has been completed. In fact, we accomplished a full day of shooting just this past week at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis.

A colorful setting complements our new gray tuxedo, the Aspen.

No pun intended, but we had gray skies the whole day and a few bouts of rain to chase us indoors. Luckily, we had a colorful setting inside one of the garden’s temperate houses and we captured a number of great shots that will ultimately become catalog pages, posters and used for other marketing purposes.

A model’s job is hard sometimes, isn’t it? Jay and Christina create an eye-catching photo for our new Gray Tuxedo, the Aspen…

The Aspen and the Dillon will be available for rental from our national network of retailers late Summer 2013! Keep visiting our website and our Facebook page for more announcements about these cool gray coats…

We understand. It’s a great experience to attend a beautiful, well-coordinated, well-planned wedding.  And it matters to us and to our nationwide network of retailers that you want those colors to coordinate. So, when it comes to selecting the most popular colors for our newest vest program, we are very careful to be aware of the hottest and trendiest colors.

Speaking of, our newest fullback vest program is Herringbone, developed under our private designer label, Stephen Geoffrey.

Shown here in the color Malibu and with a bow tie, the Herringbone Fullback Vest Collection is the newest addition to our accessory lineup.

Our Herringbone Vest Collection is available in 22 carefully selected colors. Each fullback vest may be worn with one of three coordinating ties: a Bow Tie, a Solid Windsor Tie, and a Striped Windsor Tie.

One of the neatest features about Herringbone is the coordinating, colorful back of the vest. Love your color? Well, should your gentlemen decide to remove their jacket during the reception, they will look fantastic draped in your wedding’s color!

All Herringbone Fullback Vests are tailored with a colorful, coordinating back which doubles the color!

Much emphasis is placed on the color accuracy of each vest. Brett Bircher, the National Director of Dealer Relations for Jim’s Formal Wear, spends countless hours with our vest manufacturer going back and forth on each swatch strike off. Swatches of the popular bridal (and prom) dress colors for the forthcoming season are gathered and comparisons are made. Our chosen manufacturer for the Herringbone Collection is Larr Brio and they are incredibly responsive to our requests.

Who benefits from all of this effort? Jim’s Formal Wear does because we add colors to our line that are chosen for popularity. A Jim’s Formal Wear Retailer benefits as well, because they can have offer the colors their customer is looking for. But ultimately, the group that benefits the most is the bridal couple, who is our main focus throughout the entire process. With Herringbone, you’re going to find a color for the gentlemen to tie your entire event together!

O.K., let’s get into the simple steps of renting a tuxedo…

STEP 1: Create Your Tux.
The very first thing you want to do is create your tuxedo. Our website offers a number of methods to do this. You can simply browse tuxedo and accessory styles by visiting our Tuxedo and Accessory pages. When you find a tuxedo or an accessory item you like, you can do something as simple as print the web page and bring it to your nearest Jim’s Retailer. Not sure about that style? You can like or share the page/image on Facebook and Pinterest to solicit your friends’ opinions.

However, for a much more fun way to build a tuxedo, you can use our interactive Tuxedo Builder online application which can be launched from the top of our home page - or – from any number of tuxedo or accessory collection pages. Simply use the app to walk through the process of choosing each component of your tux including your tuxedo coat, pants, shirt, fullback vest, tie and formal shoes. When you come to the end, you can save the tuxedo ensemble to your Fitting Room for future review, start over, and build another style.

If you think you have your tuxedo built the way you want it, the Tuxedo Builder allows you to send the details of your personal tux to your chosen JFW retailer. The advantage will be less time spent in store perusing styles in our catalogs. However, your created tuxedo is not an absolute and you can change your mind at any time along the way!

Are you short of time and want to choose your tux from your mobile device? If you happen to have an iPad or iPhone, you can download The Tuxedo Builder apps and enjoy using them on your favorite Apple device. Learn more about getting them – for FREE – here.

The Tuxedo Builder: Create your tuxedo with these Free Apps for your iPad or iPhone.

STEP 2: Visit a Store.
Your next step is to locate and visit your nearest Jim’s Formal Wear Retailer. If you have not chosen a tuxedo before you enter their store, not a big deal. These experts are aware of the latest trends and the hottest colors in formal fashion and will help you make choices based on the event you are attending.

Your Jim’s Retailer will ask about your event, its date, and will instruct you when to visit the store to try on your tuxedo for a fitting. We, at Jim’s Formal Wear, and our Retailers want to make sure your tuxedo fits well, flatters your appearance, and makes you feel good wearing it. Before you leave, they will take your measurements. Leave that process up to them; taking your own measurements and having them be accurate is virtually impossible.

With over 5000 retailers nationwide, you’ll find a Jim’s Formal Wear Retailer near you. Visit our Store Locator to see how close your retailer is!

STEP 3: Pickup. Enjoy! Return.
Finally, your tuxedo will arrive at the store and your retailer will notify you. It’s a good idea to try the tuxedo on in-store to make sure it is perfect. And then you’ll be on your way…

All that’s left is for you to enjoy the admiring glances and compliments you receive about your formal look! It’s our job to create the Ultimate Formal Wear Experience for you and together with our Nationwide Network of Retailers, we will.

If you thought renting a tuxedo was easy, it’s even easier having a blast while wearing one!

When your event is over, simply put the tux back on the hanger with all of the accessories and return it to your retailer the next business day after the event.

We have an additional page in our website dedicated to the simple process of tuxedo rental and you’ll find it right here.

We told you it was easy!

We asked ourselves, “Is this look even considered formal? Does it belong with a tuxedo? Are people going to wear it?” Well, a few years later, we have now come to the conclusion we shouldn’t have hesitated at all because our camouflage vest has turned out to be very popular with our retailers and end-consumers!

The first camouflage vest added to our formalwear line was a forest green pattern which is available and shown here with a matching Windsor tie and pocket square.

At that seminar, we decided to offer a vest in a green camouflage pattern by Mossy Oak. It is available with a matching Windsor tie, bow tie and a coordinating pocket square.

How Wedding Couples Incorporate a Camo Vest into their Wedding Day
The vest became quite popular with wedding couples who were planning camouflage or hunting-themed weddings. We found some couples will rent a more traditional fullback vest pattern in a specific color to match their wedding’s theme and then also rent the camouflage fullback vest for the guys to wear to the evening’s reception.

And for proms and homecomings, the camouflage fullback vest is also popular. It’s worn by young gentleman who likely consider hunting as one of their hobbies and are looking for a very unique look for their prom tuxedo.

A Second Camouflage Vest is Added
Fast-forward to today and we have added a new camouflage fullback vest pattern in white, also with a matching Windsor tie or bow tie and a coordinating pocket square.

New for Spring of 2013, a Camouflage Fullback Vest in white with a coordinating Windsor tie…

…and a coordinating Bow Tie.

When a camouflage-themed wedding is being planned, we are expecting the white camo vest may be chosen for the groom while the green camo may be worn by the groomsmen. We’re anxious to see how creative our retailers and consumers get with this pair of unique vests…

The popularity of the camouflage vest in our accessory line reminds us of something very important: A wedding is a very personal event for a bride and groom and the attire worn during that day should reflect their personal tastes whether their attire is ultra-formal or not. It is our goal to have the tuxedos and accessories they want!

Enter The Tuxedo Builder apps!

Jim’s Formal Wear has developed The Tuxedo Builder as an online app you can launch from our home page. And, The Tuxedo Builder is also available as a FREE app for your Apple iPad or iPhone.

The online version of The Tuxedo Builder can be launched from our home page or the iPad and iPhone versions may be downloaded for FREE from the App Store.

With the Tuxedo Builder app on your screen, and it doesn’t matter which version, you can do a variety of cool things. The first, and arguably the most important, is the ability to create your own custom tuxedo ensemble by using the Build a Tux feature. All of the our tuxedo styles, pant styles, tie styles, vest styles and shoe styles are loaded into the app – all you have to do is combine them however you want right there on the mannequin.

If you want to create more than one ensemble, no problem! Just save the first to your Fitting Room. Simply create a free account to do so.

And if you can’t decide which styles you like, share them on Facebook and Twitter to get your friends’ and family’s opinion. Attach your face to the tuxedo so they can get the whole picture!

If you are looking to save a little money, and who isn’t, you can print a coupon good for $40 Off the suggested retail price of your tuxedo ensemble. Tap another link and you can find your nearest Jim’s Formal Wear Retailer so you can cash in that coupon! When you find your nearest retailer, you can also choose to send the details of your tuxedo creation directly to them so your store visit can be quick and simple.

That’s a pretty long list of features to be found in The Tuxedo Builder apps. And frankly, there are a few more, but you’ll have to download or launch the apps to discover those…

The Tuxedo Builder Apps let you easily create a tuxedo ensemble that is unique to you so you, too, can make a bold statement on your wedding day!

Already this year, millions of viewers have tuned in to popular award shows to see who would win which prestigious awards, and more importantly what they would be wearing when doing so.

The ladies have undoubtedly stepped up to the challenge of representing the new 2013 trends and some men have stood out as well, freshinging up the classic tuxedo look with strategic use of accessories and/or color. 

Robert Downey Jr. and Justin Timberlake represent perfect examples of using accessories to turn traditional wear into statement outfits. Downey Jr. presented at the Oscars in an Armani black-on-black jersey tuxedo with a polka-dot pocket square and Oliver Peoples XXV-RX glasses. For this reason, his clever wit was not the only thing that made him stand out in the crowd.

Similarly, at the Grammys Timberlake chose a Tom Ford black-on-black pinstripe suit accessorized with a black and white pocket square, a funky bow tie and saddle shoe inspired kicks. Thus, both were able to successfully achieve fresh, red carpet looks that maintained the desired classic aura.

In contrast to many of the male attendees at the Grammys who chose to stick with basic black and white looks, both Daniel Day-Lewis and Samuel L. Jackson stood out thanks to their use of color. Lewis selected a beautifully cut Domenico Vacca midnight blue tuxedo that both accentuated his slim figure and made a major red carpet statement. Therefore, when he was honored with the prestigious title of first male to be awarded Best Actor three times, he came across gracious, witty and extremely well put together.

Jackson chose an Armani velvet red blazer with matching gray suit pants. While the bow tie he accessorized the look with was not necessarily a stand out piece, his decision to wear a bold color should be applauded.

While there were fewer stand-out males, the majority of the female attendees of both the Grammys and Oscars wore statement pieces, hopefully setting a trend for the year. Not only have a myriad of different cuts and colors been represented but lengths and overall styling techniques have also shown diversity.

Perhaps one of the most memorable Grammy moments includes Rihanna and her custom Azzedine Alaia gown. The dramatic red and carefully designed sheer overlay easily won her the Best Dressed title. Furthermore, Jane Fonda made clear that age does not diminish one’s ability to look effortlessly chic in her yellow Versace gown at the Oscars.

Thanks to all of those celebrities, male and female, who are making great statements at award shows so far this year. It will be exciting to see what the rest of the year holds for red carpet fashion.

Two new styles have found their way into our rental program in 2013. The first is the Dunbar Comfort Shoe.

The Stephen Geoffrey Dunbar is our most comfortable formal shoe and features a clean, square toe design.

The Dunbar is one of our most comfortable tuxedo shoes. One of the keys to the Dunbar’s comfortable fit is the elastic gusset that flexes with the movement of your foot.

The other new shoe style recently added to our line is the Black Allegro.

Ultra clean design that’s always in style makes the Allegro a classic addition to your tuxedo ensemble.

The black Allegro features a super clean design reminiscent of classic formal shoe stylings so you are sure to be in style. Expanded sizes are also available with the Allegro – they start at a Boys’ size 6 and end at a Men’s size 18.

Both the Dunbar and Allegro are available at your nearest Jim’s Formal Wear Retailer now!

The Tony Bowls Manhattan Slim Fit Tuxedo
The first of our new tuxedos for 2013 is one one of two Tony Bowls tuxes added for 2013. It’s called the Manhattan.

The Tony Bowls Manhattan is tailored of Super 130′s wool, the finest and most comfortable fabric available in a rental tuxedo.

The Manhattan is one of our newest Slim Fit Tuxedos. Despite what its description might imply, any of our slim fit tuxedos can be worn by any gentleman – they are designed to fit all shapes and sizes! Whether you are skinny or stout, our slim fit tuxedos give the gentleman a more attractive silhouette.

The Manhattan is tailored of Super 130′s wool, which is a light, breathable wool, soft to the touch and quite comfortable to wear. Super 130′s is simply the finest wool available in a rental tuxedo.

The Tony Bowls Grey Portofino Slim Fit Tuxedo
The Grey Portofino is the second Tony Bowls Slim Fit Tuxedo added for 2013 and it is sure to turn heads.

Gray is a hot color right now and Slim Fit Tuxedos are in style. Have both when you wear the Tony Bowls Grey Portofino!

Tailored in a beautiful, 55/45 super fine wool blend fabric, the Portofino is stunning. It may be worn with matching or black pants and looks great with a black vest. If you are looking for a gray tuxedo for your wedding, this is the tuxedo for your groom and groomsmen!

The Lord West Havana Slim Fit Destination Suit
Destination weddings remain popular with many couples and wearing a lighter suit in a warmer climate is desired by most gentlemen. With its light color and easy fit, the Havana Destination Suit is a great choice for your destination wedding.

If you are planning a destination wedding, the Lord West Havana is a great choice for those warmer locations.

The Havana is also a Slim Fit suit tailored in an ultra-fine poly blend. It fits well, wears well, and is ideal for not only destination weddings, but cruises and outdoor affairs, too.

Stephen Geoffrey Troy White Fulldress in White and Ivory
Nothing is more elegant than seeing a gentleman wearing a classic fulldress tuxedo and we are pleased to add the Stephen Geoffrey White Troy and Ivory Troy in 2013.  Also known as a ‘tailcoat’, this tuxedo style is typically worn by just the groom in a wedding party while the rest of the gentlemen wear a tuxedo.

The Stephen Geoffrey White Fulldress Tuxedo shown with a white cummerbund and bow tie.

White and ivory formalwear is popular in the South and warmer climates of the country and we receive a lot of requests for white and ivory tailcoats from those customers. We decided the year 2013 is the time to update our tailcoat styles in white and ivory.

And here is a look at the Stephen Geoffrey Ivory tailcoat, also shown with a classic Dot pattern cummerbund and bow tie.

Both the white and ivory fulldress styles have companion coats in the White Troy and Ivory Troy tuxedos, so coordinating the attire for the wedding party is a snap.

Some of our new tuxedo styles are available now from your Jim’s Formal Wear Retailer, others will be available shortly!