Picking Your Penguin Suit for the Prom

Despite the name, tux, your prom suit doesn't have to make you like a villain from the Batman comics. A classic style that is tailored to fit your frame can transform you from that geeky kid in math class into the next Robert Pattinson, at least in your date's eyes.

Taking five minutes off your time to walk into a store isn't going to get you the right tuxedo. It takes planning.

The Early Penguin Gets The Suit

Scout out the tuxedo suppliers in your area. Living in an urban location should mean you have more choices than your rural cousins. Having a plan is essential especially if the place you will get your tux is far since you are going to make a lot of trips to the shop: once to select the suit, once to pick it up, and a final trip to return it the next day. If you've been up all night, this can be quite a hassle.

If you wait until the last minute to get your tux, you might get stuck with whatever is left in the store since they might have a limited selection, so it is important to plan ahead otherwise you might end up with nothing to wear. Plus, a discount is usually offered to those who shop early. If your favorite store doesn't advertise any specials, ask the salesperson.

Be prepared to pay a down payment when you place your order, as most shops will be expecting them. Some establishments will only accept certain credit cards and might have strict policies on personal checks. So to avoid multiple trips, call the retailer in advance and find out before leaving the house.

The Cost of Rental

A tuxedo rental is a hefty investment and can cost anywhere from fifty to one hundred and fifty dollars or more for a basic ensemble. This is for the suit, a shirt, a tie, and sometimes the package includes cufflinks and a cummerbund. Most deals however do not include the shoes, so if you live in your Nike's you will also need to invest in a pair of shiny dress shoes or rent them with your tux.

Listen To Your Date

Although you are footing the bill for your wardrobe, ladies have very specific ideas about how you should match as a couple. To keep her happy, check to see if she has any ideas about matching your tux to her dress. This is really more a matter of courtesy today, since most tuxedos today are black, as opposed to the candied pastels of the seventies. However, if your girlfriend insists, one way to match your tux to her dress is in your choice of a tie. For example, if her dress is a deep lavender, it's more than likely not your color. But a classic black tux with a cool colorful tie is just the ticket. Prom is a once in a lifetime experience, so what ever your choice may be, have fun and be safe.