Cufflinks Aren’t Just for Executives

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Big & Tall Tuxedos

In the past there’s been an impression that cufflinks are just for senior level executives.  It’s true that french cuff shirts and cufflinks are a bit more formal than their barrel cuff and button counterparts and you’re probably more likely to find them in the C-Suite than on the shop floor. That said, cufflinks can be a great conversation starter and can add a fun element to your wardrobe.

Cufflinks come in a variety of styles, colors and price points. You can find inexpensive versions in simple colors, shapes and trim or more expensive varieties with any manner of precious metals and gems incorporated into their design. Novelty cufflinks relating to professions, hobbies or interests can also be found in abundance.

If wearing them to work isn’t an option, you can always wear them to after-hours networking or social functions like weddings, holiday parties or other gatherings.  They also make great gift items. If you’d like to explore some options, we have plenty in stock and even more available by special order. Pricing starts at about $30.

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Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road (Near 104/Culver Road Exit)
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


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How to Wear a Cummerbund

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G-Alexander-Midnight-Blue-Tuxedo

The cummerbund is a traditional tuxedo accessory that is designed to bridge the transition between your shirt and pants. It is used in place of (but not with) a vest. A cummerbund is always worn with a bow tie, never a long tie.  Although we’ve seen more pictures lately showing guys going without a cummerbund or vest, it tends to lead to a sloppy look where the shirt is pulling out of the pants and bunching.  Since tuxedo pants do not have belt loops, there is less opportunity to draw the waistband tight enough to prevent the shirt from becoming partially untucked.  The cummerbund provides some compression and provides a nice crisp and clean look.  Cummerbunds are a ‘one size fits most’ accessory with an elastic band and hook in the back to allow you to adjust it to a tighter or looser configuration.

The correct spelling is actually “Cummerbund” not “Cumberbund.  While Merriam-Webster Dictionary does list “Cumberbund” as an alternate spelling, this is purely because of how often it is misspelled and pronounced.  Such is the way that language develops.  But for now, and originally, “Cummerbund” is the correct spelling.

Black is the traditional color of tuxedos in general and the cummerbund specifically. That said, there are many different color and pattern options available to find just the right look.  Often the cummerbund and bow tie are the same color and pattern, but basic black nearly always works regardless.  Similar to the bow tie that has ebbed and flowed in the fashion world, the cummerbund has enjoyed varying popularity as an accessory.  The past ten years have seen most men opt for the vest but we’ve had a lot more requests for cummerbunds lately and we’ve seen several designers introduce modern interpretations that coordinate with their tuxedo lines.

The cummerbund began in India around 1850, not as formal wear necessarily, but as dining wear for British military personnel stationed there.  The folks from India often wore sashes around their waist called kamarbands, kamar meaning ‘waist.’  For formal dinners, the British army customarily wore waistcoats (vests) under their jackets.  But in no small part due to the heat in India, the British were very keen to find a cooler dining uniform and quickly adopted the sash for their dining wear waist covering.

One last tip – the pleats of the cummerbund should always face up.

So, there you have it – the low down on a cummerbund, it’s history and how you should wear it. If you have any questions on how a cummerbund might look for your next event, we’d be honored to help if we can.

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Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road (Near 104/Culver Road Exit)
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711

What is the Difference Between a Tux and a Suit?

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Retail Tuxedo - Bronze

 

People ask us what the difference between a tux and a suit is on a fairly regular basis and we thought it would be a great topic for a quick blog post. Physically, a tux features satin lapels on the jacket, satin covered buttons and satin trim around areas like the pockets. The pants also feature a satin side-stripe of varying widths. Stylistically, the tux is a more formal option and is typically paired with specific accessories like patent leather shoes.

A suit is a less formal option and does not include satin side stripes on the pants and the lapels of the jacket generally match the material of the body of the coat. Buttons tend to be plastic or thermo-resin as opposed to satin covered. So there you have it. Either way you choose to go, we’d be honored to help you look your best for a wedding or special occasion.

We’re a locally owned shop, but have all the advantages of the big chain stores – a nationwide fitting network, all your favorite brands and a color match program to match or coordinate with dresses from all the big or small retailers in town. Stop by and we can show you how good you can look in a tux or suit from Vittorio’s.

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Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


What is the Difference Between a Tuxedo and a Suit?

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Retail Tuxedo - Bronze

 

People ask us what the difference between a tuxedo and a suit is on a fairly regular basis and we thought it would be a great topic for a quick blog post. Physically, a tuxedo features satin lapels on the jacket, satin covered buttons and satin trim around areas like the pockets. The pants also feature a satin side-stripe of varying widths. Stylistically, the tuxedo is a more formal option and is typically paired with specific accessories like patent leather shoes.

A suit is a less formal option and does not include satin side stripes on the pants and the lapels of the jacket generally match the material of the body of the coat. Buttons tend to be plastic or thermo-resin as opposed to satin covered. So there you have it. Either way you choose to go, we’d be honored to help you look your best for a wedding or special occasion.

We’re a locally owned shop, but have all the advantages of the big chain stores – a nationwide fitting network, all your favorite brands and a color match program to match or coordinate with dresses from all the big or small retailers in town. Stop by and we can show you how good you can look in a tuxedo or suit from Vittorio’s.

scheduleme

Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


What to Wear to a Funeral

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Suit Rental for Funeral in Rochester, NY

Calling hours and funerals are times to pay your respects to the family and friends of someone who has died.  They can sometimes be uncomfortable situations because of the emotions involved but most people are appreciative that you made the effort to attend. Knowing what to wear (and what not to), can make things a little easier and less awkward. If you haven’t been to a funeral or calling hours before or just need some guidance about what to wear here are a few thoughts.

For men or boys, a dark suit or sport coat, light colored shirt and neutral long tie are good options.  Solid colors or subtle patterns are best, wild patterns or colors should be avoided.  Black is a traditional color in western society to wear to a funeral, but other dark colored suits or sport coats like navy or charcoal are generally considered appropriate.

Sneakers, hiking boots, sandals and the like should generally be left at home. Black or dark brown dress shoes are appropriate but be sure to spend a few minutes polishing them if they are scuffed. Dark dress socks will blend in.  Leave loud patterned, novelty or athletic socks in your dresser.   Dress hats can be considered appropriate outside, but should be removed inside and at a grave-side service.  Casual hats like baseball caps or the like should be avoided. If you are attending a Jewish service, a Kippah or Yarmulke (skullcap) is appropriate as a sign of respect.

In general, dress as if you were going to church or synagogue or if you don’t attend a place of worship, dress as if you were going to a job interview.  Consider the temperature and overall weather outside.

Here are a few more tips:

  • If the forecast calls for rain, bring an umbrella to protect you from the elements especially as you transfer between your car and the house of worship, funeral home or at the cemetery.
  • Bring a handkerchief in case you or someone near you tears up.
  • Be sure your clothes are clean and pressed
  • If you aren’t sure, check with the family about your attire to see if it is appropriate.

If you don’t have a suit available, consider renting or purchasing one.  At Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo we have a variety of appropriate and affordable options available.

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Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo
1900 East Ridge Road (Near 104/Culver Road Exit)
Rochester, NY 14622
(585) 467-7711


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Suit Trade-In Promotion at Vittorios

Vittorio’s Suit Trade-In

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Suit Trade-In Promotion at Vittorios

Have an Old Suit In Your Closet?  Trade In Your Old Suit for a New One and Help Make a Difference.

Trade in Your Old Suit at Vittorio’s And Get Up To $75 Credit Toward the Purchase of a New One. Any Suit, Any Brand.

Top Ten Reasons to Suit Up

  • Dinner Party
  • Job Interview
  • Graduate School Interview
  • Fundraiser for a Nonprofit
  • Attending a Wedding
  • Attending a Funeral
  • Dinner at a Nice Restaurant
  • Giving a Presentation
  • Attending a Cultural Event like a Concert or Play
  • Going to a Networking Event

Catholic Family Center Vittorio Suit Trade In Logo

All Clothing Received Will Be Donated to Catholic Family Center’s Community Resource Services Clothing Closet To Help Those in Need.   Bobbi McGarrity, Senior Case Manager at Catholic Family Center explained the need for donations, “CFC’s Community Resource Services offers free clothing for individuals with limited resources and income. This service allows people to obtain basic needs to enhance their lives and move towards self-sufficiency.”

Speaking about the program, Matthew McDermott, President of Vittorio Menswear said, “We’re excited to partner with Catholic Family Center to help drive donations for their clothing closet.  For years, Vittorio Menswear has helped Rochester look good with tuxedo rentals and professional clothing for men.”  He continued, “This project helps us to give back to the community during challenging economic times. A suit may be a missing piece of the puzzle for many as they seek to reenter the job market.”

See Store for Details – may not be combined with other offers, max credit is $75 per suit purchased. Credit – $75 Full Suit, $45 Sport Coat, $15 Dress Pants, $15 Belt or Shoes.

Rochester Bridal Show Tips

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BridalShowPic

Bridal Shows can be a treasure trove of information for newly engaged couples. The nice part about them is you don’t need to drive all over town to meet with wedding professionals, it can be a, “one stop shopping” experience if you want.  That said, they can sometimes be overwhelming for the uninitiated.  Here are a few tips to help make your next bridal show a little easier.

  1. Bring adhesive address labels, if you have them, or print some up on your computer. This will save you a lot of time when you register for prizes at individual booths. Most exhibitors will want to know your wedding date, fiance’s name and a way to contact you if you’ve won, so add those things to the label as well.
  2. Have a calendar handy to schedule follow up appointments with vendors you’d like to talk with in more depth.
  3. Eat before you go – some shows feature light snacks but don’t count on having a lot to eat while you’re at the show. Eating before you go helps you concentrate on your wedding rather than your stomach.
  4. Bring a small bottle of water – gathering info and talking with wedding pros all afternoon can make you thirsty. Most places have a drinking fountain (or sometimes a bar to grab a beverage) but if you bring a little water you won’t have to hunt those things down.
  5. Colored Stickers – we’ve seen several brides do this and we think it helps save a little time.  Grab some inexpensive dot or star stickers at an office supply store and put the stickers on brochures or flyers you get  of things you like.  Realistically, after you’ve spoken with 50 vendors some things start to run together in your mind.  A sticker on the brochure helps you flag it for later when you want to investigate your options after the show.
  6. Notebook & Pen – Okay, you don’t have to be a court stenographer at the show, but if you want to jot some notes down or capture that great idea you saw, this is an easy way to do it.  The camera on your phone is a good way to visually capture things you want to remember too.
  7. Wear comfortable shoes – it’s easy to spend a two to four hours visiting with vendors, watching the fashion show, etc. Sore feet make most people cranky, so do yourself a favor and wear sensible shoes.
  8. Bring your finace (at least once) – We know it can be hard to convince a lot of guys to come to a bridal show on a Sunday (especially if there’s a game on), but having him there will help keep both of you on the same page as you move through the planning process, even if you have different ideas about various aspects of planning your big day.
  9. Create a temporary e-mail to be used while you are planning your wedding. That way you can delete it when you no longer are interested in receiving special offers or hearing from vendors. The amount of offers you receive at first may seem overwhelming, but take the time to read them or you may miss out on some very good deals.
  10. Walk down every aisle and collect any information you are interested in and take it home to look over again at your leisure. Most large bridal shows will provide you with a large shopping bag as long as you register when you enter.
  11. Ask lots of questions, that’s what the vendors are there for. They want to help you, so find out everything you need to know.

Finally, have fun and take advantage of all the knowledge in the room.  Even if you think you know what direction you want to go, most vendors have a good sense of what works and what doesn’t since they help couples with weddings most weekends of the year.  Tap into that knowledge and you’ll make your big day more fun with less stress.

How to Pin on a Boutonniere

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How to Pin a Boutonniere in Rochester, NY

The day that you have been waiting for is here!  After your date arrives to pick you up (looking handsome in his tuxedo from Vittorio’s) and hands you your beautiful corsage, you must tackle his boutonniere. While this may seem intimidating, it can be done easily in a few simple steps.

  1. Before you pin it on, make sure that the flower is in the front with all of the greenery arranged behind it.
  2. Pin the flower on your date’s lapel or just outside the broadest part of the lapel on his left side, which is to your right.
  3. Place the head of the pin under the lapel and push the point through the coat, into the boutonniere and back through the coat.
  4. Make sure it hangs straight, and you are good to go!

5 Myths About Formal Wear for Weddings

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Wedding

We meet with couples every week to discuss their big day.  In the process of doing that, we’ve found that there are a lot of misconceptions about tuxedos and formal wear for weddings.  Here are a few thoughts to debunk some of the myths.

Myth 1: Tuxedos cost too much

Tuxedos can be a surprisingly affordable option for your wedding party.  When you think about it in comparison with the $250 – $300 an average bridesmaid spends on a dress, shoes and accessories she may not wear again, it’s actually a pretty good value.

Myth 2: We have out of town guests so we have to go to a national chain. 

While it’s true the national chains do have a lot of locations, it’s really about working with a store that makes you feel comfortable and valued as a customer.  Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo has a nationwide fitting network so no matter where your guests are coming from, they can get measured close to home.

Myth 3: We got our bridesmaid dresses at a national chain — their corporate partner is the only one that can match their colors, right?

We have swatch books from David’s Bridal and Alfred Angelo right in our store and we regularly find accessory colors that match or coordinate with dresses from all designers and national chains. Stop by and we can take a look together.

Myth 4: We’re going with suits, so we shouldn’t go to a tux shop.

At Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo, we have wedding suits for rent and purchase. Let us show you how to have a nicely coordinated look for your wedding party with the less formal look of wedding suits.

Myth 5: We have to wait to set up our tuxes or wedding suits.

Some couples think they have to wait to set up their tuxes until a month or two before the wedding.  The truth is, as soon as you have the date and venues finalized, you can start setting up your tuxes.  You can reserve first and make your selections later.  This allows your groomsmen to get a start with the fitting process in plenty of time.  That means less stress and worry for you the week before your big day.

About the Author: Matthew McDermott is the President of Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo in Rochester, New York.

Wedding Dress Preservation in Rochester, NY

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Why have your wedding dress preserved?  Your gown is an everlasting memory of your wedding day and many brides would like to have the option to have a daughter or niece use that dress in their wedding.  Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo has partnered with the leading specialty cleaning company in the industry, Wedding Gown Preservation Company to provide this service to our customers.

Wedding Gown Preservation Logo

Professional preservation involves the following:

Stain Removal – We are able to remove approximately 95% of all stains – including tar, blood, perspiration, grass, mud, grease, and food, being the most common, as well as any sugar stains from cake icing, wine and other beverages.

Cleaning – We have several different processes that are used for cleaning. Each gown is evaluated upon its arrival and the best cleaning process for that particular gown is used. All of our processes are safe, gentle and environmentally safe.

Repairs – Wedding Gown Preservation Company prides itself on having a highly trained staff that can handle most repairs for a nominal fee. Please note on your paperwork if you would like a call with a repair quote.

Archival Storage Chest – Your gown is fitted on an acid-free bust form and packed in an acid-neutral preservation chest. The inner case features a window for viewing your dress and the outer case is a continuous surface to avoid light/uv damage.  Please note shoulder pads and bust pads must be removed as they could cause damage to the gown over time. They will be wrapped in tissue paper and packed underneath your gown.

What about Do it Yourself options?   Occasionally we see DIY kits available, usually through infomercials, that allow you to vacuum seal your dress in plastic.  Yes, they are less expensive.  The downside of these methods is that there is generally some level of moisture or staining present in your dress or veil after your wedding day.  Sealing it in a plastic bag without proper cleaning and preservation methods is almost a guarantee that damage will occur over time.

Depending on the value of your wedding gown and accessories you include, proper preservation will generally run in the $200 – $300 range.  Not inexpensive, but in the context of preserving memories of your wedding day, gown preservation can be a very affordable investment.  Ask us for more details.