The Bow Tie Is Back!

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Bow Tie vs. Long Tie for Wedding

Coke or Pepsi

Genesee or Budweiser 

Buffalo Bills or the New England Patriots

Bow Tie or Long Tie

Clearly, life is filled with choices. While your choice of tie style may not make or break your day, it is a question that comes up from time to time.

Fashion, almost by it’s definition, evolves and wide ties and skinny long ties have both had their day in the sun. If you were to go back seven or eight years, it would have been difficult to give away a bow tie.  Around 2010, we started to see a big resurgence in requests for bow ties. Perhaps it was due to some well placed celebrities wearing them at awards shows or maybe someone’s cousin Frank from New York or Chicago wore one at his family’s holiday party swearing that it’s what all his friends were wearing. However it happened, a lot of guys wear them now in less formal situations – with a sport coat or even with denim on #bowtiewednesday.

You can get fairly simple pre-tied versions or go the extra mile with the kind you tie yourself. Solids, patterns, stripes are all available in bow tie versions. Haven’t taken the time to learn how? We can help with that on our handy How to Tie A Bow Tie page. You’ll find a chart, downloadable PDF and video that shows you everything you need to get started. Our advice – it’s easy enough to learn, but don’t wait until ten minutes before you have to be somewhere to start to figure it out.

If you’re in the area, stop by our store and we’ll show you some great options to wear in different settings. If you’re planning a wedding or group event we can order matching ties (and pocket squares if you’d like) for your wedding party. Any way you slice it, we make it easy to start rocking a bow tie for your next event.

For other bow tie inspiration, check out top tier style bow ties through their website.

Tailor Shop in Irondequoit NY

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Hem Pants in Rochester NY

Need a Tailor Shop in Irondequoit NY?

Do you have a pair of pants that needs to be lengthened, shortened or hemmed for the first time? Dress pants, casual pants or denim, Vittorio’s has you covered. When you need clothing repairs, trust our professional tailor to fix them for you.

Tailor & Alteration Services
Did you find a great deal on the perfect outfit at another store? When you buy an item that just doesn’t fit quite right, let our experienced tailor provide you with alteration services. From small hems to more extensive projects, we alter anything you need. Professional measurements are performed on location to ensure a perfect fit.

  • Clothing Alterations for Men or Women
  • Bridesmaid Dress Alterations
  • Zipper Repairs or Zipper Replacement
  • Seam Repair
  • Sew Patches on Uniforms for Military, Law Enforcement or Others
  • Suit Fitting
  • Hemming Pants
  • Hemming Skirts or Dresses
  • Take Pants In, Let Pants Out
  • Dry Cleaning Services
  • Tear Patching & Repair

If you need a tailor shop in Irondequoit NY Call us at 585.467.7711 or stop in today. We’re conveniently located at 1900 East Ridge Road, Rochester, NY 14622.


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Western Tuxedo in Rochester, NY

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Western Tuxedo in Rochester NY

Western Tuxedo in Rochester NY

If you’re planning a barn, rustic or country themed wedding in the Rochester, NY area, this might be a good option for you. Also great for themed special events or photo shoots. Pair with denim and your favorite boots or stick with a more formal look. If you need a western tuxedo in Rochester NY, this package from Chaps/Ralph Lauren includes everything you need to look your best.

We’re within 20 minutes of just about anywhere in Rochester!

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

 

Quinceanera in Rochester, NY

Planning a Quinceañera?

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Quinceanera in Rochester, NY

Planning a quinceañera in Rochester, NY?  They are sometimes called fiesta de quince años, fiesta de quinceañera, quince años or simply quince.  However it is referred to in your house, grand ceremonies to celebrate a young woman’s 15th birthday are an important part of Latin American culture.

Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo’s experience with these marvelous traditions will help make your quinceañera a beautiful memory to last far beyond her 15th birthday.  A lot of planning goes into making this day truly special.

Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo wants to make sure you do it in style. Once you have chosen your color theme, visit us to choose quinceañera tuxedos for the gentlemen attending. We’ll help you coordinate the look of your party to the style of their tuxedos.  We know it’s important to make every dollar count, so visit us today for special savings on each quinceañera package.

Tell us a little more about your plans and we’ll help you find just the right look.

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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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Small Business Saturday at Vittorio’s

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Small Business Saturday in Rochester, NY

We all know about the crazy lines and Black Friday deals offered by major retailers the day after Thanksgiving.  Some big box stores have even decided to open on Thanksgiving to try to get a jump on their competition.

While we wish them well, our focus is on helping to support locally-owned small businesses right here in Rochester.  After all, when you spend money at the big chain stores, your dollars leave our community and help support wherever they are from.  When you support locally-based retailers, you support your friends and neighbors and more of your dollar stays right here to help build our local economy.  In challenging economic times, we like the sound of that and we hope you do too.

Small Business Saturday is on November 29th this year and provides an opportunity to support local businesses.  At Vittorio Menswear and Tuxedo we’ll have special deals to help you cross things off your holiday shopping list.  The nice folks at American Express have even pitched in with an offer to provide a $10 credit on your statement if you register your American Express card for the Small Business Saturday promotion and make a purchase of $10 or more at a participating small business like ours.  That’s basically $10 off anything you like in our store, compliments of Amex.

If you’re really looking to maximize your savings, use that credit in combination with some great sale prices we’re offering or check in on your mobile device at our store for some even better offers.  Did we mention we have free WiFi at the store for all you tablet fans who want to stay connected?

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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Tuxedos for Chatterbox Club Dance in Rochester, NY

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The 8th Grade Chatterbox Club Dance is almost here!  The Chatterbox Club of Rochester was founded in 1923 as women’s social club and counterpart to then all-male country clubs in Rochester, NY.  It has been located at it’s present location on Goodman Street since 1927.

Among other events and activities, each year they sponsor an invitation-only formal dance for area 8th Graders attending private schools. Vittorio Menswear & Tuxedo is pleased to offer special group pricing to young men attending the event.

We’re within 20 minutes from just about anywhere in Rochester

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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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What to Wear for a Second Wedding

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What to Wear for Second Wedding

We see many couples in our store who are looking for some guidance on what to wear for a second wedding.  Clearly, there are many factors that go into decision making around a second ceremony and reception. Choices made in other areas will set the tone for the attire you ultimately select.

Sometimes there is an assumption that a second wedding will just be a big barbeque in the back yard with the couple getting married under the oak tree in shorts and a t-shirt. While that type of event certainly happens, we also see a number of scenarios which call for more formality.

  • Couples that had very large weddings the first time and are looking for a more intimate event the second time — just because it isn’t a four hundred guest affair, doesn’t mean that it’s any less special or elegant. Tuxedos or suits can be a great option here.
  • Couples that may have missed out on the traditional wedding experience because they eloped or had a low-key event at their local courthouse due to work, school or a military deployment.
  • One partner who is getting remarried and a second who will be getting married for the first time.

Each of these scenarios might present slightly different options for the couple planning the wedding.  Regardless of your past experience, you want to be sure you’re both on the same page as to the scope and formality of your ceremony and reception.

As a menswear and tuxedo provider, our tastes tend toward a more formal form of dress but we can certainly help with resort casual, semi-formal and formal options for your wedding.  A few things to think about:

The size of your wedding party – how many bridesmaids and groomsmen do you want to have?

  • Some couples will choose to forgo having a large bridal party and just the bride and/or groom will dress in wedding attire

Do you have children that you would like to involve?

  • Depending on how old your children are you might involve them as a ring bearer or flower girl or perhaps for a reading or other task if there’s a religious ceremony as part of your wedding – children’s tuxedos and suits are available to rent for this type of scenario.
  • If you have adult children, they may be honored to serve in a groomsman or bridesmaid role and would match the rest of your wedding party

Are there parents or other special guests that you would like to have dressed in particular attire?

Level of formality

  • Formal – black tie for gentlemen and long dresses for women
  • Semi-Formal – two or three-piece suits
  • Destination or Beach Theme – resort or club-wear which might include light colored suits with or without ties

Regardless of what you decide, we’d be honored to help you sort through your attire options to find something that works to make your wedding a special and meaningful day for everyone.

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

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