I went to a wedding in Charleston and every gentleman wore the exact same tuxedo shirt from SuitSupply. Same black studs. Same everything.
Heads up: this isn't a paid placement. When you shop through these links, including eBay, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
My secrets, in order:
- Get the SuitSupply tuxedo shirt. It’s amazing, but everyone has it.
- Take it up a notch with a vintage set of studs and a diamond or platinum brooch. You’ll have them forever, and you can seriously get them for under $600 on eBay.
- Get a tux on eBay and get it tailored. $6K to $8K is insane. $1,800 for a Brunello you’ll have forever is much more palatable.
The hero everyone has: the SuitSupply tuxedo shirt
SuitSupply white tuxedo shirt
Egyptian cotton, widespread collar. I have it, I love it too. But when you’re in a sea of men with the same shirt, you gotta jooj it up.
Shop the SuitSupply shirtMy favorite black tie party trick: Brunello and jewels from eBay.
Jason in a velvet shawl double-breasted Brunello Cucinelli tuxedo: $1.8K on eBay, about $8K retail. Me in black corduroy Brunello, also from eBay.
Where to buy a Brunello Cucinelli tuxedo for less
I’ve bought all my tuxedos from the same eBay vendor, Brunello corduroy in black and tan. I wore the black one to a wedding in Charleston in October. The tan one has done weddings in Guatemala and Mexico City.
Tan corduroy Brunello, Guatemala.
Same tux, wedding in Mexico City. I’ve gotten my ROI out of this one. (Jason also fits in it.)
He truly does do the best tuxes. Buy it, then get it tailored. They get authenticated if they’re over $500, so look for the Authenticity Guarantee badge before you buy.
Brunello Cucinelli baroque velvet tuxedo jacket
New with tags, $4,995 retail, now $1,062.50. Sizes 50, 52 and 54.
Shop the velvet jacket
Brunello Cucinelli velvet double-breasted tuxedo suit
New with tags, $5,995 retail, now $1,232.50.
Shop the velvet suit
Brunello Cucinelli ivory silk dinner jacket
US 44, $1,295. The summer-wedding move.
Shop the dinner jacketVintage tuxedo studs: what to wear with a tuxedo (not the black ones)
Everyone wears the same black studs. Vintage sets in platinum, abalone, diamonds and Mikimoto pearls cost less than a new designer set.
Precious studs used to be standard. Men just don’t dress up anymore. I love shopping these secondhand, because no one does detail like this now, and it adds that extra level of sophistication to your tux. Break past the black studs that come with the SuitSupply and take it up a notch.
Can men wear a brooch with a tuxedo? Yes. Make it platinum.
The move nobody makes. A diamond or platinum brooch you’ll have forever, and you can seriously get one for under $600. I got mine, platinum and diamond, on The RealReal for under $1K. I’m serious. Filigree Art Deco is my favorite. My splurge pick: a carved ruby and diamond Art Deco brooch.
It’s the detail, the precious materials and the resale value. Brooches are so ornate and delicate, and they look amazing on a men’s lapel.
The splurge: carved ruby + diamond Art Deco brooch
20 carats of rubies and diamonds. $7,500.
Shop the ruby broochSuitSupply gets you in the room. The jewels get you remembered.
Shop the full black tie editBlack tie FAQ
Is buying Brunello Cucinelli on eBay safe?
Look for eBay’s Authenticity Guarantee badge on the listing and buy from sellers with long, positive feedback.
What metal should tuxedo studs be?
Match your watch or cufflinks. Platinum and white metals read clean with black; gold and abalone feel warmer with velvet or corduroy.
Where does a brooch go on a tuxedo?
On the lapel, where a boutonnière would sit.
Keep hunting
More hunts every week on my Substack.
Affiliate links: I may earn a commission at no cost to you. Not sponsored.
