Paul Morrell Formalwear regularly tracks the rental data for all of the tuxedo styles we offer and determines which ten coats were the most rented for the previous month. Today we’re taking a look at which ten tuxedo styles rented the most throughout the entire year of 2012!
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In 2012 we saw a return to formal attire, as the trend toward a more refined and streamlined style became more popular. People everywhere are dressing more formally for formal occasions, opting for bow ties instead of long ties and traditional tuxedos instead of trendy fashions or business suits. As indicated and supported by Hollywood Award Ceremonies like the Golden Globes, the Emmy’s, and the Academy Awards that continue to showcase more traditional formal styling, the emphasis on formal wear is still rising.
Leading the way in this formal upturn are ten tuxedo styles that, consistently all year, proved to be the crowd favorites. Paul Morrell Formalwear regularly tracks the Top 10 monthly rental styles, but the following results are even more conclusive. While some styles can quickly rise and fall in popularity month to month, the styles listed below represent the most rented styles all year round. This long-term trended data helps us (and you) determine which styles are fleeting trends and which are mainstays in the current formal climate. Without further adieu, here are the mainstays:
#10: Jean Yves Chocolate ‘Premier’ Tuxedo – C912
“Not a traditionalist, but want to look outstanding? Good news. The Chocolate ‘Premier’ Tuxedo has the style, class, and hue to make your wish come true.”
If you’ve kept up with our monthly Top 10 reviews for 2012, you know this style well. Now the 10th most popular rental tuxedo of 2012, the Chocolate ‘Premier’ Tuxedo by Jean Yves has appeared often on our monthly Top 10 lists.
With it’s simple and elegant 2-button front, satin notch lapels, clean silhouette, and intangible aesthetic that brown formal wear is known for, it’s easy to see how this style has rented so well. We expect this style to be at its strongest around prom season and in the autumn months.
#9: Jean Yves Heather Grey ‘Twilight’ Tuxedo – C987
The Jean Yves Heather Grey ‘Twilight’ Tuxedo is a formidable addition to our large selection of grey tuxedos and suits. This tuxedo features a modern cut, satin notch lapels with self trim, and is made of fine Super 100’s wool, making it lighter and more comfortable, which makes it the perfect tuxedo for beach-side and destination weddings!
#8: PM Black ‘Icon’ Tuxedo – C993
“Want to go traditional? Look no more. The PM Black ‘Icon’ Tuxedo is precisely what you’re after.”
Every generation since the mid 1920’s has attempted to tweak and update the classic tuxedo, but nothing yet has beat the classic. A black, 1-button, peak lapel tuxedo coat fashioned from wool is as true to the requirements of Black Tie as one can get.
Though you don’t get “frills” with wearing something this traditional, that’s exactly the point. By wearing a well fitted Black Tie tuxedos to your next formal event, you are connecting yourself to generations past in this streamlined and classy ensemble. You’ll never look better than you do in properly worn Classic Black Tie.
Because this style is so timeless, we expect it to be a strong renter year round, though if it wains in popularity, it will be during the hotter months when nobody looks forward to putting on a black tuxedo..
#7: Jean Yves Heather Grey ‘Savoy’ Tuxedo – C965
“Life is full of varying shades of grey. This may be one of the best. The Heather Grey ‘Savoy’ Tuxedo by Jean Yves is an eye-catching formal crowd-pleaser.”
Predictably, the 7th tuxedo on this list is none other that the Heather Grey ‘Savoy’ Tuxedo by Jean Yves. I say that this isn’t a shocker because this tuxedo, and grey tuxedos and suits in general, have continued to rent incredibly well all year round. It’s easy to see why.
Much like the Heather Grey ‘Twilight’ Tuxedo in the 9th position, the Heather Grey ‘Savoy’ features the same shade of Heather Grey and a classy two button front. The primary difference in these two coats is that the ‘Savoy’ has inverted lapels, with self fabric on the inside and satin trim.
Because of its light material, this style is perfect for any warm weather or daytime formal function.
#6: After Six Black ‘Chaplin I’ Tuxedo – C974
“Simple, timeless, and always elegant, the Black ‘Chaplin I’ Tuxedo by After Six is a formal classic that honors the time tested principles of Black Tie, while providing a subtle modern update.”
The Black ‘Chaplin I’ Tuxedo by After Six is, by description, very much like the PM Black ‘Icon’ Tuxedo in almost every respect, save for one. The Black ‘Chaplin I’ Tuxedo features satin notch lapels instead of satin peak lapels.
While less formal, notch lapels are becoming more and more popular during formal events, thanks to the likes of George Clooney and other trend setters.
#5: Jean Yves Tan ‘Rapture’ Destination Suit – C981
Sometimes a special event warrants a great look, but maybe not a tuxedo. Whether a garden wedding, destination wedding, or other daytime semi-formal event, the Tan ‘Rapture’ Destination Suit by Jean Yves is an excellent option!
While this destination suit is typically a strong renter year round, it’s popularity peaks with the weather. The hotter the climate, the better this style rents.
Because of it’s significantly cooler nature and hue that compliments any tropical or outdoors setting, the Tan ‘Rapture’ Destination Suit by Jean Yves is among the best options we offer for any warm weather semi-formal function.
#4: Jean Yves Steel Grey ‘Twilight’ Suit – C986
For the times you want to look incredible, but the occasion doesn’t warrant a tuxedo, several of our tuxedos also have suit counterparts. And arguably none of those suits are nicer or more versatile that the Steel Grey ‘Twilight’ Suit from Jean Yves.
A popular choice for daytime weddings is to wear a grey tuxedo or suit, and save the black formal wear for events that take place after 6:00 pm. When a garden wedding or destination wedding is dressed down to semi-formal, there’s no better option than to go with this attractive and streamlined grey suit.
Because of this incredibly versatile color and construction, this style is a strong renter all year round. As an added bonus, tuxedos are generally reserved for very special occasions, but a suit can be worn anywhere, creating a high demand in other demographics in every season.
#3: After Six Black ‘Chaplin II’ Tuxedo – C975
“Simple, timeless, and always elegant, the Black ‘Chaplin II’ Tuxedo by After Six is a formal classic that will never disappoint.”
Black formal wear will always be the backbone of this industry. And again, when it comes to formal wear, simple and elegant just can’t be beat. These ideals are well represented in the 3rd most popular rental tuxedo for 2012.
While the Black ‘Chaplin II’ Tuxedo by After Six isn’t strict black tie attire, it does represent a very popular millennial update to the classic uniform. The satin notch lapels have been a popular alternative to traditional peak lapels ever since Sean Connery’s James Bond character tried one on. The 2-button front is also a popular update, as was showcased in this year’s Golden Globe Awards.
This simply classy tuxedo style is a great basic formal option all year round for every occasion. This style doesn’t just rent well in peak seasons. This coat rents well all the time. For proms, weddings, destination weddings, quinceaneras, formal parties – the Black ‘Chaplin II’ Tuxedo is a great pick.
#2: Calvin Klein Grey ‘Legend’ Tuxedo – C928
“The appropriately named Grey ‘Legend’ Tuxedo by Calvin Klein combines classic tradition with current fashion for a look that is, well, legendary!”
When the Grey ‘Legend’ Tuxedo by Calvin Klein hit the scene, it hit hard and swept the market by storm. Since then it has lost some momentum to newer styles, but still manages to claim the penultimate spot on the yearly Top 10 charts!
Together with the other grey tuxedo styles on this list, the Grey ‘Legend’ has tapped into a large market within the rental industry. This style is perfect for proms, weddings, destination weddings, quinceaneras, and other daytime formal function, and also crosses over to semi-formal venues; when you want to look great but black tie attire isn’t called for.
Elegant, classy, streamlined, attention-grabbing: the Grey ‘Legend’ Tuxedo by Calvin Klein is a strong year round renter, sure to have you looking amazing.
#1: Jean Yves Steel Grey ‘Twilight’ Tuxedo – C979
“Sometimes it’s okay to stare. With the Steel Grey ‘Twilight’ Tuxedo by Jean Yves, you may get a lot of that. This coat is sure to get a lot of admiring gazes at any formal venue.”
And for the #1 Most Popular Tuxedo of 2012…. The Steel Grey ‘Twilight’ Tuxedo by Jean Yves takes the market by storm. In nearly every monthly top 10 list we’ve published in the last year, this style has not only been on the list, but in the top 3 or 4.
The Steel Grey ‘Twilight’ Tuxedo by Jean Yves has done nothing but ‘wow’ us with the consistent demand and attention it has garnished. While this style is a relative newcomer, it has definitely earned its keep.
Featuring a 2-button front and a satin notch lapel and top collar with self trim, this darker grey tuxedo has been a big part of why grey tuxedos and suits have done so well this last year.
Consistent with the other grey tuxedos and suits we offer, the Steel Grey ‘Twilight’ Tuxedo seems to peak in demand during prom season, wedding season, and summer months, but stays a strong renter all year round for daytime formal events.
Stay posted for more monthly Top 10 news from Paul Morrell. For a formal vendor, knowing what’s being sought after gives you a competitive edge in your local market. For a customer looking for just the right outfit, this gives you access to the most up to date style information available, so you can make the best decision for your important day! You can also look at past month’s Top 10 listing to find out which styles come and go, and which styles are mainstays in formal style.
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