New to Paul Morrell’s rental lineup for 2013 are the Ike Behar ‘Jackson’ and ‘Parker’ Slim Fit Tuxedos. In a previous post, we featured these two styles while talking about the many benefits of a slim fit, but we have yet to actually offer an in depth review of the two tuxedos. So that’s what we’re doing today. We’re going to take a close look at these two exceptional tuxedos and observe how, with only two tuxedos, Ike Behar has covered the basics.
The Black Slim Fit ‘Jackson’ Tuxedo
The Black Slim Fit ‘Jackson’ Tuxedo is a 1 button peak lapel tuxedo. All of its features are in keeping with Black Tie Standards. Fashioned from luxuriously soft Super 120’s wool (refers to thread count), and constructed with a fit that is slim but not skinny, the ‘Jackson’ is one of the classiest and most formal tuxedos we offer.
The Black Slim Fit ‘Parker’ Tuxedo
The Black Slim Fit ‘Parker’ Tuxedo is identical to the ‘Jackson’ in every detail except that it features a notch lapel instead of a peak, and 2 front buttons rather than 1. While a classically designed black 1 button peak tuxedo may be the most formal, a 2 button notch is still by far the most popular option. Made formally famous by the likes of George Clooney, the two button notch is a less formal but prominent staple in today’s formal market.
Ike Behar Slim Fit Tuxedo Product Details:
- Color: Black
- Pattern: Solid
- Fit: Slim
- Model: Single Breasted
- Style: Standard Tuxedo Coat
- Front Buttons: 1 (Jackson) or 2 (Parker)
- Lapel: Satin Peak (Jackson) or Satin Notch (Parker)
- Collar: Self Top Collar
- Coat Length: 30.5″ (relative to a 40R)
- Vents: Side Vented
- Side Pockets: Satin Besom
- Inside Pockets: 2 — 1 on each side
- Fabric: Super 120’s Wool
How Slim is Slim?
The most common question we get about the Slim Fit tuxedos is “How slim are they?” To answer this, it’s important to understand that these garments are constructed as rental merchandise. That means that they aren’t tailor made. They aren’t designed to be form fitting or skin tight. They don’t mimic the “skinny jeans” look that is popular in some circles. What they are is trimmer than either classic or modern cut tuxedos.
Slim fit tuxedos are cut in such a way that much of the excess material common in other styles has been removed. If you are normally comfortable in a 40R coat, for example, you should still order a 40R. But the coat will hug your ribs closer than a classic or modern cut coat will. Likewise there will be a little less material in the sleeves, for a more shapely look. The trousers are also thinner. They aren’t so thin that they look like tights, but they don’t billow much.
Overall, the slim fit look is great because it streamlines your over all look and makes for a more shapely silhouette. It’s the closest thing the rental world has to a bespoke made tuxedo. The only downside is that, because there is less material, the garments don’t offer as much size flexibility. If you have a 6″ drop from your chest to your waist, you’ll be fine. But if you have less than that, or your waist is larger than your chest, you may have a hard time finding a size that will work well.
Our Take: Basic Photography
The professional photography that the manufacturer provided us for these styles is beautiful. It really shows off their sleekness and class in a very simple and sophisticated way. But, in order to give you a well-rounded-real-world idea of what these two styles are actually like on your average (headless) Joe, we took some of our own photography. Because these styles are so similar, we focused primarily on the ‘Jackson’ tuxedo, though we threw in a couple of pictures of the ‘Parker’ as well. Take a look below and see if you can imagine yourself wearing these!
While the images above don’t have the benefit of a professional camera, photographer, model, or skilled touch up artist, these tuxedos speak for themselves. As you can clearly see, the sleek design, classic touches, and complimenting fit all serve to make you, a not-headless person, look your very best at your next formal event!
Interested in renting this style? Check out our Ike Behar Slim Fit Tuxedos, then find a store near you to rent from using our Store Locator!
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Like what you see? Hate it? Can’t keep quiet? Can barely contain yourself? Well… don’t. Tell us what you think in the comments section below!