Have a celebration or event coming up that requires more formal attire?

The crew at Bauman’s has been helping men look their best for more than 115 years now.

Olivia Randall, owner at Bauman’s, said when it comes to celebrations or events like weddings, they like meeting with couples nine months in advance of the wedding date to start discussing options.

“This gives them and us plenty of flexibility when it comes to ordering in product, renting items, and completing alterations,” Randall said.

When it comes to getting fitted for tuxes or formal wear, that usually happens three to six months out from the wedding, depending on if the suits are being purchased or rented.

For proms, Randall said one month out from the big event is a good time to come in and get measured for formal wear.

Randall said one of the most important things to keep in mind is price you’re willing to spend.

“That usually dictates the fabrics or materials of the formal wear you are getting,” Randall said. “We tend to recommend wool suits as the ones we sell to customers. Wool provides the most breathability (no matter the weather) and durability which is important when you are investing in a tailored garment.”

Trends at the moment in both weddings and proms are still sticking with black suits.

“It is a very classic, timeless look,” Randall said.

Men are more interested in tailored and modern cuts that fit closer to the body.

Looking at items like, shoes, belts and socks that will accompany the formal wear becomes just as important to the look, Randall said.

Even if you’re not in the wedding party, sometimes seeing the label of “black tie” can set a bit of a panic in your head.

Randall says that you shouldn’t worry.

“This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to wear a black suit/tux, but often means that the expectation is for guests to wear a suit of some sort and not be dressed casually,” Randall said. “Typically, when attending an event, guests are safe in arriving with a suit or sport coat, dress slacks, and a button down shirt. Jackets can always be removed if the person feels too formal in their attire.”

And if you’re a high school student, worried about prom attire, Bauman’s has a few options coming up this March for local schools.

“We are hosting two separate Tux Fitting fundraisers March 10 and March 27 from 3-7 p.m.,” Randall said. “If students come in for the fitting during the events, we donate $20 per student to their post-prom committee.”

For people who have not been measured for formal wear before, Randall explained that staff will measure them and have them try on different sample garments to ensure that they receive the proper sizing for their jacket, shirt, pants, and shoes.

“Then, people will pick out their suit, shirt, vest, and tie/bowtie from fabric swatches and catalogs,” Randall said. “It is helpful if the student brings a fabric sample of the dress they are trying to match their accessories to.”