Alan David Blog
Bespoke vs. Made-to-Measure
The quality of a suit is heavily influenced by its material, style, and the way that it is tailored (the extent to which it is truly fitted to the individual). Related to that last element, let’s look at a few terms used to describe different approaches — particularly definitions of bespoke and made-to-measure (MTM)
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How Much Does a Tuxedo Cost?
April 27, 2026
What people notice first when you wear a tuxedo is how the jacket sits across your chest and stomach. That clean line comes from accurate measurements and proper fitting, not the label. The cost of a tuxedo can vary greatly. It mostly depends on how the tuxedo is made and what it’s made from. At...
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Tuxedo Styles: Choose the Right Look for Any Occasion
April 27, 2026
You open an invitation and see the words black tie. A tuxedo may seem a simple choice at first. But then you notice the details that can change the whole look. That is when most men start searching for tuxedo styles and sorting out what matters. The right tuxedo style can make you feel confident,...
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How Much Does a Tailored Suit Cost? 2026 Full Price Breakdown
April 13, 2026
A ‘tailored’ suit might fit your shoulders, but how it’s made can change the price completely. It can cost as little as $75–$200 for alterations on an off-the-rack suit, $400–$2,500 for made-to-measure, and $3,000–$6,500 or more for true bespoke. That is a wide range, but a suit adjusted after purchase is not the same as...
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Suit Shoulder Types and When to Wear Each
April 13, 2026
Most men pay attention to the lapels or the fabric first. The defining detail sits higher up: suit shoulder types decide how a jacket stands on the body, how formal it reads, and what kind of presence it gives you before you say a word. The shoulder sets the silhouette. It shapes the line of...
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What Is a Covered Placket Tuxedo Shirt?
March 29, 2026
Formalwear is all about the details and how they match the dress code. Beyond that, a tuxedo gives you very few decisions to make. But the few choices you do make matter more than you’d think. The shirt front is one of those decisions. There are different types of shirt fronts, but a covered placket...
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Do All Tuxedo Pants Have Satin Stripe?
March 16, 2026
Classic tuxedo trousers have a stripe along the outer seam of each leg. It’s one of the small signals that says you know how to wear a tuxedo the right way. So, traditionally, yes, tuxedo pants should have a stripe. The stripe is a single band made from either satin, which has a smooth shine,...
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Tuxedo with Tie vs. Bowtie: Which One Should You Wear?
March 16, 2026
You’ve got the tuxedo. Now, you’re staring at the neckwear and second-guessing everything. The neckwear will decide the look. Choose wrong, and the proportions feel off. Choose right, and you look composed from the first photo to the last toast. You just want to choose it right and look like a gentleman. Do you reach...
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Black Tie Events in NYC in 2026
March 16, 2026
New York City leads the country in formal charitable and cultural events. From grand ballrooms to landmark museums, these nights unite patrons, artists, and community leaders behind serious causes. If you’re planning your season around black tie NYC 2026 events, this guide points to the standout galas and balls. For generations, galas here have funded...
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Cummerbund vs Vest: Which Should You Wear With a Tuxedo?
March 2, 2026
So, you’re getting ready for a wedding, gala, or black-tie event and don’t know which is best: a cummerbund or a vest? The event is days away, and the photos will live forever. You want to look correct, neither overdressed nor underdressed. Some say cummerbunds feel dated. Others claim a vest bends the rules. But,...
