The Contender

The Contender

Share this post

The Contender
The Contender
Black Tie Rules

Black Tie Rules

Thoughts on Tuxedos

David Coggins's avatar
David Coggins
Nov 03, 2022
∙ Paid
69

Share this post

The Contender
The Contender
Black Tie Rules
35
Share

There are two types of men. Those who own one tuxedo and those who own more than one tuxedo. Well, I guess there are three types because most men don’t own a tuxedo at all. There’s no shame in any of this. Acquiring a tuxedo is a rite of passage that feels consequential at the time. The sooner you do this the better, because you won’t be fully yourself in anything you rent.

Tuxedos signify a landmark in your life, whether it’s prom (get out with your dignity intact), a serious wedding or your nomination for best supporting actor. People, especially celebrities, try to reinvent tuxedos, one of the few things that needs no reinvention. Men are lucky the tuxedo exists, we all look good in one. So let’s not mess it up.

Black tie is like a martini, a perfect equation with a few elements we adjust to taste. Let’s not go crazy and add olive juice. With that strained metaphor, here are some black tie theories.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 David Coggins
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share