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[Torobone]

I have my first swing band gig tonight after a few decades (my wife's back limits her ability to dance, so now I can play). I might make enough to get my tux cleaned afterwards, and maybe gas money.

If you have better answers, I'll add them to the poll!

[Thomas Matta]

Tuxedos are still the norm on society / casual / general business jobs in Chicago.

I think it's one way to at least present professionalism (it is no gaurantee of it, that's for sure). When the leader is negotiationg with the client why it should cost $$$$$ rather than $, I am sure the dress-code is a bargaining chip --- even if unspoken.

[Blythe Spirit]

I feel like I play better when I dress up - even if it's just adding a hat.

[Eastcheap]

'Cause they got class.

[sly fox]

learn how to tie your own bow tie and no one will confuse you with a waiter again:

http://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+tie+a+bow+tie&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7ACAW_enUS379US379&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=iM7NTfigNuTv0gGL36XnDQ&ved=0CCIQsAQ&biw=1345&bih=591

http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-tie-a-bow-tie

[JohnL]

'Cuz penguins are cool.

[prototypedenNIS]

'Cuz penguins are cool.

So this is the epitome of cool?

[hurry]

To be a ninjya, vanish into black wall

[JohnL]

So this is the epitome of cool?

The picture, yes. The dude wearing the shirt, not so much.

[Eastcheap]

'Cuz penguins are cool.

And bow ties.

The picture, yes. The dude wearing the shirt, not so much.

Ah, but does the notch lapel make the penguin more or less cool?  This is going to require some serious thought.

[RedHotMama]

My band wears full tux (evening dress) only when we're playing somewhere very special, such as a posh society wedding or an event at The Royal Society in London.

However, elsewhere, even in a bar, I still insist on "black and white" - it gives coherence, avoids scruffiness and (most importantly!) saves thinking - but it does, indeed, make you look like the waiting staff. Mind you, at some of these events, particularly posh society weddings heaving with the rude and drunken rich, I'd much rather be mistaken for a member of staff than one of the guests!

[sly fox]

And bow ties.

Ah, but does the notch lapel make the penguin more or less cool?  This is going to require some serious thought.

ok, ok, the peak lapel is the standard, but you don't really want perfection.  That is why you tie your own bow tie, your date has to get real close to straighten it for you.

 

[BGuttman]

...That is why you tie your own bow tie, your date has to get real close to straighten it for you.

 

My date got real close and gave it a yank!    Never went out with her again.

[greg waits]

The trend around the Dallas/Ft Worth area is changing, albeit very slowly. For decades it has been tuxedo, and for the most part it remains so, particularly on wedding gigs and corporates affairs.

However, there are many bands whose leaders call for "black and black, no tie" which I much prefer. It still looks classy, and it is a whole lot more comfortable!

Also, when everyone in the band wears black shirts, black jackets and black slacks (and shoes presumably), the band looks very sharp. No one stands out, unless they missed the memo! 

And another benefit, dry cleaning bills are lower! 

[lniehaus]

+1 for the "black on black" look.

The man in black=Johnny Cash

[sly fox]

another reason ????

http://www.blacktieguide.com/Supplemental/Myths.htm

Formal Facts: Ladies' Man

The Men's Wearhouse 2011 survey quoted in the introduction also reported some interesting female perceptions about well-dressed men:

• 75% think a well-dressed man is confident

85% think a guy who dresses well is sexier than one who has a lot of money

87% think men instantly look better in a suit

[sly fox]

+1 for the "black on black" look.

The man in black=Johnny Cash

"Man In Black"

  Well, you wonder why I always dress in black,
Why you never see bright colors on my back,
And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone.
Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.

I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down,
Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town,
I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime,
But is there because he's a victim of the times.

I wear the black for those who never read,
Or listened to the words that Jesus said,
About the road to happiness through love and charity,
Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.

Well, we're doin' mighty fine, I do suppose,
In our streak of lightnin' cars and fancy clothes,
But just so we're reminded of the ones who are held back,
Up front there ought 'a be a Man In Black.

I wear it for the sick and lonely old,
For the reckless ones whose bad trip left them cold,
I wear the black in mournin' for the lives that could have been,
Each week we lose a hundred fine young men.

And, I wear it for the thousands who have died,
Believen' that the Lord was on their side,
I wear it for another hundred thousand who have died,
Believen' that we all were on their side.

Well, there's things that never will be right I know,
And things need changin' everywhere you go,
But 'til we start to make a move to make a few things right,
You'll never see me wear a suit of white.

Ah, I'd love to wear a rainbow every day,
And tell the world that everything's OK,
But I'll try to carry off a little darkness on my back,
'Till things are brighter, I'm the Man In Black.   

[WaltTrombone]

To torment the guys in the band who'd rather be wearing a t shirt and jeans.

[BGuttman]

I've always wanted to wear a variation on Peter Schickele's outfit for the PDQ Bach concerts.  Maybe have a set of bib overalls with satin stripe down the side of the pants

[Ellrod]

We're doing a "jazz" church service ("Jazz Vespers") tomorrow and the consensus was all black. Jazz funeral is more like it. Maybe jazz waiters.