<p>So I just went through the process of renting a tux for prom, and I realized that, in the long run, it would be more economical to buy one instead of renting one again and again if I needed one on multiple occasions over the next few years.</p>
<p>What are the uses for tuxes at Harvard? And how often are they used?</p>
<p>it’s actually mandatory that all males be in black tie for classes.</p>
<p>Oh, just like high school then.</p>
<p>Haha seriously, I knew that they wouldn’t really be necessary for much. I was just wondering how much.</p>
<p>Tuxes are worn by male members of some choirs, not all. My S has managed to spend four years without once wearing a suit, let alone a tux.
You can buy a tux from Keezers quite inexpensively. It’s in Central Square, midway between MIT and Harvard.</p>
<p>Most people who own them are in singing groups. The only other time you will need one is once or twice a year for formals, if you decide to go.</p>
<p>Depends what you want to do. Various performing groups require tuxes and there may well be black-tie social events. It depends on how well you will use your tux investment. You could indeed go to classes in a tux and no one would care… ;)</p>
<p>It’s harvard—aren’t you supposed to wear a tux to class each day? :P</p>
<p>The funny part is that Oxford still requires that you take your exams in ceremonial gowns!</p>
<p>The most important information on Tuxes was already given. Keezer’s is a second hand store, but also has new tuxes (along with suits, overcoats etc). It specializes in tuxes and has provided value to Harvard students (and many, many others) for about 70 years. It is really located more between Central Square and the Charles River (River Street), unless it has moved.</p>
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<p>So does Trinity College in the University of Toronto… This has been your Canada fact of the day.</p>
<p>Trust me, if you buy one, you’ll find reasons to put it on. If you don’t, you probably won’t miss it. </p>
<p>My son has the tux my Dad bought at Paul Stuart in 1949, and that he gave to me in 1973. It has been let out and taken in, relined a couple of times, but the kid looks great in it.</p>
<p>These are some of the events at which you could use a tux: Freshman Winter Formal in early December, House Winter Formals, House Spring Formals (Freshmen are invited to their future House Spring Formal), Final Club formal dinners/events if you are punched, fraternity formals, sorority formals, as well as the above mentioned choral groups.</p>
<p>If you enjoy going to dances, then buy a used tux from Keezer’s. You’ll get plenty of use out of it.</p>
<p>To fauve’s list I will add that the opening night of some shows will be black tie or “creative black tie.”</p>
<p>It might also be useful as part of a Halloween costume.</p>
<p>I bought a tux freshman year (not at Keezer’s, but I probably should have) and have worn it about twice a year. If you don’t end up in a singing group or a final club, it may not be worth it - suits are certainly acceptable attire to house formals.</p>
<p>I think it depends upon the individual student and their preferences. Even within performance groups, a traditional tuxedo may not suffice. The Glee Club performs in tails as does a few a cappella groups. That said, my son has worn his traditional tuxedo four times this year to various formals. He had one from high school, but if he had not, it would still have been well worth the purchase. And, I echo the recommendation for Keezers.</p>
<p>Owning a tux is also beneficial if you’re lucky enough to live in Adams House. For events such as housing day and winter feast, many of us are decked out in tuxes.</p>
<p>It’s actually really useful to buy a tux because every upper class house has two formals every year. Keezer’s sells them for like $200. You can wear a black suit, but it’s more appropriate to wear a tux. Also, if you’re looking to punch final clubs, most clubs have a date event which require formal attire. Again, you can wear a black suit, but tuxes are better. Also, this is probably a little esoteric, but if you join the Fly or are invited to their “Gatsby Party,” you’re going to need to dress in white tie, which means a tailed tux and a white bow tie. Enjoy the information overkill.</p>