In DC, Rash of Wary Tux Renters Ahead of Inaugural

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 17, 2009 8:02 PM CST

(Newser) – Uninitiated DC men are scrambling to procure tuxedos for the inauguration, and they, luckily, have a few seasoned resources, the Washington Post reports. While inveterate ball-goers frequent Brooks Brothers and such, a younger class of invitees is flocking to the capital’s rental shops, where veteran tailors calm their jitters. “It will be a band tie,” one said. “Unless you would prefer to tie your own.” No, no, no.

Many young bucks in Washington haven’t donned a penguin suit since prom, and are seeking a low profile—even if they don’t know it. One renter requested a bolo tie to go with his tux, only to put the kibosh on the choice days later. “My friend,” he said in a call to the shop, “my wife just told me she would kill me if I came in that.” Not that it’s always been out of the question. “Four, eight years ago it would have been okay,” the tailor said.

This 1977 file photo shows President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn as they dance in front of the bandstand at the Inaugural Ball. (AP Photo)

Barack Obama and his bride Michelle Robinson on their wedding day, Oct. 18, 1992, in Chicago. (AP Photo)

A man in a tuxedo. (Shutter Stock)

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Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

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'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

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