Hang Loose in a Tux by Buttoning Down Formalities

When you notice more rented limousines on the road after dark, you realize it must be prom time, the highlight of the high school social season.

While some girls have been planning what they’ll wear for their junior and senior prom ever since they filled out their freshman class schedule, most boys don’t give a thought to what they’ll wear until they know they’re going.

When a guy goes to the prom it’s often the first time in his life that he’s fitted for formal wear.

Here are a few tips to remember:

* Tux slacks are not like the pants you wear to school. They’re cut so that if the waistband isn’t worn on the waist they’re going to look funny. You’ll have to pull them up and cover the waistband with the cummerbund.

* Folds on the cummerbund are supposed to face up (tux people call it the “crumberbund” because the folds of a correctly worn cummerbund are often returned holding dinner crumbs). And make sure it’s not too tight. “Your pants have two adjustments to make them fit your waist,” says Maggie Quammens of Robert’s Tuxedos in Orange. “Don’t use your cummerbund as a belt; that wrinkles and misshapes it.”

* Double-breasted jackets are in. Remember, when you’re standing, the jacket must be closed or it loses its shape. When you’re sitting, it must be open or you’ll be putting a visible strain on the jacket.

* When being fitted for a jacket, don’t protest because the sleeves look too short. The shirt cuff should extend at least one inch beyond the jacket.

* Your bow tie sits in front of the little white wings on the shirt.

* The tux should come with studs that are used to close the buttonholes of the shirt.

* When the person at the tux shop asks if you want shoes, say yes. Not many people have patent leather dress shoes in their closets, and without the right shoes you’ll look like a waiter. You might think it’ll be cool to wear your black Air Nikes, but your date probably won’t think it’s so hip. Socks are also important; dress socks are thin, nylon and black.

* You can accent your tux with a tie and cummerbund that picks up some color from your date’s dress or corsage.

* You’ve probably been told this all your life, but at least for prom night, don’t slouch. Good posture makes a tux look even better.

* When you go down to pick up your tux, allow at least half an hour to try it on and don’t feel shy about asking how something should be put on and worn.