Does anyone know where one might find a Design for one or how to go about Researching the difference between the old and new Tuxs. Don,

Hit the thrift stores.....lots of great deals there, especially white formal shirts Donster.

I'm looking for something from the Late 1800's patterns etc. Don,

Their is a brief history of Men's Formal attire here
http://www.fashionmall.com/flusser%5Fbook/doc/ch3.htm
Basically the only change in formal wear (apart from the tuxedo which appeared in 1886) over the last century is the style and width of the lapels. The basic cut of the coat has, for the most part remained the same since the mid 1800's. Most tail coats can be easily altered for a more historic appearence without too much difficulty. Altering is far easier than constructing a garment from scratch as many of the materials and tools are outside the pervue of most home sewers.

Payne Thank You now all I have to Do is be able to find someone to do this. Don,

Hi Don:

In addition to Payne's source, there is historical information on http://www.etuxedo.com

Ron

Ask a local tux store for sale items. I got two great tuxs that way.

Don,

Ask a Home Economics teacher. Most should already know. But any of them should make your research easier. There are picture books on the subject because I have seen them when we did research for television ad productions.

An alternative is to go to you local newspaper and look at photos the paper ran during that time period. There will be regional differences. But it should get you close.

Good Luck on your research. (I'm surprised that some of my old costumes don't qualify!)

Bob
Magic By Sander

Bob I didn't know you had any old costumes and I'm looking for the 1890's Era.

Buffalobreath.com has period costumes as well.

Oliver

Don
My wife just provided costumes for a cast of over fifty for a Christmas Play "Scrooge". With the popularity of historical reenacting many of the pattern makers are now making period patters.

Check out any of the fabric stores. You might have to order them but I think you will find what you are looking for. Then your local paper should have a listing for some one to sew it for you.

ChrisG

Thank You All.