10 Questions with Jeff Jones, Vice President of Joseph Abboud
Michele Iacovelli
Jeff Jones
1) Tell us a bit about the Joseph Abboud brand.
Joseph Abboud is an American Heritage brand founded in 1987 with the intention to make men look and feel their best. The brand is known for its Made in America tailored clothing, whether off-the-rack suit separates or custom pieces for special occasion or the workplace.
2) What’s new for menswear styles and fabrics for weddings?
The shawl collar is on-trend. White dinner jackets are having a moment. And what we like to refer to as the “new blues” in tailored clothing are everywhere. Seasonal fabrics are top of mind inclusive of linen, velvet, corduroy, and lightweight wools.
3) Has Anything changed in dress or formality since the pandemic?
Absolutely. After years of sweatpants, men are ready to dress to impress. Men want to express their individuality more than ever and donning a perfectly tailored suit or tuxedo in a color or fabric that makes them feel great is the perfect way to do so.
4) Tell us about the Joseph Abboud bespoke business, how does it work?
It’s a great program. You simply make an appointment with our Head Stylist on JosephAbboud.com, and he will come to your location of choice with a beautiful assortment of Italian Fabrics and design a custom suit or tuxedo tailored to you. Within 3 weeks’ time, your Made in the USA suit will be hand-delivered to ensure a perfect fit.
5) Is rental still a big thing vs buying a suit?
The rental business is on fire! There are more weddings occurring this year since 1984, and there aren’t enough rental tuxedos in the marketplace to keep up with demand. If rental is the right option for you, especially on the groomsmen side, you need to reserve as early as possible. On the flip side, it is a great opportunity to consider purchasing a tuxedo or suit for special occasions that you will have in your closet for years to come.
6) What are some tips that make a groom look sharp on his day?
Aside from making sure you have a fresh haircut, shave, and even a manicure, don’t lose site of the all-important accessory. Accessories can provide the perfect opportunity to really personalize your wedding day attire. Think about cufflinks, tie bars, pocket squares, and socks in colors, patterns, or icons that really reflect who you are.
7) What advice do you have for grooms gay wedding attire?
Think about how to really complement each other’s personal aesthetic. You could both wear the same color suit but have one groom wear a bow tie and the other a traditional tie. Maybe one of you has a shawl collar while the other prefers the more traditional notch collar suit. Even wearing the same exact suit and tie while personalizing your accessories allows for a complimentary look AND the ability to express a bit of your individuality.
8) Do men ever change for the reception or after-party like the bride? What do they wear?
I think it is rare for men to change for the reception. However, if you have a very conservative religious ceremony, or sweat through your suit while saying “I do”, it might be a great opportunity to change into a tuxedo with a great print or more daring color for the reception. Another options is to peel off your jacket and show off a great vest and shirt to dance the night away in.
9) What about some tips to wear for the other celebrations that go along for the wedding weekend?
I’d suggest bringing along some great suit separates that you can mix and match with more casual pieces such as polos, printed short sleeve or long sleeve wovens, or sweater knits. This will provide you with versatile looks that can work for every weekend event.
10) What’s new for the groomsmen? Why should bridesmaids have all the fun?
Provide your groomsmen with a color story and let them choose their own suits that work back to it. You can also consider allowing the best man to stand out in a color different than the groomsman. Just make sure your bride is on board!