We spend so much time talking about the Bat Mitzvah dress; we thought it might be fun to concentrate on the boys for a change!
Talk to any Mitzvah Mom of a boy and a girl and they will tell you how much easier it is to dress boys as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah guest or when shopping for their special Bar Mitzvah suit.
For more than 55 years, Lubins has served the Westchester and surrounding community. They offer suits, sportcoats, shirts, ties and shoes with the convenience of shopping at one location.
We went to expert Barry Kirschner from Lubin’s of Westchester to find out what’s going on in Mitzvah style for the guys and what you need to survive as your son goes “on the circuit”:
MM: It’s the start of the “Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit” for many 7th grade boys, what do you suggest are the must-have fashion essentials?
BK: As the guest to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah service and/or party you need a basic blazer with a few pair of coordinating slacks (i.e. black/blue/grey/tan/brown), 2-3 button down shirts and 2-3 ties, a belt and dress shoes. Wearing a basic tweed sports coat will allow your son to stand out a bit from the crowd. This way, the boy can change his look at minimal expense, although many boys would wear the same thing all the time! Although most boys do not wear a suit to their friend’s temple service, it’s not a bad idea to own one. After his own event, hopefully, he’ll feel comfortable wearing his suit to other functions as well.
MM: This is a big time for growth for many of these kids, how long will these pants last (still fit)?
BK: A retailer who is tuned in to the growth of a 13 year old will alter any garment and leave 2 to 3 inches of growing room in the jacket sleeve and pants if possible. One of the advantages of buying “better” clothing is that the manufacturers leave extra material for this purpose. I’ve seen boys grow out of things in three months and I’ve seen things last 2 years. It simply depends on how fast they grow!
MM: What is the most popular look in a suit right now for a young man’s Bar Mitzvah?
BK: The current popular styling is a 2 button, side vented jacket with flat front pants. Modeling choices have become more limited in recent years as manufacturers cut back on their offerings to the retailer. It is the specialty stores where the customer will find the greatest range of sizes, fabrics and models.
MM: What type of look do you suggest for party chic? cocktail attire? Black-tie?
BK: Whether the invitation reads party chic or cocktail attire, the boys usually wear nice dress slacks (not cotton chinos please) and patterned or bold solid color sport shirts. Unless your son is the guest of honor, it isn’t usually necessary to rent a tuxedo for a black tie event. This is where he can wear his Bar-Mitzvah suit again!
MM: How much advance time from a Bar Mitzvah date is needed when shopping for a Bar Mitzvah suit?
BK: I suggest anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks before the event. Some people feel their kids grow like weeds and want to wait until the last possible moment. I say 2 weeks before is about the absolute limit. Some families choose to buy their suit much earlier (2-3 months in advance) and hold off on the alterations until they get within two to three weeks of the actual event. At least this way, the suit can be exchanged if the boy hits a major growth spurt.
MM: How much time is needed on alterations for a suit?
BK: We generally like to schedule alterations for 2 weeks but that also depends on the time of year and how busy we are. In the end, we always accommodate the customer needs…that is part of our service!
MM: Any new trends we should know about?
BK: We’re starting to see double breasted suits in the men’s industry again. Can boys be far behind?
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