Steve Richter, owner of Richter’s Men’s Wear in Perham, has witnessed the evolving trends of men’s formal wear for prom over the decades. Reflecting on his own prom days in the 1970s, Richter recalled attending the event in fashionable attire thanks to his father, who owned the store at the time. The ’70s prom fashion was notably flamboyant, featuring a spectrum of vibrant colors like green, purple, yellow, and orange, along with varied pant styles, including bell bottoms. It was an era marked by bold experimentation, moving rapidly from simplicity to extravagance.
Back then, it was more common for young men to wear sports coats rather than tuxedos. Richter emphasized the distinction between a sports coat and a suit jacket, noting that while a suit jacket is typically part of a matched set, a sports coat offers versatility and pairs well with jeans or slacks. He remembered prom as a relaxed occasion during his high school years, one that hadn’t yet become the style-centric event it is today. According to him, most attendees were content with just a nice shirt and pants.
A shift began when Richter’s brother attended prom in 1972, possibly becoming the first student in Perham to wear a tuxedo to the event. This choice may have sparked a trend. Richter explained how seeing one person dressed up could influence others to elevate their prom fashion in subsequent years. As the 1970s transitioned into the 1980s, styles toned down somewhat. Black, gray, and brown tuxedos regained popularity, while bow ties and ruffled shirts became fashionable. Some attendees even embraced the pastel shades and linen suits inspired by “Miami Vice.” Though neon accent colors of the ’80s were short-lived, Richter noted that hues like green, maroon, and brown are now resurfacing, feeling fresh to a new generation unfamiliar with their prior prominence.
In the 1990s, while everyday wear leaned into the grunge look of ripped jeans and plaid shirts, Richter observed that prom fashion remained largely traditional. Even during the early 2000s, when oversized, sagging jeans dominated youth fashion, young men still sought a polished look for formal dances. He remembered helping some navigate the difference between streetwear and formalwear when they requested baggy tuxedo slacks.
Today, Richter explained, formalwear options have narrowed, with slim fit dominating the tuxedo market. Regular fits are virtually nonexistent, replaced by slim and ultra-slim silhouettes. While these sleek styles suit many, they can pose challenges for young men with broader builds. To address this, Richter accommodates them by ordering slightly larger sizes. Despite a trend toward classic black and gray tuxedos, a few bold attendees continue to embrace unique options, such as leopard prints or multicolored designs.
Sports jackets have also seen a resurgence. Although they never fully disappeared, this year has brought a shift in color preferences. Previously dominated by dark tones like black and navy, cobalt blue has emerged as a trendy choice, influenced by high-profile figures such as sportscasters and politicians. This influence has trickled down to prom-goers, boosting its popularity among younger crowds.
Another recent development is the growing preference for purchasing suits rather than renting them. Richter noted that this year he has sold more suits than ever before, with many young men seeing the value in owning an outfit they can reuse. However, he still advises renting if a significant growth spurt is expected and no younger sibling is likely to use the suit in the future.
The way young men match their outfits to their prom dates has changed, too. In the past, customers would bring in fabric swatches from their dates’ dresses. Now, digital photos on smartphones are the go-to method. Though not as precise as swatches, Richter said pictures are sufficient to find complementary accessories.
As prom season typically falls in late April or May, Richter emphasized the importance of early tuxedo reservations. Popular sizes—such as 38, 40, and 42—tend to be booked quickly. Clients are encouraged to select their top three choices in advance, especially if they shop close to prom. While those with uncommon sizes may have more luck securing their first pick, those with average builds must act promptly to secure the best options.
Still, Richter reassures latecomers not to worry. Whether someone waits until the last minute or only secures a date just before prom, he guarantees that each customer will leave looking sharp. His store is prepared to find the right fit and style, ensuring everyone has something to wear for their special night.
“It’ll be very good, and it’ll look good,” Richter promised. “You’ll get the proper size. And we’ll make sure you’re going to have something to go to prom with. I guarantee it.”
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