The top stores to buy a tuxedo in Toronto are seemingly far and few between. A classic tux is just about the fanciest thing a man can wear, but there is very little attention given by the modern man to tuxedo culture in the current era of "swag" - and the price tag on your average tux alone reiterates why it's pretty much a 'once in a lifetime' purchase. Many men often find themselves at a crossroads because buying a tuxedo is often more expensive than a suit, and will get significantly less wear.

But if you're sprucing up for prom or showing your A-game as a groomsman, there's nothing like a good tux to transform a lacklustre schmuck into a polished, debonair gentleman. And if you're on a budget, fear not: Toronto has a number of menswear shops that offer classic tuxedos with modern details, and - pardon the pun - the price tags are very suit-able. This one's for all the men out there looking to break necks without breaking the bank.

Here are the top stores to buy a tuxedo in Toronto.

Tiger of Sweden
I wouldn't have thought Tiger would have much along the lines of tuxedos - but what they do have is one badass tuxedo that knocks it out of the park. Their Sinatra tux ($849) is a great fit for slim to average builds, though you don't have to be a complete stick to wear it. The tux features a slim shawl collar, slightly tapered arms, classic single vent, and slim straight pants. The shop houses all the accessories you might need, including shoes, socks, pocket squares and bowties. Staff were friendly and happy to help without pressuring me. A bit of bad news: they only cover the most expensive alteration needed.

Tom's Place
I know what you're thinking: James Bond wouldn't be caught dead in this Kensington shop. But most of us aren't on the MI6 payroll, and the general price range for tuxedos at Tom's is $695-1500. At the two-storey shop, a salesman greeted me instantly, directing me to the second floor, where they have tuxedos from Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Strellson, Armani, and one I personally fell in love with from Ted Baker. The shop feels a tad cluttered, but once you catch your bearings it's somewhat cozy and personal. The bestseller is a house-brand, one-button, classic tux that is available in peak or notch lapels. Alterations not included, but Tom himself is usually around to hook you up if you ask with a smile.

Suitsupply
This Yorkville boutique is not even a year old, but it has the presence of a solidified menswear staple shop. In the front window is the on-site tailor, working away on alterations as I walked in. Two single-button, peak-lapel tux styles are available: a Super 110 black tuxedo ringing in at $599, and a blue version with a black lapel that screams modern finesse. Much of the suiting is made in China, but all of the material is sourced from Italy and other dependable fabric mills. For a beautiful $899, you can walk away with a black tuxedo, shirt, shoes, and bow tie - alterations not included.

Garrison Bespoke
Garrison's is a savvy style emporium known for its repeat clientele and top-notch work. Your options at the appointment-only studio include made to measure (alter to fit) and bespoke (from scratch) tuxes. While going bespoke (starting at $1800) will obviously give you the best fit, MTM (from $995) is still a great option for half the price. With over 100 swatches of fabric to choose from, a pristine, fully customized tux can be yours within 8-10 weeks. Staff are knowledgeable and creative, which helps when you have such a wide array of details to choose from.

Korry's
Good ol' Korry's. When it comes to Toronto menswear, this Danforth suit shop has a rep that's good as gold. Owner Saul Korman is there daily, and is truly as wise as he is friendly when dealing with clients. Tuxedos start at $795 for the in-house brand Robertos (made in Canada). Hugo Boss tuxedos are available for $1195, and Canali start at $2000. With six on-site tailors, this shop knows what it's doing. Wedding parties, take note: Korry himself will cut you a break when buying for groomsmen.

Gotstyle
Gotstyle does many things right - and their Hilton wool shawl collar tuxedo is one of them. At a price point of $898, this 100% wool, single-button, single-vent tux is sure to make the bride blush. The slim fit, charcoal grey hue and black contrasting shawl make for a classic-meets-modern look. The environment of both shops (Bathurst/Distillery) is superb, and you will likely get occupied browsing around for things you didn't know you needed. Staff is happy to help, and I often feel like a friend rather than a customer while in either boutique.

MADE Clothing
This Toronto-based custom menswear brand offers custom suiting starting at $1095. Beyond black, MADE can offer any colour and fabric - from midnight blue to oxblood - along with you choice of lining, lapel, buttons and monogram. Since all MADE suiting is tailored in Montreal, they can offer a turnaround of only 3-4 weeks, and even faster in rush occasions. The process all takes place at their stylish private downtown studio where you can check out swatches while enjoying some scotch(es). To complete the look, they offer package deals with accessories like socks and bowties.

Grreat Stuff
This family-run shop near Trinity Bellwoods is known for exceptionally friendly staff and noteworthy styling advice. Owners Mark and Adam (one of whom is at the store pretty much every day) are great at understanding their clients. The go-to tuxedo of choice happens to be by Tiger of Sweden (which they've been carrying since before the Ossington flagship even opened), and runs from $600-800. With what they lack in variety for tuxedos, they make up for in helping you create unique, compliment-worthy outfits.

John Ferrigamo
You didn't think we would leave this behemoth off the list, did you? It's not a list of Toronto's best tuxedo outfitters without this Yorkville gem (formerly known as Stavros). With made-to-measure tuxes starting at $2,500 and bespoke ringing in at $3,500, John Ferrigamo boasts nothing but 007-quality threads. These master tailors maintain the heritage of the artisan clothiers of Savile Row; the service is personalized and the decor is reminiscent of only the most refined of gentleman's clubs. Any groom out there looking to pull out all the stops: Your tuxedo awaits.

Theodore 1922
This colourful Bloor St. West boutique offers an ever-so stylish shawl collar Zegna tuxedo for $1775; a poised Samuelson label tuxedo is also available for $1495. The shop is known for it's abundance of colourful accessories that are sure to make any outfit stand out, including Happy Socks, cufflinks, and lots of bowties. The cherry on top: all alterations are included.

Writing by Jacob Martella. Photo by Marcin Moka in the blogTO Flickr pool