Fashion

Reiss on the rise?

When it comes to exploring fashion brands, I truly believe it is best not to leave any stone unturned, because you never know when you will stumble upon a hidden gem

BY SHAHN DURRANI

Reiss on the Rise?

When it comes to exploring fashion brands, I truly believe it is best not to leave any stone unturned, because you never know when you will stumble upon a hidden gem. And guess what? One was found that day. I am talking about this sexy, James Bond esque peak lapel, regular fit, single breasted tuxedo jacket in navy by Reiss.

Normally, when I think of tux jackets, my mind drifts straight to Tom Ford, Henry Poole & Co, Suit Supply, Brioni, and the many prestigious names on Savile Row. But my gosh, Reiss absolutely blew me out of the water with this one.

Picture this: smoking a cigar on a yacht after being the active skipper, screaming “I am the captain.” That is the vibe this jacket carries, elegance with simplicity.

Reiss

Reiss did not start with runway dreams or celebrity endorsements. It began in 1971 with a single store in London selling men's suits. David Reiss, the founder, was not chasing fame; he simply wanted to make sharp clothes that did not break the bank. Spoiler: he ended up creating one of the UK’s most stylish success stories.

By the early 2000s, Reiss had mastered the art of sleek modern tailoring and finally asked the question, “Why should guys have all the fun?” The brand expanded into womenswear, offering the same clean lines, refined details, and timeless edge. The vibe was effortlessly cool, like that friend who somehow looks polished even in a plain white T-shirt. It is fashion that feels smart without trying too hard, like James Bond in a blazer if Bond also offered next day delivery.

Reiss proves you do not need to shout to stand out. Just tailor it right, keep it classy, and let the stitching do the talking.

Accents of the Jacket

For me, the best suit jacket or tux always has to feature peak lapels. They give off a refined and classy look, and you know for a fact you are going to catch plenty of glances across the room.

This particular jacket is pure elegance, from the satin detailing to the jetted pockets. I chose navy because of its versatility. In the sunlight, it has a distinguished vibrance, while at night it leans darker, almost black, making it hard to tell the difference.

As for pockets, I am not too fussed. To me, they just get in the way and create unwanted bulges in places you never thought you would see them. But luckily for me, the outside pockets are stitched, and especially if you are wearing a piece like this, you have to look sharp. Although having pockets is super practical, in the events you’ll be wearing a tux, carry space isn’t essential at all unless you want to show off your poker chips stacked to the brim in the outside pockets.

I strongly believe that for a jacket, the most important pocket is the inside, like what you look for in a person. The inside matters as well as looks, of course, but you can never have both. And this jacket displays that. Unfortunately for me, it’s not giving me the pocket size I need.

This navy, single breasted tuxedo jacket is a piece that immediately commands attention. With its deep navy tone elevated by sleek satin lapels, it delivers a modern take on black tie dressing while still nodding to timeless tailoring.

Styling

Now, when it comes to styling this jacket, I don’t like to say you’re quite limited to how you have to style it, but you’re working with a specific formal code. Now, if you really wanted to, you can wear a tuxedo every day, because let’s put it frankly, no one is going to know if you are going to a black tie event or not. But then again, the tux is governed by black tie dress code rules.

There are many ways to style a tux, but my favourite would be the jacket, of course, with peak lapels and trousers in matching fabric with a silk stripe down the leg. A white dress shirt is the best shirt to throw on with this, as it’s simplistic yet pops with the outfit overall, depending on what colour your suit is. A black silk bow tie, as showcased, and a pair of Oxfords complete the look.

One of my favourite bits about an outfit is accessories, whether that’s cufflinks or a nice watch, it really makes your outfit pop. But if you try to take away from the tux, it essentially isn’t going to be one anymore, so you just have to be quite careful when choosing the bits and bobs you want to add to this outfit. For a less formal look, I like to put on a pair of black leather Chelsea boots.

And remember, you are never limited, you just have to work within a framework. There are many factors you can change such as fabrics, colours, fit, and accessories.

Care

A tuxedo is an investment piece, so proper care ensures it remains sharp for years to come. Always hang your jacket and trousers on wide, shaped hangers to preserve their structure, and brush off surface dust with a soft clothes brush after each wear. Avoid frequent dry cleaning, as harsh chemicals can dull the fabric’s finish; spot clean minor marks instead and air it out before storing.

Keep it in a breathable garment bag, never plastic, to protect it from dust and moths, and store it in a cool, dry wardrobe away from direct sunlight. Before big occasions, have it professionally pressed or steamed to restore the crisp lines.

What I Love About It

The positives are easy to spot. The slim fit flatters the frame without looking overly tight, while the six button front and peak lapels lend a sculpted, masculine silhouette. The satin detailing is luxurious but not overbearing, striking the right balance between classic elegance and modern flair. It’s also practical: being water repellent and crease resistant makes it travel friendly and reliable for events where you want to look sharp from start to finish.

Of course, no jacket is perfect. The slim cut, while stylish, won’t work for everyone, broader builds might find it restrictive. And while the navy is sophisticated, some purists might argue it breaks away too far from the traditional black tuxedo.

This is a jacket designed for occasions that call for presence: black tie events, galas, sophisticated dinners, or even a modern wedding where you want to stand apart from a sea of standard black tuxedos. The navy hue especially works well for evening events, where dim lighting allows the satin lapels to catch the eye.

Overall Impressions

Well, you can never go wrong with a tuxedo jacket. For me, I like exploring different pieces from different brands to see if they live up to their name, and this left a good impression on me. I can’t complain about the price, as I picked it up for £95 on sale. It’s a good fit, but a bit tight on the chest, and my chest is quite big. Maybe I should just stop benching as much, but oh well, I’d gladly sacrifice a bit of a tight fit so the ladies can woo over me, as they usually do. So, in some ways, it’s a positive and a negative.

I would not pay any more, and that’s solely down to the material used. I prefer wearing jackets made from 100% fabrics such as linen and wool, as they are designed for certain weathers. For example, when it’s quite hot and I want to dress up, I’ll throw on a linen blazer. But I guess it’s sacrificed to be water repellent, still, it’s good.