Cornering the Market

Tradition meets style for that special occasion

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Advance Formal Wear
234 Sunrise Highway, Rockville Centre
(516) 678-3555, www.advanceformalwear.com

Open since the 1940s, Advance Formal Wear would definitely be considered a landmark of Rockville Centre. Seven years ago, Brian Upton took ownership, bringing in his brother, Kevin, to manage the store. Brian’s wife, June, does the decorating and handles the books. The Upton brothers were raised in the Rockville Centre, worked in the store during high school, and have grown to know and love the community.
If you need a tuxedo for a wedding or prom, or a classic yet up-to-date business suit for an interview or corporate event, Advance Formal Wear has the solution. Proper fit will never be an issue. Both Upton brothers are tailors, and as experts, they will guide you to the most flattering color and style, and do precise alterations. If needed, they can do last minute, even the same day, alterations and/or tweaks.

Advance Formal Wear sells and rents tuxedos, and rents (but does not sell) business suits. Accessories like shoes, shirts, cummerbunds, suspenders, long ties, bow ties, vests, cuff links and studs are also available. Sizes span from 18-months for a baby’s tuxedo, or a toddler size 3 suit or tux, to size 70 Long for a man’s tuxedo or suit. Shoes range from baby sizes to men’s 16. If an item is not in stock, it can usually be obtained.
Ideally, wedding parties should allow three months in lead time, to obtain the goods, for fittings, and to execute the alterations. A Measurement Form is available on the website – a terrific record-keeping tool, for both local customers and for out-of-towners. If a member of a wedding party lives away from this area and needs attire for an event here, he can have his local tailor take measurements and call or email them to Advance Formal Wear. Alterations will be done in time for pickup.
Giving back to the community is important to the Uptons. Advance Formal Wear sponsors local basketball and baseball teams, and is on the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce. Each year, they dress the young men of the Mercy Honor Guard in white tie and tails for The Mercy Ball, which is held by Friends of Mercy Medical Center.
The store is conveniently open seven days a week. Hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on weekends, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.