After Six
The Dessy Group · United States
After Six is an American formalwear brand that began in 1903 and introduced one of the first ready-to-wear tuxedos. Owned by The Dessy Group since 2011, it now offers bridesmaid dresses and men's formalwear.
| Founded | 1903, as S. Rudofker's Sons |
|---|---|
| Name trademarked | 1937 |
| Owner | The Dessy Group (since 2011) |
| Known for | First ready-to-wear tuxedo, 1923 |
| Website | dessy.com |
What is After Six?
After Six is a US formalwear brand with roots in a tailoring business started in 1903 as S. Rudofker's Sons by Samuel Rudofker, a Ukrainian immigrant. It is today owned by The Dessy Group, which uses the name for bridesmaid dresses and men's formal wear.
History
In 1923 the company introduced the first ready-to-wear tuxedo, the Rudo Tux. It also helped create the tuxedo rental market by selling formalwear to dry cleaners and tailors, who rented it to customers. The business was renamed in the 1930s; according to company lore, Max Rudofker left work one evening declaring that it was after six, and the name was trademarked in 1937. At various times After Six was the leading formalwear maker in the United States, and by the 1970s it was also producing prom dresses.
The Dessy Group, previously a licensee, acquired the After Six trademark in 2011 and launched the Paragon tuxedo jacket the following year.
Products and positioning
- Bridesmaid dresses
- Tuxedos and formal jackets
- Formalwear accessories
Why it matters
After Six shaped how Americans buy and rent eveningwear, and its transfer to a bridal specialist shows how heritage names are repositioned for the wedding market.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns After Six?
After Six has been owned by The Dessy Group, a US bridesmaid and formalwear company, since it acquired the trademark in 2011.
Where does the name After Six come from?
According to company history, Max Rudofker left work saying 'it's after six', and the phrase became the brand name, trademarked in 1937.