Problem. Member of the Canadian forces. Dress manual requires us to purchase Mess Dress, essentially a tux for a certain type of dinner. I've been in for a few years, I *really* am supposed to have one, and it was noted (critically) by several superiors last mess dinner.
They're about $2000 new. I've watched for one used for 5 years. Haven't seen one that could fit, even with significant tailoring (I am huge dude).
I could probably get away without buying one, but only if I scrupulously avoid going to mess dinners. This happens at least once a year, and there is very serious career pressure to attend (if you're not military, it's really hard to explain. Think office Christmas party, that costs 75 bucks, dialed up to 11 , and people actually have fun, and it introduces you to colleagues you work with remotely 364 days a year but never get to see otherwise). Also, if I am ordered to go to a mess dinner (happens sometimes), the lead time to get dress made is 6 weeks and I will be in shit.
I plan on making a career of the military, and I really love the institution, but I really resent the requirement for this order of dress, and the moustachian in me questions whether it's worth bothering.
To my American military friends who have to buy all of their own uniforms at significant cost: I am sorry, and that really sucks, at least you get an extra cash allowance to do it. Also, your mess dress costs less than 500 bucks.