How to wear a tuxedo? | John Henric (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules for wearing a tuxedo? ›

The cumme*rbund is a relatively recent addition to the evening-clothes. Wearing a cumme*rbund is not necessary and the only time it should be worn is with a single-breasted tuxedo. Feel free to wear just a bow tie and black suspenders when skipping the cumme*rbund.

The cumme*rbund should be worn at the natural waist. This might require wearing your pants slightly higher than you're used to. When putting it on, place it so about half of the cumme*rbund covers your pants and the other half covers your shirt. It will fully cover the waistband of your pants.

You should never button all of the buttons on your tuxedo coat! As a general rule, you should leave the bottom button undone. This rule applies if you are wearing a two, three, four or five button coat. If you're wearing a one button style, however, you should button the one button!

In addition to casual socks, you should also avoid wearing casual shoes with a tuxedo. Both standard suits and tuxedos require the use of formal footwear. Rather than wearing sneakers, you'll need to wear casual shoes with your tuxedos. Examples of formal shoes include loafers and derbies.

Your shoes for tuxedo dress codes must be formal black shoes, preferably patent leather, although you can get away with calf leather or velvet slippers in some contexts. Optional extras: You can wear a waistcoat, but it must match the tuxedo, or you can wear a cumberbund, but never both together.

The Classic Ensemble: Pairing a cumme*rbund with Your Tuxedo. Given that it has such a long history, you may wonder if the cumme*rbund is still relevant today. In short – yes. But for a longer answer, the cumme*rbund is still a relevant fashion choice as long as you choose the correct venue in which to wear one.

Traditional Style Rules: Matching Bow Tie and cumme*rbund

The classic approach dictates that the bow tie and cumme*rbund should be of the same fabric and color.

As with all men's accessories; there's a right and a wrong way to wear a cumme*rbund. Contrary to popular belief, cumme*rbunds are supposed to be worn with the pleats facing upwards. If you wear a cumme*rbund with the pleats facing downwards, it will be considered incorrect etiquette.

A tuxedo's appearance is magnified when the pants fit to perfection. Suspenders play a pivotal role in evenly balancing the trousers' weight, ensuring no unwanted drooping. This benefit stands out, particularly for those tuxedos missing belt loops.

Do you tuck the best in on a tuxedo? ›

It should go without saying, but your shirt should always be tucked into your trousers (some have small loops that button to the inside of the trousers to keep them in place). The bottom of the shirt should be covered by the cumme*rbund or waistcoat, as should the bottom of the bib if it is separate from the shirt.

Quick summary. A tuxedo is a specific kind of suit. Tuxedos, which can be worn with bow ties or neckties, are considered more formal than regular suits and are often only worn at the most formal events, such as weddings and galas. Traditionally, a tuxedo is made with satin, while a suit is not.

The most common practice is to define the evening in chronological order and discourage wearing tuxedos in public before 6 pm.

For the modern man, the standard outfit for the black tie dress code consists of the following: a black/dark blue tuxedo, a white tuxedo shirt, a black silk bow tie, a cumme*rbund or waistcoat, patent shoes and a white pocket square.

A tuxedo is a very simple garment. It's minimalistic and has very clean, elegant lines. Wearing a watch that peeks out from under your shirt cuff and jacket sleeve can throw your entire look off balance. The second argument against wearing a watch is etiquette.