“I’m renting a tuxedo for a wedding soon. I know that getting the right fit is important, but what are some other things I can do to make sure I look great?”
– Sam J.
Excellent question! Nailing the fit is incredibly important, but there are a few details that will transform a good tuxedo into a great one. Below is our list of 7 formal details that make a big difference.
#1: The Right Neckwear
A lot of formal functions allow for either a long tie or a bow tie. Very formal events specify bow ties only. But if you’re really wanting to get the most out of your tuxedo, wear a bow tie regardless. For one, it’s technically the only correct neckwear to wear with a tuxedo. For another, it’s always going to be your best and most formal look.
And while you’re at it, go the extra mile and learn to tie one yourself. A tuxedo with a bow tie is classy, but a tuxedo with a self-tied bow tie is the stuff that Bond is made of. Check out this quick and easy video tutorial to learn how.
#2. The Right Shirt
First thing’s first. If you want to get the most out of your tuxedo, always wear a white shirt. Black shirts are permissible for some formal events like proms, but they never achieve the same masculine effect of a white shirt underneath a black coat. The contrast is important in defining a masculine silhouette that tuxedos are designed to promote.
The other primary shirt consideration is the collar. While both wing-tip collar shirts and turn-down collar shirts are very common, your best look is going to be a turn-down collar shirt. According to strict formal standards, the only time you really ever need a wing-tip collar shirt is when wearing a tailcoat. For your best overall effect, pair your tuxedo with a white turn-down collar shirt.
#3.The Studs and Cuff Links
Most tuxedo shirts can be fastened with regular buttons, or they can be fitted with studs and cuff links. Show people you care and always opt for studs and cufflinks for your shirt closures. If you want to go all out, this is one area where you can go out and buy a fun set to personalize your ensemble with a little flair. But at the end of the day, a basic set with black centers and silver rims will get the job done nicely.
#4. The Right Waist Covering
When it comes to waist coverings, your options are a vest, cumme*rbund, or nothing. Some people will tell you that you don’t really need a waist covering. Don’t listen to these people. It serves an important function in preserving the streamlined effect of a good tuxedo. It covers up the awkward bunching up of the shirt where is tucks into the trousers. It also hides the awkward white triangle that would show up around the belly button when the coat is buttoned.
But not all waist coverings are created equal. For your best look, choose either a cumme*rbund or a low-stance vest that doesn’t cover up much of the shirt above the front jacket button. The white ‘V’ of the shirt when the jacket is buttoned is an important formal element that creates the impression of a narrow waist and broad shoulders. You don’t want your vest to cover that up too much.
*Bonus Tips: If you opt for a cumme*rbund, make sure that the pleats are facing upward. Those are “crumb catchers.” If you wear a vest, always leave the bottom button unbuttoned.
#5. The Best Button Stance
Here again, there are a lot of options that are perfectly accepted for most formal functions, but to get your best look you want a button that fastens around the bottom of your ribcage. This allows the coat to “break” or pull away at the natural waist for a very comfortable fit and a masculine look.
The most formal and preferred option for your best look is a one-button coat, but a two-button coat will also work. Just never button the bottom button if there’s more than one button. Ever. Trust me. Also, for your best look, it’s usually advisable to avoid jackets with more than two buttons on the front.
#6.The Pocket Square:
Most tuxedo coats will have a front pocket on the left side over the chest. If you have a front pocket, you should also have a pocket square in it. Many guys forgo this detail and they still look good. But the guys that remember it look even better. It’s just another way to show that you care and that you know what you’re doing where dressing formally is concerned. There are lots of ways to fold a pocket square, as illustrated in this infographic, but the most formal fold is a simple, narrow, straight edge fold.
#7. The Pant Hem:
Last but not least is nailing the pant hem. Technically this is part of getting the right fit, but it’s an area that often gets overlooked. The last thing you want is a well thought-out tuxedo being undermined by trousers bunching up around your ankles. In a perfect world, you want your pant legs to rest very comfortably on the tops of your shoes, without bunching up too much. A half break or full break is the goal. More than that and your pants look too long and bunched up. Less than that and you’re showing off your socks a little much when you sit down. Get it wrong and the whole tuxedo looks off. Get it right, and nobody notices a thing, except that you look really well put together.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Like what you see? Hate it? Can’t keep quiet? Well… don’t. Let us know what you think! Leave a comment below and let your voice be heard!
FAQs
Easy: Tuxedos are worn with bow ties and suits either with or without a tie. Tuxedos have satin lapels, which can even be from a different shade while suits lapels are made of the same fabric. Tuxedos have also satin buttons while suits have the usual suit buttons, not covered by a piece of satin fabric.
What are the details of tuxedo? ›
The tuxedo comprises a white dress shirt, bow tie, dress pants, dinner jacket, dress shoes, and optionally a vest or cumme*rbund, along with a hat and a pair of gloves. The dinner jacket is of course the critical piece in the ensemble that pulls it all together.
What is the most formal type of tuxedo? ›
PEAK LAPEL TUXEDO SUIT
Among the different types of tuxedos, the ones with a peak lapel are the most fitting for highly formal and traditional events. Often found in tailcoats, the peak lapel has made its presence known in suit jackets and tuxedo styles.
What is the difference between a formal and a tuxedo? ›
Simply put, tuxedos are for more formal events while suits have a bit more range. You can dress down a suit for a semi-formal or dressy casual wedding but can't do that with a tuxedo. It ultimately comes down to the wedding's dress code. For white and black-tie events, a tuxedo will be required.
What makes a tuxedo special? ›
The basic answer of the difference between a suit and a tuxedo is satin (aka the shiny fabric). A tuxedo will have satin on the lapel of the jacket, as well as a satin lining on the side of the trousers.
Why are tuxedos more formal? ›
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. When we want to dress fancy, we may put on a suit or a tuxedo.
Which is more formal tuxedo or suit? ›
A tuxedo is considered much more formal than a black suit, and is therefore usually only worn to very formal weddings. A black suit, on the other hand, can be worn to both formal and semi-formal weddings.
Which is better tuxedo or suit? ›
Formal Wear
The most significant difference when it comes to a tuxedo vs. a suit is that the tuxedo is reserved for more formal occasions. We suppose you'd be able to wear one to the bar with your friends, but you're likely to seem out of place, even if other men are dressed in fine suits.
Is a tuxedo just a suit? ›
Yes, but the real difference between a tuxedo and a standard suit is that one is more refined than the other. It comes down to satin – tuxedos and dinner jackets have it, while suit jackets generally don't. You'll usually see satin adding elegance to the lapels, buttons and pockets of a tuxedo jacket.
What style tuxedo is in now? ›
Single vs.
Single-breasted tuxedos are typically the go-to choice for most men due to their versatile nature and modern appeal. In contrast, double-breasted tuxedos exude a sense of formality and sophistication, making them perfect for very formal occasions. There's a fine line between classic and outdated.
AKA: "Black tie," "creative black tie," "black tie and long dresses," "bohemian black tie," "white tie," "Texas tuxedo," "gala garb," "formal attire.".
Is a tux too formal for prom? ›
Suit or Tux
There are no rules on whether you should wear a suit or tuxedo to prom; really, the decision lies on what look you're going for. Suits are modern, easy to accessorize, and can always be reworn on other occasions! Tuxedos are more elegant, characterized by satin details and a classic, vintage appeal.
Is a tuxedo just a black suit? ›
The primary physical difference between a tuxedo and a suit is the presence of satin. Traditionally tuxedos have satin facing on the lapels, buttons, pocket trim, and a satin side stripe down the leg of the trousers.
How do you wear a tuxedo without a tie? ›
One effortless way to wear a tuxedo is by losing the bow tie. Combine the jacket and trousers with only a white dress shirt for a more relaxed, yet confident take that's perfect for putting your own spin on “black tie optional” dress codes.
Why is a tuxedo called a tuxedo? ›
Tuxedo in the context of menswear originated in the United States around 1888. It was named after Tuxedo Park, a Hudson Valley enclave for New York's social elite where it was often seen in its early years.
Can you wear a normal suit as a tuxedo? ›
Yes, but the real difference between a tuxedo and a standard suit is that one is more refined than the other. It comes down to satin – tuxedos and dinner jackets have it, while suit jackets generally don't.
Is it OK to wear a suit instead of a tuxedo? ›
Some event holders may frown on you forgoing the tux if they have a specific idea of what black tie is in their minds. But you'll generally be safe going with a classic black or navy blue suit if you see one of two terms on the invitation – black tie optional and black tie preferred.
What is the difference between wedding suit and tuxedo? ›
The main noticeable difference between a tux and a suit are the satin details. A tux has touches of satin on the lapels, on buttons and a skinny stripe down the legs. For a suit? Typically, the jacket including the lapels, buttons and pants are made of the same material.
Does black tie mean tuxedo only? ›
Does black-tie mean tuxedo? For the suit-wearing type, yes, a black-tie dress code necessitates a tuxedo. There's wiggle room if the dress code is black-tie preferred or optional but if it's a black-tie wedding, you're expected to wear a tuxedo.
