When it comes to wearing a tuxedo, we hear it from gentlemen all the time. Most know the basics.
But when invited to a formal event, men don’t know what’s sufficient and what’s not.
Therefore, we have made an ultimate guide on how to wear a tuxedo, covering every in and out.
So, next time you get a black-tie invite, you know exactly what to wear.
What is a Tuxedo
A tuxedo combines wearing a specific jacket, pants, and accessories in a manner that fits the black-tie dress code.
The history of tuxedo dovetails with a more formal tailcoat.
It was designed for the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, as the trimmed version of the tailcoat. This less formal variant was the dinner suit jacket.
Later this dinner jacket came to the U.S. It was worn at a Ball in a private club in Tuxedo Park, New York.
From here, it popularized as the ‘Tuxedo’ as one of the icons of formal wear.
How to Wear a Tuxedo: Key Elements
Wearing a tuxedo comes down to two things. The first is to know the essentials of a black-tie dress code.
The other is identifying the right details for your tuxedo.
You’ll find out more as we discuss the details of different tuxedo styles and components.
Tuxedo Jacket or Dinner Jacket
A tuxedo jacket is the focal point of a black tie attire as it guides the whole outfit.
The jacket material should be 100% wool. But silk and velvet are also acceptable.
With regards to jacket styling, lapels are most important. Therefore, a shawl collar or peak lapels are the two appropriate choices.
These lapels should be of a different fabric than the jacket. For example, satin and grosgrain are common lapel materials.
Matching the lapels with the jacket buttons is also a part of jacket styling.
Next, for the jacket type, a one-button single-breasted tuxedo is classy. Also, a double-breasted tuxedo jacket is a more formal option.
Other jacket details include jetted pockets and no vent. Ventless jackets are the traditional choice for a sleek look.
You can also double vents as a more practical choice. These details might seem too much.
However, they are important to execute your tuxedo look flawlessly. Also, always remember to ace the fit of your jacket.
Tuxedo Trousers
Tuxedo trousers are not just any trousers but rather have certain distinctions. First, they should be of the same material as the jacket.
A hallmark of tuxedo pants is the fabric stripe down the side of the trouser leg, called a braid.
This stripe can either be the same material as the lapel or has a different decorative woolen braid.
Tuxedo pants should never have belt loops. So, you’ll either have side adjusters or use suspenders.
Finally, to match the elegance of the tuxedo, go with the clean silhouette. This means choose plain-front instead of pleats and never go with cuffs or turn-ups.
Tuxedo Shirt
Unlike trousers, there are a variety of tuxedo shirt styles. However, the shirt color should always be crisp white.
Plus, wearing either french cuffs or double cuffs is inevitable with a tuxedo shirt.
The most elegant tuxedo shirt is the wingtip collar with a textured bib.
Pique and pleated front shirts are classic options if you opt for a turn-down collar.
You can also wear a self-textured shirt with a tuxedo. It’s a less formal but more versatile option.
Note that it’s best to wear studs with all these shirts. And if you don’t have studs, wear a fly-front shirt. But make sure the buttons are covered.
Dress Shoes & Socks
As a black tie connoisseur, wear well-shined black dress shoes. Black patent latent shoes are the safest choice due to their refined feel and shine.
Among the shoe types, opera pumps are the most traditional option. However, wearing wholecut oxfords would be an equally smart move.
To the minimum, you can wear black patent leather cap toes. You should avoid less-formal shoes like derbies with a tuxedo.
The best socks to complement the shoes are over-the-calf silk socks. Cotton socks are also acceptable. But these should be neat and not faded.
Bow Tie
To perfectly execute a black tie ensemble, you should wear a black bow tie with your tuxedo.
Clip-on bow ties are tacky and overly perfect; therefore, avoid these. Instead, wear a self-tie bow tie with the same material as the lapel of your tux.
You can choose from a variety of bow tie styles. The butterfly, pointed, and straight-ends are some examples. Go with one that resonates with your personality.
Cummerbund vs. Waistcoat
The essential waist covering is part of the black-tie dress code. It complements your silhouette and makes you look debonair.
Wearing a cummerbund signifies a conventional style. This cummerbund should match your bow tie, and its pleats must face upwards when you wear it.
A waistcoat, in comparison, is a more contemporary style to cover your waist. It should be snug and not tight.
Plus, the waistcoat should be cut low to make the shirt visible.
Tuxedo Colors & Outfit Ideas for the Occasion
The traditional formal wear restricting to the darkest colors doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with colors.
In fact, these days, many evening events allow you to be creative within the boundaries of the dress code.
So, choosing the right color can be both fun and stylish. In this section, we’ll be covering different tuxedo colors with various outfit ideas.
Wear a Black Tuxedo
Super classic and timeless, a black tuxedo will be a no-brainer. It’s the dressiest of the ensembles yet effortless to style.
Plus, a black tuxedo would be the safest option whenever in doubt.
Now, depending on the look you want to carry, there are two ways to style this tux.
The first is the most traditional option i-e for any black tie event you can think of.
For this look, wear a single-breasted jacket, one-button, peaked satin lapel with a self-textured shirt underneath.
Add a bow tie and a vest; you have effortless black tie attire.
The other option is to go with a double-breasted black tuxedo.
The styling would be the same, but the look would be distinctive and memorable. We recommend this look to grooms and event hosts.
White or Ivory Tuxedo
This is the more laid-back version of the classic black tuxedo. Here you would wear the classic tuxedo trousers but replace the typical jacket with the ivory dinner jacket.
It’s great for topical warm weather while looking dressed up. To have that Humphrey Bogart vibe, choose a fly-front shirt.
And since the ivory dinner jacket has self-facing lapels, you can go anywhere with a bow tie and cummerbund.
We think satin bow ties work best here. The rest should be the same as any other formal ensemble.
The white tuxedo version of this ivory dinner jacket is popular in Hollywood. And it’s best suited for plein air events.
Midnight or Royal Blue Tuxedo
This tuxedo is famous for its ‘darker than black’ effect. As a result, it could be a standout substitute for the black tuxedo.
The midnight or royal blue generally has a cheery vibe. So, you can enjoy a contemporary feel while staying in the classic realms of formal wear.
An amazing aspect of this royal blue tuxedo is its adeptness for a wide range of formal events.
Wanting to go effortless, choose a fly-front pleated shirt with a cummerbund. Next, wear a vest to elevate the formality.
This versatility makes this royal blue tuxedo an excellent choice for proms, weddings, and event guests.
Burgundy or Maroon Tuxedo
A burgundy tux seems an obvious choice whenever the invitation calls for a black-tie creative dress code.
It’s because the rich tones of burgundy stand out pretty well. But, at the same time, it doesn’t appear to be going overboard.
Therefore, we consider a Burgundy tuxedo an excellent choice for any evening event.
A maroon tuxedo is also an excellent pick for joyful occasions.
The maroon hues will match the energy of the festive dinner parties and new year eves. As a result, you’ll look appropriately dressed but also relaxed.
Wear a Grey Tuxedo
Gray is less prevalent in tuxedos than it is in suits. But the neutral tones of gray can have the same aura as other popular tuxedo colors.
So, anyone with a daring fashion sense can get a lot out of a grey tux. A light-grey tuxedo, for example, would be an excellent fit for formal daytime wear.
In the same way, a charcoal grey tux would make excellent formal evening wear.
Finally, go with a charcoal grey tuxedo if you want to make a statement through patterns.
Appropriate Tuxedo Accessories to Wear
A tuxedo is a precise dress, but accessories provide a way to stand out.
Wearing the right accessories also showcases your personal style. Plus, it gives a confidence boost.
However, the key here is to wear subtle and elegant accessories and avoid flashy ones.
Here are some great possible additions to your tuxedo.
Boutonniere
A boutonniere adds a spark of color to an otherwise black-and-white outfit. Plus, it’s a subtle gesture that you pay attention to detail.
The best occasions to wear a boutonniere are with unique celebrations. This includes weddings, proms, galas, and at the theater.
For the choice of the boutonniere, choose a simple and sophisticated one.
Pocket Square
Only adding a pocket square completes your whole tuxedo look. Therefore, a nicely folded white linen pocket square is the best option.
You can also use a pocket square to add a flair of color to your outfit. The red, purple, and yellow pocket squares work best with tuxedos.
A conservative puff or a presidential folder are the best choices for the pocket square fold.
Dress Watch
Wearing a dress watch was not a part of old-school formal wear. But nowadays, wearing a watch is acceptable even with the most dressy black tie ensembles.
The timepiece you wear with a tuxedo should be thin and sleek. It’s best to prefer leather straps over metals.
Matching the hardware, like the watch with studs, is also a graceful practice. You can also opt for a pocket watch when wearing a vest.
Suspenders (Braces)
For your tuxedo pants to be snug, wearing suspenders is quite practical. You have to abide by a few things.
First is to wear button suspenders. Never wear clip-on suspenders with a tuxedo.
Next, the suspenders or braces should never be visible. Therefore, it’s best to wear these with a vest.
Lastly, only choose black or white suspenders.
What Occasions Would be Suitable to Wear a Tuxedo
Any invitation mentioning the black tie dress code would require you to wear a tuxedo.
This applies to black tie optional and creative dress codes too.
Other events where tuxedos are welcomed are memorable, once-in-a-life movements.
These include weddings, proms, dance parties, galas, award ceremonies, charity balls, private parties, quinceañeras, etc.
In many parts of the world, like Great Britain, tuxedos are only for evening wear. For formal daytime events, tailcoats are required.
However, in the U.S., this differentiation is nonexistent. So, a tuxedo is acceptable for daytime events as well.
