Different tuxedo shirt styles exist, and for some good reasons. First, a tuxedo shirt tailored to your style provides a way to look debonair in a tux.
Next, it is your gateway to feeling comfortable and confident. And if you like to showcase personality in your tuxedo, it again boils down to choosing the right shirt.
To help you achieve all this, we have made this tuxedo shirt guide.
Different Tuxedo Shirt Styles
A tuxedo shirt is different from a regular dress shirt. Not just in elegance but due to the unique styling a tuxedo shirt offers. And besides the fabric, cuff, and collar, you can choose nuances like the shirt front and placket.
The classic tuxedo shirt front, for example, has a bib or bosom. It’s a decorated rectangular fabric that goes to the front of the shirt. Variations in this ‘bib’ create different tuxedo shirt styles.
In the same way, the tuxedo shirt placket has distinctions. A placket is an area on the shirt where buttonholes are located.
A tuxedo shirt can have a front placket, the same style as in business dress shirts. Other styles include no placket or covered placket. Keep this into account; let’s discuss various tuxedo shirt styles.
Pique Bib Tuxedo Shirt
This shirt has a bib made from a stiff, pique fabric. It’s also woven with the dimpled pattern called marcella.
This shirt was initially made for white tie events. But it later descended to a black tie, representing a formal shirt style. Therefore, it is the best tuxedo shirt style for gentlemen, who want nothing, but perfection in their tuxedos.
Plus, anyone looking for a clean look should go with this shirt style. As a formal shirt style, we recommend wearing this with a three-piece tuxedo or a cummerbund.
Pleated Tuxedo Shirt
This shirt has pleats, which are folds of fabric, on either side of the placket. It’s a less formal shirt style than the pique front yet offers a traditional tuxedo look.
Plus, the pleated front is, quote-unquote, the standard tuxedo shirt. So we consider that this shirt has a dandy feel to it. So, a pleated-front shirt is the best option for anyone looking for a tuxedo shirt to show a personality.
In addition, it’s a very versatile shirt. Wear it with a classic black tuxedo, a dinner jacket, or even unconventional tuxedos.
When wearing a pleated tuxedo shirt, it’s good to match the width of the pleats to your body proportions. But you can skip this suggestion and choose narrow pleats for a more modern take.
Ruffled Tuxedo Shirt
If invited to a festive or creative black tie event, you can go swanky by wearing a ruffled tuxedo shirt.
This shirt is an old-school classic representing a major style trend of the 70s. However, these days, it’s a way to spice up your black-tie look.
So, we recommend wearing a ruffled tuxedo shirt when the occasion calls to showcase a unique style. For example, this shirt is an excellent match for a jolly person who likes to throw a pun here and there. However, avoid it with a super-classic tuxedo outfit.
Plain Front Tuxedo Shirt
This is among the least-formal tuxedo shirt styles with a plain front instead of a pleated or pique front. But its minimal and sleek look makes it the modern gentleman’s favorite. And you can consider it as your most versatile tuxedo shirt too.
It can go with a midnight blue tuxedo for a modern and relaxed wedding look. Or with an ivory tuxedo jacket for those fancy James Bond vibes.
Lastly, if wearing formal tuxedo studs seems too much for you, go with the plain front shirt.
Tuxedo Shirt Fabrics and Colors
When choosing a tuxedo shirt fabric and color, things are pretty standardized. However, there’s a lot to learn for those who like to explore their options before making a move.
Regarding fabric, cotton is the choice. It’s organic, comfortable, and breathable. But what’s more important than the fabric itself is the weave. Twill and broadcloth are two options here.
Twill is a tight weave with a shine and diagonal texture to it. It creates a heavy fabric that drapes smoothly and is wrinkle-resistant.
Broadcloth or poplin is also a tight weave but without shine. It’s also thinner.
Choosing between these two will depend on the occasion and weather. For example, broadcloth is preferable for warm weather and contemporary tuxedo style. In comparison, twill is appropriate for more formal cool evening events.
Polyester and silk are other fabric options. But polyester tuxedo shirts are not breathable, and silk is expensive.
Concerning the shirt color for your tuxedo, white is the standard. Even the close matching off-white or ecru won’t work for black-tie events.
However, one other acceptable tuxedo shirt color is black. It’s a casual move, so never wear it with a classic black-tie event ensemble.
Tuxedo Shirt Collar Types
Framing your face and guarding the bow tie, your tuxedo shirt collar type is pretty significant. First comes the wingtip collar. It’s the most formal collar style of them all.
With this shirt collar, you must wear a tuxedo and a bow tie, period. No suits or neckties are acceptable.
Black-tie perfectionists, who choose the most sophisticated style, are a great fit for this collar type. When wearing this tuxedo shirt collar, match it with other appropriate details.
These include a pique front, french cuffs, and wearing studs. Also, keep the wing of the collar tucked behind the bow tie.
The other tuxedo shirt collar style is a spread collar. It’s a versatile option, and pretty much anyone can wear it.
The spread, the distance between the collar points, can vary among the shirts. Therefore, a semi-spread collar is an appropriate option for all formality levels.
If you want an effortless choice for your tuxedo shirt collar, choose semi-spread. But it would be less formal than the wingtip collar.
Lastly, there is a band collar. It’s uncommon and not too formal. Plus, it needs confidence and personality to match. Karim Benzema wore this collar style receiving the 2022 Ballon d’Or.
Give Your Tuxedo Shirt a Touch of Flare with Stylish Accessories
When dressing to such a high sartorial status, it’s important to add hints of your personal style. An easy way would be through accessories. Choosing the right accessories will make you enjoy the look even more.
Shirt studs, for example, are an excellent way to refine your tuxedo shirt. These studs can be silver or gold, with stones like onyx and mother of pearls.
It’s ultimately a matter of personal preference which one you choose. And regardless of your choice, you’ll look sophisticated.
Similarly, cufflinks are a great way to add a flair of style. In the cufflinks, the choices are similar to studs, and you can choose as per your liking. But your tuxedo shirt cuffs and studs must match.
Lastly, pay attention to your bow tie style; it’s technically not an accessory. Wearing a nice self-tie bow tie with a high-quality tuxedo shirt will show the epitome of elegance.
Choosing the Perfect Tuxedo Shirt Style for the Occasion
For the final phase of your shirt selection, choose a style according to the occasion.
Let’s say it’s a black-tie gala, and the invitation is as formal as it can be. It would be best if you chose a twill pique front shirt with a wingtip collar and french cuffs.
Also, wear gold cufflinks with matching studs. In comparison, you can wear a fly-front shirt, spread collar, and barrel cuffs to a less-formal invite.
In summary, combine your knowledge of dress codes with the tuxedo shirt style, and you’ll be good to go.
