Ultimate Guide to Wearing a Tuxedo
Ultimate Guide to Wearing a Tuxedo
- December 14, 2019
So you’ve narrowed down your wedding suit options to a tuxedo—now what?
First of all, let us congratulate you on this momentous decision. Out of all the options and colors out there you’ve opted for a tuxedo and that is just amazing. James Bond would be proud. And so are we.
Secondly, it’s time to get down to business. Tuxedos, while far superior to any old suit, are also more complex. There’s a lot that goes into pulling off a tuxedo and we’re here to make sure you do it right.
THE OCCASION
First, for those of you who may not have made your decision yet, is defining the proper occasion to wear a tuxedo. Tuxes are more formal than suits, meaning that the event you wear a tuxedo to is going to be formal and the dress the bride will wear will be formal. Overall, it’s just a big prom. Just kidding.
But sincerely, yes, tuxedo’s are the go-to menswear for a black-tie event. You get the chance to wear an outfit that you may only wear that one time in your life. This is a big deal.
Want to be ultra classy, but black’s not your color (which is pretty much impossible)? Not worry. A tuxedo doesn’t have to be black. In fact, am absolutely positive you’ve seen a white tuxedo jacket before. It’s up there with black for one of the classiest looks around. Other than that, you can also easily find tuxedos in blues and greys.
THE STAPLES
Your tuxedo jacket will be slightly different than your average suit jacket. The biggest difference is satin. The buttons of your tuxedo jacket will be covered with satin and you will also have a fancy satin lapel that comes in one of three styles—notch, peak, and shawl. Notch and peak lapels are found on suits as well as tuxedos, but those nice shawl lapels are particular to tuxes.
Notch lapels are a great go-to when you’re not sure which lapel style to go with. It’s perfectly classic and simple. Peak lapels are a little step up, for a slightly more formal look. They are elegant and elongating. Shawl lapels are more rounded and nostalgic, but still a polished choice.