Everything You Need to Know about Tuxedos

Black tie attire becomes wilder with every passing year, with fashionistas choosing creative details like fingerless gloves, burgundy fabrics, and printed jackets. Nothing can beat a classic tuxedo, though. It still dominates the red carpet, and the investment will serve you for a lifetime.

The Rules

Black tie events usually require a tuxedo and bow tie, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be black. Midnight blue is perfectly acceptable. Cummerbunds and waistcoats are not strictly necessary, but if you want an extra dose of formality, you can choose a white bowtie. There’s plenty of wiggle room for individuality, but if you arrive at your event in gloves or a scarf, they should be removed when you go inside. The rules dictate evening socks that match your trousers rather than your shoes.

Choosing Your Shirt

A white dress shirt in a stiff cotton and wing collar is traditional for black tie events. A classic turn-down collar is accepted for slightly less formal events. The traditional tuxedo shirt has a removable button strip, French cuffs, and a pleated front. If your event is ultra-formal, a pique bib front is preferable. This style looks best with a shawl lapel jacket. You can choose an opaque cotton twill, making sure your shirt has a square or round French cuff. Barrel cuffs are too casual to wear with a tuxedo.

Finishing Touches

Your cuff links are one of your tuxedo’s most important accessories. Silver and metal options are ideal for formal events and should match the metal of your shirt studs. Make sure they also complement your bowtie. A classic black bow tie is a conservative option, but you can choose a bolder hue at semi-formal events. Your tie should complement your face shape, so if you have a wide chin, choose a butterfly bowtie. A diamond-point bowtie is best for a slim face. Your waistcoat completes the look. It should match your jacket and be completely invisible when you button up your jacket. A pocket square is your final finishing touch. Choose linen or cotton.

An impeccable tuxedo brings sophistication and confidence to a formal event. The aesthetic is steeped in tradition, but black tie occasions are gradually becoming laxer with their standards. There is usually plenty of room for a splash of colour, so don’t limit yourself to black and white.

Top image by Casper Somia via pexels.com, catwalk images designer Ede Ravenscroft