How to Wear a Tuxedo: The Ultimate Guide

When it comes to formal attire, few garments command the same level of respect and admiration as the tuxedo. Whether you’re attending a black-tie event, a wedding, or another formal occasion, knowing how to wear a tuxedo properly is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make sure you look your best in a tuxedo.

What is a Tuxedo?

A tuxedo, also known as a dinner jacket in the UK, is a formal evening suit typically characterized by satin or grosgrain facings on the jacket’s lapels and buttons. Unlike a regular suit, the tuxedo is reserved for evening wear and is usually worn with a formal white shirt, a bow tie, and other specific accessories.

Components of a Tuxedo

1. Jacket: Typically single-breasted with satin lapels. Double-breasted styles are less common but equally elegant.
2. Trousers: Matching pants often feature a satin stripe down the side.
3. Shirt: A formal white dress shirt, often with a pleated front and French cuffs.
4. Bow Tie: Traditionally black, but can vary depending on the event.
5. Waist Covering: Either a cummerbund or a waistcoat.
6. Formal Shoes: Patent leather Oxfords or loafers.

How to Wear a Tuxedo

You received an invitation marked “black tie optional,” so you picked up a sharp new tuxedo. To look like a million bucks, put it on and go. Not quite. While it’s hard to look bad in formal wear, it’s not impossible—think of the colored tuxes and ruffled shirts of the 1970s.

For the best results, aim for a classic tuxedo look. This means ensuring that the various pieces of your outfit complement each other and suit the occasion. Remember accessories like pocket squares, shoes, braces, and hats. The key is knowing which tuxedo style is appropriate and when. Before your next formal event, review this guide on how to wear a tuxedo with finesse.

1. Choose the Right Time

A tuxedo should only be worn after 6 p.m. due to its formal nature. For earlier formal events, opt for a morning suit, typically in dark grey, which is suitable for weddings and other daytime occasions.

2. Embrace the Black Tie Option

When an invitation states “black tie optional,” it’s a polite way of indicating that a black tie is expected. It’s always better to overdress than underdress, so adhere to the host’s suggestion.

3. Select the Right Jacket and Pants

Within the classic tuxedo realm, you have several choices for the jacket and pants. A notch lapel, the single-breasted jacket is a safe bet. Other lapel styles—like shawl, peak, or Nehru—might be inappropriate depending on the event. Ensure the pants have a silk stripe down the outside of each leg, and avoid cuffs. Both midnight blue and black are universally acceptable tuxedo colors.

4. Opt for a Subdued Shirt

Tuxedo shirts come with traditional point collars or wing collars, the latter revealing the bow tie band around the neck. You can choose between a plain or pleated front, but ensure the shirt has French cuffs finished with cufflinks.

5. Don’t Skimp on the Bow Tie

Despite red carpet trends, the classic self-tied bow tie remains the best choice. It’s easy to learn, and a few practice attempts will have you tying it perfectly.

6. Wear a Cummerbund or Vest

Unless you’re wearing a double-breasted jacket kept buttoned at all times, a cummerbund or vest is essential to complete your tuxedo look. When wearing a cummerbund, remember two rules: don’t pair it with braces, and always have the pleats facing up.

7. Choose the Right Shoes

Patent leather shoes or highly polished Oxfords are both acceptable. Ensure they are plain and round-toed. Avoid tassels, elaborate stitching, square-toed shoes, and spats. And steer clear of sneakers, sandals, or cowboy boots.

8. Add Tuxedo Accessories

Wear black silk socks that reach the mid-calf or knee. Include a white pocket square or one matching your tie. For an added touch, consider a fedora or homburg hat.

9. Avoid Certain Accessories

If you must wear a watch, choose a thin, understated silver watch. Avoid chunky sports watches. Ideally, forego the watch altogether for a night out or a wedding. Also, skip top hats and gloves, which are suited for white-tie events.

10. Wear Your Boutonniere Correctly

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Accessories You Can Wear with a Tuxedo

Beyond the basic components of a tuxedo, a few accessories can elevate your look:

1. Cufflinks: Elegant cufflinks add a touch of sophistication to your outfit. Choose silver or gold, depending on your other accessories.
2. Studs: Instead of buttons, use shirt studs for a more formal appearance.
3. Watch: A slim, classic dress watch is ideal. Avoid bulky timepieces.
4. Suspenders: If you opt to wear suspenders instead of a belt, make sure they are either black or match your cummerbund.
5. Boutonnière: A small floral boutonnière can add a dash of color and elegance.

Tuxedo Color Choices: How and When to Wear

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While classic black is the most traditional choice for a tuxedo, other colors and styles can be appropriate depending on the event.

1. Black Tuxedo: This is a timeless choice, perfect for any black-tie event.
2. Midnight Blue: A sophisticated alternative to black, especially under artificial light.
3. White Dinner Jacket: Ideal for summer events or tropical climates, typically paired with black trousers.
4. Velvet Tuxedos: A luxurious option for winter events, available in various rich colors like burgundy or emerald green.

When to Wear Different Colors

• Black-Tie Events: Stick with classic black or midnight blue.
• Weddings: Depending on the theme, black, blue, or even white dinner jackets can be appropriate.
• Seasonal Events: Lighter colors and white dinner jackets are great for summer, while darker, richer tones are better suited for winter.

Formal Events Where You Can Wear a Tuxedo

Understanding when to wear a tuxedo is just as important as knowing how to wear one. Here are some occasions where a tuxedo is appropriate:

1. Black-Tie Events: The gold standard for tuxedo attire, often specified on invitations.
2. Weddings: Particularly evening weddings or those with a formal dress code.
3. Gala Dinners: Charity events, award ceremonies, and formal dinners often call for black-tie attire.
4. Formal Balls: Any event described as a ball typically requires a tuxedo.
5. Opera or Ballet: Attending these performances can be an occasion to don your finest tuxedo.

Conclusion

Wearing a tuxedo is about more than just adhering to a dress code; it’s about embodying a tradition of elegance and sophistication. By following the guidelines outlined in this post, you’ll ensure that you not only look the part but feel confident and stylish as well. Remember, the key to successfully wearing a tuxedo is in the details, from proper fit to the right accessories.

So, next time you’re preparing for a formal event, refer back to this guide on how to wear a tuxedo and step into your evening with confidence and grace.