Tuxedo, Types

Tuxedo Styles for Men

Different tuxedo styles for men

The classic sartorial norms want the black-tie ensemble to be uniform. Still, different modern tuxedo styles exist since details can stand out even in the most precise and cohesive outfits.

Let’s discuss these details through various tuxedo styles.

Three Different Tuxedo Lapel Styles

The lapel is the most distinctive feature of a tuxedo. You have the option to choose between three lapel types. However, the peak and shawl lapel tuxedo styles are the most common.

Also, there are different fabrics and widths. For the lapel fabric, satin and grosgrain are two options. Both are classic options, with no wrong choice here. The lapel width, in comparison, should be proportionate to your body type and face.

More details are in the next section.

Peak Lapel

These lapels stick out upwards, creating peaks that point to the shoulders. The peak lapel is the most classic and timeless lapel style for the tuxedo. Plus, it could be a statement style, being associated initially with highly formal items like tailcoats.

Peak lapels make the shoulders look broad with a narrow waist. So, it’s best suited for sharp slim-fit formal looks.

Choose a lapel size according to your body type to complement this black tie look. A three-and-a-half to four inches peak lapel is the safe zone for tuxedos.

Shawl Lapel

The shawl lapel has a rounded shape, and wrapping around the jacket collar gives it an extra level of elegance. Although highly debated, the formality is the same or less formal than a peak lapel.

However, confident gentlemen who want to take their style to sartorial perfection can wear a shawl lapel. James Bond tuxedos and dinner jackets are associated with this lapel style in the mind of the style mavens out there!

Here, satin is a better lapel fabric choice, as both these match in formality and elegance.

And finally, don’t go with ultra-modern extra-slim shawl lapels. A three to three-and-a-half-inch shawl lapel usually is the sweet spot.

Notch Lapel

The notch lapel is ubiquitous for suit jackets and blazers. However, it’s relatively uncommon for tuxedos.

It’s because notch lapels don’t perfectly match the urbanity of a tuxedo with a bow tie look. But these days, less-formal styles are the de facto order of the day.

So, for casually elegant tuxedo styles like for holiday gatherings, notch lapels will work fine. But don’t opt for this as your go-to tuxedo lapel style. Instead, choose a more formal shawl or peak lapel style for more high-end events.

Two Different Tuxedo Front Button Styles

Like the suit, a tuxedo can have variations based on button closure styles. Single and double-breasted are the two styles.

When choosing between these two, your personal style and comfort play a more significant role than the formality. However, a few things can help you decide between the two.

Single-Breasted Tuxedo Styles

A single-breasted tuxedo is the most traditional and classic option. It would look fabulous no matter what. As a matter of personal preference, someone who prefers conservative styling should stick to a single-breasted tuxedo jacket.

Additionally, for first-time tuxedos wearers, the single-breasted is the best option to feel confident and comfortable. Lastly, for a black tie wedding, you want sophistication without calling attention. So, a single-breasted tux would be the best bet.

Double-Breasted Tuxedo Styles

A double-breasted tuxedo jacket is also a classic option. But the overlying fabric creates a more formal and elegant look than the single-breasted tuxedo.

Gentlemen confident in their style and want something flattering can stick to a double-breasted tuxedo. Also, a double-breasted tuxedo looks like you’ve pulled out all the stops. So, as a groom, this will mark a distinctive style.

Lastly, a double-breasted tuxedo jacket can offer a regal look for those who want to come out of their comfort zone.

Tuxedo Button Closure Styles

The next thing is deciding the button style you want to opt for. The fewer the buttons at closure, the more formal a tuxedo will be.

Also important about button style is that it should match the lapel fabric. With that in mind, let’s discuss the common variation in button style.

One-Button

A single-breasted tuxedo with one button is the most formal and classic button style. This style has that James Bond vibe and is the one you see with highly formal dinner jackets. Despite a formal style, it’s the easiest to pull off.

You’ll be abiding by the sartorial rules of classic menswear. Therefore this look would be appropriate for any black-tie event. Also, if you’re going with a peak or shawl lapel, go with a single-button closure. This button style complements the formality of peak and shawl lapels.

Lastly, for conservative styling, the one-button tuxedo is the best option.

Two-Button

Two-button closure represents a versatile but less-formal look. This styling became popular with modern wear and the black-tie creative dress code.

Other details like a notch lapel often accompany this two-buttoned style. And it’s often considered a contemporary approach to wearing a tuxedo. President Obama, on several occasions, showed up in a two-button tuxedo.

You can have this two-button tuxedo style if the occasion is appropriate. A cocktail party or black tie optional wedding, for example.

Primary Tuxedo Colors

While a black tuxedo seems the most obvious choice for formal occasions, there are plenty of other colors. Many of these can spark your formal black tie outfits, while others could be the attention holders for festive events.

Here are some great tuxedo colors.

Midnight Blue or Navy Tuxedo Suit

For those James Bond fans, Daniel Craig wore this midnight navy-blue tuxedo in the movie “Skyfall.” While Bond can create action scenes in this tuxedo, the least you can do is to look good.

The midnight blue and royal blue tuxedos are popular among Hollywood stars. It’s because this tuxedo can appear darker than black in the evening setting, hence photographed better.

Based on this trait, this tuxedo is best suited for formal evening black-tie events. It could be a statement piece for wedding tuxedo styles.

Pair it with a pleated shirt, bow tie, and a cummerbund for a dash of sophistication.

Black Tuxedo Suit

Black, without any doubt, is the most classic tuxedo color of them all. It’s classic, simple, elegant, and appropriate for the dressiest for your occasions.

Whether attending a black tie award ceremony or a wedding, you can’t go wrong with a black tuxedo. Additionally, this tuxedo suit can work for any dress code, from a black tie optional to a true black tie.

To have a classic allure, match the tux with a fitting tuxedo shirt, butterfly bow tie style, cummerbund, or waistcoat. Stick to classic styles like peak or shawl lapels and a single-button jacket.

Also, note not to be excessively creative with a black tuxedo. It’s because this tuxedo looks best worn with classic etiquette.

Ivory or White Tuxedo Suit

A white tuxedo with black lapel makes a great contemporary style for a formal daytime event. It’s also a perfect cocktail tuxedo due to the swanky feel of white. A white tuxedo could be an excellent choice for daytime weddings that require you to dress to perfection.

You can complement this tuxedo with a black bow tie and fly-front tuxedo shirt style. Plus, both white or black trousers will be fine with this tux.

An alternative to this tuxedo is pairing the ivory or white dinner jacket with black tuxedo pants. This combination will have a modern feel yet create exquisite formal wear.

Burgundy Tuxedo Suit

Burgundy is an excellent tuxedo color for a relaxed approach to formal wear. It’s also an easy way to stand out without going overboard.

The deep burgundy tones match the evening vibe. So, it could be an excellent tuxedo for formal evening wear.

It is also an excellent pick for prom due to its energetic feel. In the same way, it could work great for weddings and cocktails. Just complement it with other formal elements, and you’ll be good to go.

Finest Tuxedo Fabrics & Pattern Styles

Tuxedo fabrics get less thought than the design, lapels, and buttons. But for those who like to burrow into sartorial details, there is much to choose from.

The principle here is to decide on the tuxedo material based on the weather. Plus, how much shine or luster you want can help in fabric choice. Based on this, here are some popular tuxedo fabrics.

Cashmere

In men’s style, cashmere is synonymous with luxury. It’s soft, durable, and very lightweight. Plus, it’s breathable while retaining heat, making it a year-round fabric.

The cashmere used for tuxedos is usually worsted, making it supple and extremely comfortable.

However, the downside is that 100% grade A cashmere tuxedos are rare. Even when one is found, it can be pretty expensive. Therefore, you’ll often see cashmere blend in tuxedos.

Velvet

Velvet is a popular fabric for tuxes. It’s matchless in its luster and garners a lot of attention. Velvet tuxedos can be made from silk and cotton. The silk one has more allure, but it’s rare and expensive.

For those gentlemen looking to express themselves at black tie dress codes, a velvet tuxedo is an option. Velvet also complements a lot of colors. So, to make a statement, let’s say with a golden brown dinner jacket, velvet should be the fabric.

Wool

Wool is by far the most common tuxedo fabric. Compared to ordinary wool, worsted wool is preferable for tuxedos. Plus, the drape, breathability, and durability make it a luxurious fabric choice.

Barathea is a popular weave of this worsted wool used for tuxedos. It’s a part of a satin group of weaves like the twill. Barathea retains its matte look and thus appears darker than the “typical” black. Therefore, it is the best option for the classic black tuxedo.

Wool can also be mixed with other clothes in different proportions as the tuxedo fabric. Mohair with wool, for example, is a great choice, famous for its rich luster.

Silk Blend Tuxedo Style

Silk blend is a mixture of silk with polyester. It creates elegance with some modish luster making it an amazing tuxedo fabric. Additionally, the fabric drapes smoothly and is resistant to dirt. And you get all this elegance at an affordable price.

The downside is this silk blend can create an unusual shine. So, it’s best to pair it with cream dinner jackets that match silk’s luster.

The Ill-Favored Polyester/Viscose Blend

Polyester and viscose (aka rayon) are both synthetic fabrics. Although they alone do not create a soft, durable, and breathable garment, their blend manages to produce a semi-decent tuxedo. Plus, it has a silky shine, preferably due to viscose.

Adding a pattern like a windowpane makes your tuxedo stand out. And it will make a tremendous black tie creative dress at an affordable price.

However, the drawback is that polyester/viscose tuxedos don’t appear as lavish as natural fabrics. And a trained eye might see through it.

Shoes and Accessories

The shoes matching a tuxedo should always be black and simple. A well-shine pair of oxfords is the bare minimum.

Patent leather oxfords and Belgian loafers, again in patent leather, are also appropriate choices. In comparison, you can choose the classic opera pumps as a highly formal shoe style.

For tuxedo accessories, start with neckwear. A bow tie is the most appropriate neckwear for a tuxedo. The bow tie has to match the lapel’s material, either satin or grosgrain.

Neckties are a less advised option with tuxedos. However, a black silk necktie can work fine for the black tie creative event.

Next, choose a silk pocket square to match the formality. Cufflinks and tuxedo studs are also a part of evening wear. When wearing these, make sure to match the metals.

The black silk socks are another excellent detail for the outfit. Finally, when wearing a watch, make sure it blends with the formality. Choose a dressy watch that shows the time only.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Tuxedo Style

There are different tuxedos styles, and choosing the right one can be tricky. Many times, it’s a matter of personal preference. Still, there are things to consider to choose the right tuxedo style.

With or Without Rear Vents

A tuxedo without a rear vent is the most traditional option. It’s best for gents looking for a sleek silhouette and who prefer classic styling.

Double vents are a modern style. Those who enjoy both classic and contemporary styling should choose double vents.

Finally, a single rear vent is uncommon for a tuxedo. And it’s not the look you typically want for a black-tie event.

Cummerbund vs. Waistcoat

Cummerbund and waistcoat are two options for the necessary waist covering with a tuxedo.

Cummerbund is excellent for gents aiming for that old-school cohesiveness. Also, a cummerbund is a better choice for a shawl collar tuxedo.

A waistcoat, in comparison, is a more fun way to cover the waist. Also, a waistcoat is an excellent option if you want modern sensibility in your tuxedo style.

Tuxedo Suit vs. Dinner Jacket Suit

A dinner jacket suit is considered a laid-back version of a tuxedo. However, there are a few situations when a dinner jacket suit can be an alternative to a tux.

First is a warm weather black tie outfit. The other is to make a statement at a formal evening event.

Sometimes a tuxedo suit and dinner jacket suit mean the same depending on the region. For example, a tuxedo in the U.S., while a dinner jacket in the U.K.

Tuxedo Styles FAQs

What is the most formal tuxedo style?

The most formal tuxedo style consists of a black tux with satin peak or shawl lapels and matching pants with satin trims on the sides. Also, a white tuxedo shirt with cufflinks and stud set, black bow tie (self-tied), and black dress shoes.

Can I wear a tuxedo to a semi-formal event?

Wearing a tuxedo at a semi-formal event might seem inappropriate, and you should avoid it. However, you still need to dress accordingly by wearing a dark suit for the evenings and a lighter one for the daytime.

What is a classic tuxedo style?

The most classic tuxedo style is the black and white tuxedo. However, lately, midnight blue, royal blue, burgundy, and gray tuxedos are often seen worn by celebrities on red carpets and in black-tie wedding themes.

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