The rules governing this litigation are complicated and unpleasant for many men who do not know how to wear a tuxedo. Yet, it’s the easiest and effective option for the evening after you understand the guidelines. The first tux, according to its history, was ordered from Henry Poole’s house in Savile Row by King Edward VII.

Establishing the fashion that members of a wealthy country club outside of Manhattan in Tuxedo followed. After you have identified the guidelines, you may start to get rid of the anxiety associated with wearing an evening dress. Let’s explore how to put on a tuxedo:

What is a Tuxedo?

A tuxedo is a suit that is suitable for formal occasions, including balls, premieres, galas, and weddings. The tuxedo became a staple of menswear worldwide after becoming the preferred suit for formal occasions in nineteenth-century England. The bow tie, which adds a burst of black to the neck, the cufflinks, which tighten the wrist, and the cummerbunds. Which smooths off the shirt, the tuxedo pants, and the suit jacket.

What is a tuxedo

Which cover of the tuxedo shirt is still an essential component of the tuxedo today? Your tuxedo can be unique in several ways, including tailcoat styles, pocket square folds, and lapel types. Color can also be important for formal occasions where black tie is optional, you can choose midnight blue and white tuxedos. Black tie clothing is required if the invitation requests a creative look.

Story of the Tuxedo

Captain Von Trapp, played by Christopher Plummer in “The Sound of Music,” wears a classic tuxedo. We must first examine the history of tailless “smoking jackets” to comprehend the origin of the tuxedo. After dinner, gentlemen in 17th-century England might put on a smoking jacket and withdraw to a smoking chamber or den. The jacket’s original function was to prevent their evening coat from being burned by ashes.

However, it was used as a classy evening wear since in 1865, Prince of Wales Edward VII ordered his tailor, Henry Poole, to make a short blue evening jacket for casual evenings at his Sandringham country estate. The ancestor of what everyone, even us Italians, now refers to as tuxedos, the English “dinner jacket,” and the American “tuxedo,” emerged from that agreement.

When to Wear a Tuxedo

The tuxedo has been considered the perfect evening dress since the beginning. This lovely attire was first created to take the place of the all-day suit and allowed men to avoid the dust and smell of horseback riding. The decision to wear a tuxedo reflects the desire of people with high social aspirations to look as presentable, clean, and fresh as possible when they meet at evening social events and high-spirited occasions.

when to wear a tuxedo

This custom was also followed when the vehicle was first used, even though there was no real-world reason for it. Tuxedos and tails remained the only suitable clothes for all the formal social evenings before World War II. The use of the tuxedo was restricted to formal evening events only after the war, while the classic suit, sometimes known as the business suit, started to gain more acceptance on casual evening and daytime occasions.

Tuxedo Rules

The majority of events that call for a tuxedo are formal ones. You have to dress up and look your best for significant festivities like weddings. You might want to follow a few important guidelines because these gatherings are so formal, to prevent any unpleasant social situations. These four crucial tuxedo rules could make your evening a little more seamless.

1. Wear a Vest

Your single-breasted tuxedo jacket should be worn with a cummerbund or vest underneath. One of these extra accessories can help make sure that the fabric of your shirt is hidden between your waistline and bottom button because of the way tuxedo jackets are closed.

suit vest

2. Never Wear a Belt

Not wearing a belt is one of the most important rules of tuxedo etiquette. To avoid that, the majority of appropriate tuxedo pants don’t even have belt loops. A good tuxedo should fit so that your pants stay in place without the need for a belt. If you notice that your pants are a little loose, suspenders are a more acceptable solution.

3. Pick the Right Pocket Square

While it’s not necessary to have a pocket square to wear a tux, it might make your ensemble more unique. A pocket square shows your devotion to the occasion and gives your ensemble an additional show of color and individuality. We advise looking for a pocket square that complements their attire if you’re going to an event with a date.

pick right pocket square

4. No Pant Cuffs

To look good, tuxedo pants should have a straight hem rather than cuffs.  Cuffs may appear strange.  For a timeless look, choose pants with a smooth, uncuffed bottom because most have a satin stripe down the leg.

Latest Tuxedo Fashion Trends

The details are crucial while choosing a tuxedo jacket. While selecting a jacket may seem simple, it plays a significant role in creating your tuxedo style. There are many details to consider when assembling your look, including lapels, buttons, and even cloth. Let’s explore the tuxedo wearing guide:

Latest tuxedo fashion trends

1. Notch Lapel Tuxedos

Today’s standard for men’s clothes, notch lapels are more informal than other lapel styles and may be found on everything from business suits to sport coats. A “notch” appears where the lapel and jacket collar converge. You can see notch lapels on both suit and tuxedo jackets, although they are a casual lapel style. Simply put, don’t wear them to the most formal black tie functions.

2. Shawl Collar Tuxedos

Shawls aren’t limited to elderly women. Shawls usually appear on dinner jackets and tuxedos and can be identified by their modern, rounded shape. Some would argue that shawl lapels are less formal than peak lapels, even though they are essentially only found on clothing that is suited for black tie. They have more style, too, you might say. Based on your style and situation, use your judgment.

3. Peak Lapel Tuxedos

Peak lapels have edges that “peak” upward toward your face and are slightly wider than notch lapels. The peak lapel was first used in tailcoats and other extremely formal, traditional clothing, but it has since spread to suit jackets and tuxedos. Since it’s less popular, it’s seen as more of a statement and more formal than the notch lapel. Peak lapels, however, have the effect of making you appear taller and slimmer, so don’t be afraid to wear them.

Tuxedo Wearing Guide

One event when a tuxedo may be appropriate is a wedding. Nowadays, the majority of formal occasions that call for tuxes make it clear on the invitation or in other guest instructions that it will be a “black tie” dress code. However, there are particular situations in which wearing a tuxedo is expected and suggested, or at the very least strongly encouraged.

Theatre and Opera

Viewers have always been expected to dress in the most formal attire because opera and theater are generally regarded as the most elite of all art forms. In many places, it is still typical to see fans wearing tuxedos occupying the best seats for big events like the premiere of a ballet or the first evening of a major theatrical production.

Events and Private Parties

Once confined to the more formal tailcoat, tuxedos have become more common at private occasions in recent years. However, as previously said, the majority of formal private gatherings that call for the tuxedo specifically identify it as “black tie.” In the absence of these indicators, wearing a traditional suit rather than a tuxedo is nevertheless acceptable due to the slow decrease in the protocol associated with formal attire.

Wedding

The bride and groom may have chosen a black-tie dress code if you are invited to a late afternoon wedding that happens in a religious venue and is followed by an expensive reception. The use of this style of dress is advised only if the wedding is held beyond the age of 18.

wedding tuxedo

According to formal etiquette, a tuxedo should only be worn at night. Having said that, it is important to recall that the tuxedo has been generally accepted in North America, even for weddings held during the day. If you are invited to a wedding in the United States that will take place during the day, you may be allowed to wear a tuxedo.

Prom

When dressing, there are a few guidelines to follow to keep your style ageless, classic, and tasteful. You can’t save on details if you’ve made up your mind to wear a tux to prom. We suggest purchasing a custom-fit tuxedo rather than renting one since it best captures your individuality.

Prom is one of those events where you snap all those special photos and then look at them years after to relive the night. You’ll be glad you chose a classic style that still looks beautiful after all those years.

How to Wear Men Tuxedo

The process of how to wear a tuxedo involves multiple phases. The following steps will show you how to get ready for your black tie event wearing traditional black tie clothes:

Wear Undergarments: Put on your socks and your undergarments first. Black dress socks are the ideal choice for a timeless black tuxedo ensemble.

Wear a Dress Shirt, Studs, and Cuffs: The black-and-white outfit is tied together by the black studs that fasten the buttonholes of the white dress shirt, also known as a tuxedo bib, which is worn under your jacket. Put cufflinks into the buttonholes on the wrist. The tuxedo ensemble frequently includes this type of shirt. Put on your black bow tie last.

Wear tuxedo trousers: Your dress pants can have folds and a simple front with a black satin or silk stripe down the side. The type you select allows you to personalize the appearance of your tux. Secure the waist button, zip up, and tuck your shirt into your jeans.

Tie a Cummerbund around the waist: Instead of belt loops, tuxedo pants feature a cummerbund. A silky black sash that encircles your navel and has ties or snaps in the back to hide your waist and smooth off the area of the shirt that can wrinkle when tucked in.

Wear your Jacket: Tuxedo jackets come in a variety of styles, such as shawl collar, notch lapel, and peak lapel. Additionally, jackets might have one or two breasts. Double-breasted jackets might stand out more and appear more formal or fashionable than single-breasted ones, which are more common and current.

Wear Shoes: Black patent leather shoes are a classic option to go with your tuxedo. Pull your socks up to your knees or as high as they will go, lace them up, then shine your shoes. With lovely loafers, you may dress up for semi-formal occasions.

Personalize Accent Pieces: Pocket squares are appropriate for formal occasions. Proms typically feature boutonnieres, and if your pants are a little loose, you can wear suspenders to keep them up.

Renting vs Buying

Just as impressive as riding a champion horse, stripping or stocking your library with only leather-bound first editions, wearing a tuxedo seems like the high point. However, there are advantages to renting a tuxedo as well, if it fits well.

1. Alterations & Tailoring

Buying a tux allows you to customize it to fit your body precisely, but you might push it past its sizing if your body changes. Then there are the expenses for tailoring. It can be expensive to have the waist of your tuxedo jacket or pants taken in or let out, but simple adjustments like adjusting the hem of your pants or the sleeves are quite inexpensive.

2. Quality Construction

The price of a completely canvassed tuxedo made of merino wool might reach $1,200. You could have rented a lot of tuxedos for cheaper if you include the cost of adjustments. Furthermore, your tux may not be used often enough to warrant the purchase if you don’t wear it more than once a year, not to mention shifting fashion trends and your personal preferences.

3. Flexibility & Adaptability

There are options available to you when renting a tuxedo. Investing in a tuxedo means having a single button closure type, color, and lapel shape for a variety of occasions. This is not to suggest that you should never purchase a tuxedo, but far too frequently, rental suits are of poor quality, which damages the rental industry’s reputation.

Renting can seem like a wonderful option if the tuxedo truly fits. However, renting may also be a burden, as most of us are aware. We made it easy for that reason. Whether you want to buy or rent, all you have to do is fill out a few questions to determine your size, place your online order, and we’ll send your tuxedo right to your door. No tux store is necessary.

The Final Verdict

In this article, you will find out how to wear a tuxedo. The basic elements when considering a Tuxedo are basic and fitted. Select a classic tuxedo that fits well, and select a skinny black tie. Select fashionable black dress shoes. Add basic items that are reasonable, like a pocket square and cufflinks- black, white, or dark blue should just make sense.

Wash your hair with shampoo, shave your beard, wash your face, and apply simple perfume. You have a sophisticated look. The classic look. As long as you feel confident that you followed the dress code of the activity. We have discussed the major concerns of today’s youth in a well-mannered structure to provide instructions.

FAQs

Should you wear a bow tie with a tuxedo?

It is common to pair a dinner jacket with a black bow tie. Your bow tie should be hand-tied to complete your stylish black tie attire.

Do you pair a tuxedo with a cummerbund?

In most cases, wearing a cummerbund is not required. The only exception is when you’re wearing a tuxedo jacket with only one breast. Make sure the pleats are facing up if you choose to wear a cummerbund.

What shoe is appropriate for a tuxedo?

When wearing a dinner jacket, your go-to shoe style should be patent leather Oxfords. Well-polished calfskin leather Oxford shoes are an alternative, still. Another choice is a pair of Venetian loafers, preferably made of patent leather.

What style of shirt is appropriate for a dinner jacket?

You must pair your dinner jacket with a white formal tuxedo shirt. To fit your bow tie, it should have a bib, French cuffs, and a wing collar. Cufflinks go well with your shirt.