If you’re headed to a formal event and have decided to invest in a tuxedo, spend the money to get a good one! As an adult, you’ve likely stopped growing (at least upwards!) and will probably make good use of it over the next few years.
The 411 on Tuxedos
Buying a tuxedo can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your choice.
As a general rule, a tuxedo is made to be worn in the evening, after 5 p.m. in most cases. If you’re attending an event during the day, a suit will probably serve its purpose just fine.
While suits have flapped pockets, a tuxedo looks more elegant due to its jetted pockets. Tuxedos also have a stripe or braid down the side of the leg that matches the lapel, and tuxedos have a shawl or peaked lapel that skips the peaks or breaks you’ll see on suits. Lapels on tuxedos are typically satin or silk.
Tuxedo accessories
Always wear a white shirt with either a traditional point collar or a wing collar (which shows the band of the bow tie). Choose a shirt with French cuffs and wear a set of nice cufflinks.
Skip the belt, as tuxedo pants don’t have belt loops anyway, but opt for a bow-tie. Clip-ons seem like a good shortcut but can come off as tacky, so do some research and learn to tie a real bow tie.
When it comes to shoes, always choose black. You can go with calf skin or patent leather, but either choice should have laces. Don’t even think about loafers with a tuxedo!
If you want to stand out in the crowd, you can opt for a tuxedo with a tailcoat. It’s classic but exceptionally formal, so be prepared to walk like a king to pull it off!
A good tailor will be your best friend when it comes to looking great in a tux. Make sure you have a professional fitting you before each event so ensure that you can pull off the look even if you’ve put on a couple pounds!
