Overview Of Fashionable Types Of Gentlemen’s Handsome Tuxedos

Everybody needs clothing. These include, of course, shirts, shorts, shoes, pants, and plenty more. But how about more formal attire? There are those special occasions where men need to spruce up the to max and buy or rent a tux.

There are many different styles of men’s tuxedos - from the ultra-modern to the incredibly conservative. Each one serving a different function and appropriate for a different event. To learn more about the various types and styles of tuxedos, read on.

Traditional Tuxedo

The traditional tuxedo is a black, single-breasted, wool suit with either shawl or peaked collars. Often, the lapels are made from satin and the buttons are also satin-covered. Depending on the style, the outward side seams of the matching pants may also feature a single inch-wide satin strip. The bow tie is always - or should always - be black.

English dinner jackets often only have one button, while American styles feature 2 to 3 buttons. This type of traditional tuxedo would be appropriate for any black tie or formal event. A traditional, black tuxedo is also typically only worn in the evening or at night and is not considered appropriate daytime wear.

Wearing Tails

Tails are extremely formal and typically only appropriate when attending a dinner with the Royal Family. The long tailcoat fashion is waning and rarely suited for most events. That said, if you’re invited to a “white tie” affair, then it’s expected that you will wear a black tailcoat with silk lapels.

The Morning Suit

There is also a style known as a morning suit or morning jacket. It consists of a long jacket with wide tails at the bottom and is normally worn for daytime weddings. When you wear a morning jacket, it’s often expected that you will change your jacket for the evening to something more appropriate.

The Waistcoat

A cummerbund is not a compulsory tuxedo accessory. Today, many contemporary styles depend on vests and waistcoats to add a splash of color or pizzazz to the traditional tux. Remember though, a waist coat is only intended for single-breasted jackets and should never be worn under a basic suit.

Contemporary and Modern Tuxedos

There are a number of new styles coming out for men’s formal wear - from Mandarin collars to buttonless designs. While they may be fashion forward and very cool, they are not always be appropriate for the event. Before you opt for a non-traditional tux, review the invitation and get a sense of the “feel” of the event.

Accessories and Accent Pieces

Often, men’s tuxedos are sold or rented with accessories such as top hats, scarves, canes, gloves and other items. These are rarely appropriate and often seen as a distraction and even detriment - not a fashionable move. So, stay away from the accessories and stick with a tuxedo look that’s clean, contemporary and stylish.