The tuxedo is one menswear look that never goes out of style (2024)

A funny thing happens when a guy dons certain garments.

Slip a black leather jacket on him, and watch the milquetoast gather a bit of tough-guy swagger. Put a prep-school product into a pair of overalls, and watch him start dropping his “g’s” and saying “howdy.”

Put either one of them in a tuxedo, and watch his inner gentleman — whether of the James Bond or Jimmy Stewart school — emerge.

That’s the effect of a tux.

“In the end, when a man puts on a tuxedo, he feels special,” says Melinda Gordon, vice president of merchandise for Al’s Formal Wear, a nationwide company that sells and rents tuxedos and fine suits. “He feels dressed up. I don’t think there’s a man alive who puts on a tux and doesn’t think he looks great.”

The look puts even the average guy into a mindset of, “Hey, there were a lot of iconic gents who have sported this same look.” Those ranks include Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Sean Connery and in more recent years figures such as Sean Combs, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Daniel Craig and Jay Z.

“Even if the guy in the tux doesn’t want to look like that, the woman he’s with wants him to,” Gordon says. “He might not want to button that top collar, but when he does he feels great.”

The tuxedo’s history is rooted in the dinner-jacket tradition that emerged in Great Britain and the United States in the late 1880s, in the wake of the Prince of Wales popularizing a tailless smoking jacket. The name is derived from Tuxedo Park, a rural enclave in upstate New York that was a playground for Manhattan swells.

By the turn of the last century, the look had become largely codified: a black suit of fine wool, with the lapels finished in satin or grosgrain, with the same material employed in a stripe running down the outer leg of the pants. The look was completed by a formal white shirt, cumme*rbund, bow tie and formal shoes, sometimes patent leather but always black.

It is the look that men who survived high-school proms in the 1970s wish their fathers had forced them to wear, rather than the powder-blue and frilled-shirt monstrosities recorded in photographs long hidden in the depths of closets.

Gordon offered basic guidelines for wearing a tux, whether it is one you rent or own.

“You want it to fit and reflect your personality,” she says. “If you’re more conservative, say, a 60-year-old man, let’s not put you in a zoot-suit-style tux. But if you’re a 17-year-old going to prom, maybe you want to have a little fun.”

Doug Paris, who runs Paris Custom Clothier Group in the historic Granite Building in Larimer Square, is a traditionalist. He sells made-to-measure suits and tuxedos to clients, and believes in the tuxedo as one of the finest looks a man can don.

“A tuxedo has an interesting effect, not only on the individual wearing it but in most cases the whole event to which it’s worn,” Paris says. “It speaks volumes about the importance of a gathering. It raises the level of how people present themselves. It raises the level of expectations for the event, and generally makes it more enjoyable.”

Buying a tuxedo involves a number of options. Peaked lapels or notched? Traditional or shawl collar? Bibbed front or a plain pique fabric? cumme*rbund or vest? Patent-leather lace-ups or pumps, or plain cap toes? Vented or closed back? Single- or two-button front? Standard or winged collar?

Some of these questions will be dictated by the formality of the event. If it’s a festive holiday party, you can consider having some fun with a contrasting vest or a splash of color in the bow tie.

Otherwise, go the route of the classicist, and leave the flair to your choice of pocket square or a fun set of cuff links. These areas offer two of the best ways to express some individuality while staying within the bounds of conservative taste.

Matthew Keeney, president of AOR Inc., a Denver-based advertising and marketing firm, calculates that he wears his tuxedo about two dozen times a year.

“For me, laying out my tux before a formal event ensures that all will be right,” he says. “My tux was fitted better than any other article of clothing in my closet and can transform to any environment, while always being true to me and who I am.

“Putting it on sends my confidence through the roof and always leads to a fun-filled night.”

Al’s Formal Wear has a website (alsformalwear.com) with some excellent chapters on tuxedo etiquette — what to wear when — and a glossary of terms so you won’t be overwhelmed when talking to a sales or rental agent.

Most men buy suits and tuxedos as an investment. So take that in consideration when you’re eyeing a tux style that’s of the moment. Will you still like the style next year? Five years from now? That’s an important thing to weigh.

William Porter: 303-954-1877, wporter@denverpost.com or twitter.com/williamporterdp

The tuxedo is one menswear look that never goes out of style (2024)

FAQs

Does a tuxedo go out of style? ›

It's best to choose a classic tuxedo, especially if you are purchasing it, since it won't go out of style and you will be able to wear it for years to come. There are many different styles and cuts for tuxedos.

What is the classic tuxedo style? ›

“This is the most traditional form of a tuxedo: black with satin lapels, a crisp white tuxedo shirt, a self-tie bow tie, cufflinks and a stud set, proper tuxedo trousers, and elegant tuxedo footwear,” shares Baldwin.

What is a tuxedo in fashion? ›

Tuxedos are typically worn for formal or black tie events. They come in several colors, lapel styles as well as fits. Because there are so many options, we have broken down all the components of a tuxedo below for you to choose from. The way to distinguish a tuxedo from a suit is the satin.

Will suits ever go out of style? ›

Suits simply can't go out of style, because they are precisely the best piece of clothing for creating a style - they are the result of several hundreds of years of implicit research for style and elegance in Europe's aristocracy - until Mr.

Do people wear tuxedos to weddings anymore? ›

The Formality of the Wedding Is Key to Your Decision

If you're planning to have a black-tie wedding, a tuxedo is a must for your groom. It's the most polished option, and you'll want your groom to set the tone that this is a very formal event.

When should one wear tuxedo? ›

A tuxedo is the most formal attire a person can wear to an event and is seen at white tie, black tie, and formal events (you can wear them to semi-formal affairs as well but they aren't required) and always in the evening–even the most formal of daytime weddings won't require one.

What is the most popular tuxedo style? ›

Among the various types of tuxedo styles, wedding tuxedo styles are one of the most popular ones. This dress code when paired with a fitting fittings vest and tie is the best option for a formal event you might be going to participate in.

What color of tuxedo is not to be worn during the day? ›

Black Tie Is Not Daytime Wear

The usual rule of thumb is that you dress for the end time of an event. So a long ceremony that starts in the afternoon and ends after dark is tuxedo-appropriate, but one that starts in the morning and ends in the afternoon when the sun is up is not.

What style tuxedo does James Bond wear? ›

Peak lapel classic black tux

It looks incredibly simple, with the fine details of traditional evening wear, such as the single button fastening, silk peak lapels, silk jetted pockets, and no vents. Vents are slits in the bottom of the jacket, often used in sportswear to aid movement.

What is special about tuxedo? ›

The primary physical difference between a tuxedo and a suit is the presence of satin. Traditionally tuxedos have satin facing on the lapels, buttons, pocket trim, and a satin side stripe down the leg of the trousers.

What is a female tuxedo called? ›

Created in 1966 by couturier Yves Saint Laurent, the Le Smoking tuxedo suit for women was the first of its kind to earn attention in the fashion world and in popular culture. The tuxedo suit was designed for women.

What makes a tuxedo special? ›

The basic answer of the difference between a suit and a tuxedo is satin (aka the shiny fabric). A tuxedo will have satin on the lapel of the jacket, as well as a satin lining on the side of the trousers.

Why men no longer wear suits? ›

Now, the “suit” has become casual-looking and has taken a back seat to more causal clothing styles like t-shirts and jeans. With globalization, American clothing standards have caused many other countries to emulate the same causal dressing styles, causing a decline in the “traditional” suit's use in daily life.

Are men's suits making a comeback? ›

This classic style, which fell out of favor for a few decades, is making a big comeback in recent years. In fact, I would say that not only in 2023 but also in future years will the double-breasted suit will continue to gain more acceptance.

Why do men still wear suits? ›

Men have to wear standardized suits because culturally, they are still the professionally important gender. Women can and are expected to change their appearance because this implies that they still serve a decorative role in comparison to the male interchangeable labor role.

Can you wear tuxedo to funeral? ›

There are several things you should not do at a funeral ceremony; the most important of them is never to wear a tuxedo at funerals. Tuxedos are too dressy, and they are meant to make you the focus of all the attention, and at an event like this, you certainly would not want to be the center of all attraction.

Do boys wear tuxedos to prom anymore? ›

If you are wondering whether or not a suit or tuxedo is appropriate for prom? The answer is simple: yes, if you want to wear one! The prom dress code is pretty broad, so there's no reason not to go out and do whatever makes you feel like your best self.

Who pays for tuxedos in a wedding? ›

Whether the groom and his groomsmen are buying new tuxedos or suits or renting for the occasion, his family is traditionally responsible for paying for that outfit (Note: In many modern weddings the groomsmen pay for their own outfits.)

What should you not wear with a tuxedo? ›

Trousers with braces

In the choice of trousers, wearing trousers that include the application of braces, the belts, as practical, are not suitable for a look as formal as black tie. Choose black or white braces in fabric, rather than in leather, or in any case they should be matching the colour of the tuxedo.

Should you wear a tuxedo to a wedding as a guest? ›

If you're a groom or in the wedding party, you'll definitely need to wear a tuxedo to a wedding that's designated black tie. If you're a guest, you should also wear a tuxedo. However, if the dress code is black tie optional, you also have the option of wearing a dark-colored suit in lieu of a full tux.

What is the average cost to buy a tuxedo? ›

The price of an average men's tuxedo is around $500 - $700 so what are the benefits of renting one instead? There are many benefits to renting tuxedos instead of buying them which is why so many people prefer this option.

How do you look cool in a tuxedo? ›

Looking Your Best: How to Wear a Tuxedo
  1. Choose the right time. ...
  2. Take the black tie option. ...
  3. Pick the right jacket and pants. ...
  4. Select a subdued shirt. ...
  5. Don't cut corners on the bow tie. ...
  6. Wear a cumme*rbund or vest. ...
  7. Wear patent leather shoes or highly polished Oxfords. ...
  8. Tuxedo accessories to add.

What shirt to wear with tuxedo? ›

First thing's first. If you want to get the most out of your tuxedo, always wear a white shirt. Black shirts are permissible for some formal events like proms, but they never achieve the same masculine effect of a white shirt underneath a black coat.

Are Cumberbunds still in style 2023? ›

cumme*rbunds are rapidly approaching “old-fashioned” status, and we won't go out of our way to recommend you wear one. But if you must wear one, do it only with a tuxedo, and match the material of your cumme*rbund with the material of your lapels (sorry, hot pink cumme*rbunds).

Should a tuxedo be buttoned or unbuttoned? ›

You should never button all of the buttons on your tuxedo coat! As a general rule, you should leave the bottom button undone. This rule applies if you are wearing a two, three, four or five button coat. If you're wearing a one button style, however, you should button the one button!

Can you wear normal shirt with tuxedo? ›

Can you wear a normal dress shirt with a tuxedo? While there is no hard and fast rule that says you have to wear a white shirt with your tuxedo, it is definitely the most popular and traditional style available today. It is, on the other hand, the only choice if the event is of a more formal type.

Do you need to wear suspenders with a tuxedo? ›

To get your own swoon-worthy look, there is one gentlemen's rules to follow: NEVER wear a belt with a tuxedo. In fact, actual tuxedo pants do not even have belt loops. This is where suspenders are a must have.

Do you wear a belt with a tuxedo? ›

Do you wear a belt with a tux? Ideally, you don't want to wear a belt with a tuxedo. Tuxedo trousers are more sleek when worn with suspenders/braces or the pants are customized with side tabs. However if your tuxedo trousers do have belt loops, we recommend you go to a tailor to have them removed ASAP.

Does James Bond wear a suit or a tuxedo? ›

From Dr. No to Skyfall all James Bond heroes including Sean Connery, George Lezenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan and the current Bond Daniel Craig wore exclusive tuxedos in their 007 movies.

Does James Bond wear a tie or bow tie? ›

The black bow tie is one of the most iconic of James Bond symbols. Though James Bond only wears bow ties for black tie—and only in black and midnight blue—and never with a suit or sports coat, his bow ties have seen many variations in shape and size over the decades.

Why don't you wear a watch with a tuxedo? ›

Traditionally, wearing a timepiece with a tuxedo to a formal affair was a no-no because it was considered rude to watch the time. Fortunately today it is completely acceptable as long as you select a timepiece that is appropriate, formal and elegant.

What is tuxedo for men means? ›

a man's jacket for semiformal evening dress, traditionally of black or dark-blue color and characteristically having satin or grosgrain facing on the lapels. the complete semiformal outfit, including this jacket, dark trousers, often with silk stripes down the sides, a bow tie, and usually a cumme*rbund.

What is the difference between a tuxedo and a tuxedo suit? ›

Tuxedos are worn with bow ties and suits either with or without a tie. Tuxedos have satin lapels, which can even be from a different shade while suits lapels are made of the same fabric. Tuxedos have also satin buttons while suits have the usual suit buttons, not covered by a piece of satin fabric.

Can a woman wear a tuxedo to a wedding as a guest? ›

Formal Women's Wedding Attire

Wear a tuxedo or dark-colored suit. While it's not required with a formal dress code, if you still want to wear a tuxedo, it's appropriate to do so. Charcoal gray or dark navy suits are also perfect options to keep a suit on the more formal side.

What is the tuxedo waist thing called? ›

A cumme*rbund is a broad waist sash, usually pleated, which is often worn with single-breasted dinner jackets (or tuxedos).

What are the flaps on a tuxedo called? ›

Lapels can be defined as flaps of fabric on each side of the suit jacket immediately below the collar and folded back.

How does a woman wear a tuxedo? ›

Here are a few tips to summarize wearing a tuxedo jacket: Add black skinny pants and a crisp white shirt your tuxedo jacket to benefit from the menswear trend in woman's fashion. If you're tall, you can with just about any style, including a double-breasted tuxedo jacket.

Who always wears a tuxedo? ›

I love marching. I always wear a tuxedo, I am a penguin. Penguins are flightless birds, they live in extremely cold temperatures, they mainly live in the southern hemisphere.

What is tuxedo equivalent to? ›

Tuxedo Alternative: The Funeral Suit (Dark Suit & Tie)

Are men in suits sexier? ›

All the photos were rated by hundreds of women aged between 18 and 38 to ensure our results were accurate. The results were a landslide. 80% of the women surveyed found the man in the suit more attractive. Moreover, they found the man, on average, 6% more attractive in his suit than in his casual clothes.

When did Americans stop dressing up? ›

As far as the “when” of our turn to casual, three major milestones mark the path. First, the introduction of sportswear into the American wardrobe in the late 1910s and early 1920s redefined when and where certain clothes could be worn.

When did men stop wearing socks with suits? ›

This controversial style took off in the mid-2000s and has been hotly debated ever since. If you are looking for the short answer, the most comfortable and pragmatic way to achieve this look is by wearing no-show dress socks.

What is the current trend in men's suits? ›

One of the latest trends in suiting is athleisure suits. Unlike the traditional structured wool-based suits, these are made with a more stretchy jersey fabric, typically used in tracksuits. Although looking like a suit (with a lapelled jacket and pants), this type of suit will not be acceptable in dressier workplaces.

What will replace suits? ›

What to Wear Instead of a Suit
  • Sports Jackets: With a similar look to a suit blazer, sports jackets offer a more relaxed style, perfect for a business or smart casual look. ...
  • Casual Jackets: Great for layering, a casual jacket is a comfortable alternative to a suit blazer.

How often should a man buy a suit? ›

Since suits are an expensive investment, the general rule on adding a new suit to your wardrobe or retiring an old one depends on how often and gently you wear it. On an average, if you wear a suit to work regularly, then consider updating your wardrobe every three years.

How many suits should a man own? ›

No matter how you like to dress or what you do for work, sometimes only a suit will do. But how many suits does a man need? For us, the magic number is three. Whether you're at a wedding, job interview or business event, these are the men's suits that will never let you down.

How long should a mens suit last? ›

The average lifespan of a good bespoke suit should last for 5 – 10 years. This also depends on the frequency of wear. The number above is based on a weekly wear. We also recommend that you should wear a specific Suit once a week and have a rotation of 5 Suits within that week.

Why do men only wear black suits? ›

Black is associated with a certain type of formality. Since historical times, a black suit has been worn to symbolise mourning, and to show respect to the deceased and their loved ones. It is also the appropriate colour for evening events that call for black tie or the even more formal, white tie.

What is the average lifespan of a tuxedo? ›

Tuxedo cats, like most domestic cats, have a lifespan of about 15 years or a little longer. How much are tuxedo cats worth?

When did people stop wearing tuxedos? ›

he 1950s were the beginning of the end for the "suits all the time" trend. The 50s was when "youth culture" really started, and with youth culture came rebellion against the adult, working world (and crucially for this question, against its uniform, the suit).

Can you wear a tuxedo to a formal event? ›

Men's formal wear can also include a suit, tie, tuxedo jacket, bowtie, cumme*rbund, and patent leather shoes. It's really your choice - but the important thing is that you do not commit any faux pas.

Do people wear cumberbunds anymore? ›

cumme*rbunds have been synonymous with formal fashion for over a century. They got their beginnings in the 1850's when they became an integral part of dining attire in British India. Since then, cumme*rbunds spread to public use and have become known in the modern sphere as synonymous with formality and sophistication.

Do men still wear cumberbunds with tuxedos? ›

Basically, anytime you wear a tuxedo, a dinner jacket, or a “smoking” jacket, as the Europeans call it. Except if that dinner jacket is double-breasted, then, you skip the cumme*rbund. You also don't wear a cumme*rbund if you're already wearing a waistcoat, which is something that you traditionally can wear.

Does anyone wear a cumme*rbund anymore? ›

Nowadays, vests and suspenders are definitely more popular than cumme*rbunds. However, that doesn't mean the cumme*rbund is out of style. Like a bow tie, a cumme*rbund will never look outdated at a formal or black tie event.

What is the average price of a good tuxedo? ›

Also keep in mind that if you decide to buy a tuxedo, it will usually cost anywhere from $400 to thousands of dollars as well depending on your desired style. The price of an average men's tuxedo is around $500 - $700 so what are the benefits of renting one instead?

How much should I spend on a tuxedo? ›

You'll also be able to tailor a purchased tuxedo more fully, which will create a better fitting garment. While wedding tuxedo prices do vary, the average tux cost in the U.S. ranges from $200 to $499.

Why men don't wear suits anymore? ›

Now, the “suit” has become casual-looking and has taken a back seat to more causal clothing styles like t-shirts and jeans. With globalization, American clothing standards have caused many other countries to emulate the same causal dressing styles, causing a decline in the “traditional” suit's use in daily life.

Can you wear a tuxedo to a funeral? ›

There are several things you should not do at a funeral ceremony; the most important of them is never to wear a tuxedo at funerals. Tuxedos are too dressy, and they are meant to make you the focus of all the attention, and at an event like this, you certainly would not want to be the center of all attraction.

What occasions are tuxedos for? ›

This is a simpler answer; tuxedos should specifically only be worn at “black tie” events – this wording is explicitly shorthand for 'men should wear tuxedos at this event'. Black tie events are traditionally only after six o'clock in the evening, hence the tuxedo's alternative moniker of 'dinner jacket'.

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