Formalwear Guidelines
The Elements of Classic "Black Tie" Dress
Though Black Tie dress is typically reserved for only the most formal occasions, it is still considered less formal than traditional "White Tie" attire and so offers the wearer the opportunity to personalize his attire. That said, there are still some basic elements that constitute a traditional tuxedo:
- Jacket - The traditional tuxedo jacket, commonly referred to as a smoking jacket in many parts of Europe and a dinner jacket in some parts of the United States, is a single or double-breasted jacket in black or midnight blue. Single breasted tuxedo jackets are traditionally one- or two-buttons and have peak, shawl, or notch lapels (though notch lapels are common on suits and thus are considered less formal than shawl or peak lapels for a tuxedo). The double-breasted tuxedo jacket is less common but no less acceptable. A double breasted jacket is typically never opened, and thus dictates that the wearer fasten all buttons. Even less common and less formal is the white or ivory dinner jacket, which is similar to a tuxedo jacket in many ways but is typically worn only during the summer or year-round in tropical climates.
- Pants - Tuxedo trousers have no belt loops and no turn-ups (or cuffs) at the bottom of the pant leg. Unlike suit pants, "Black Tie" trousers typically have a silk outer seam that runs from the waist to the bottom of the pant leg. Tuxedo pants can either be pleated or have a flat front.
- Vest or Cummerbund - Typically, a cummerbund (waist covering) or vest is worn with a single-breasted coat, though recent trends in men's formalwear have made these rules less rigid. As a double-breasted jacket is never opened, there is no need for a vest or cummerbund when wearing one. It has become popular in America for grooms and groomsmen to have vests, cummerbunds, or bowties that match the colors selected for the bridal party or the wedding.
- Shirt - Though some men take liberty with shirt color when wearing modern wedding tuxedos, traditional "Black Tie" attire standards accept only white or off-white. The collar is either a fold-down collar, particularly popular in the United States, or a wingtip collar, which leaves the band of the bowtie visible as it wraps around the neck. Cuff links and shirt studs are typically worn and are usually silver or gold with onyx or mother-of-pearl settings.
- Footwear - The most popular shoe for "Black Tie" events is the black leather lace-up Oxford shoe with rounded toe, which is typically made from either patent leather or calfskin. To meet true "Black Tie" standards, the shoe should have closed lacing, or lace flaps that are sewn down and not loose.
- Accessories - Articles such as boutonniéres, pocket squares, hats, timepieces, official decorations, and even pieces of outerwear, such as overcoats or gloves and scarfs, can all be worn with a tuxedo to personalize it. A man may wish to personalize his tuxedo not only for the event that he is attending, but also so that it represents his own style.
Contact A Better Deal Tuxedo in La Jolla Today
If you are looking for wedding tuxedos in the La Jolla or San Diego area, we can help. We rent and sell a wide range of designer tuxedos and suits, and would be happy to work with you. We invite you to contact our San Diego men's formalwear business today to schedule a free personalized fashion consultation.
