Black tie is one of the few dress codes that still carries genuine meaning, and a well-styled tuxedo is hard to beat. But there’s more to getting it right than simply just wearing a tuxedo.
This guide walks you through how to style a tuxedo properly, covering everything from lapel choice to the finishing touches that pull the whole look together.
What Is a Tuxedo?
A tuxedo, sometimes called a dinner suit, is a formal evening outfit generally distinguished by its satin lapels and a matching satin side stripe on the trousers. The main colours people choose include the classic black tuxedo, and also a timeless navy tuxedo.
Unlike a standard suit, which works across a wide range of settings, a tuxedo is designed specifically for more formal occasions.
The satin detailing is what makes a tuxedo instantly recognisable, which is exactly why everything else needs to be carefully chosen to compliment the suit.
What Occasions Call for a Tuxedo?
A tuxedo is the go-to choice for black tie events, which is the dress code you’ll most commonly see on wedding invitations, charity dinners, awards evenings, and galas. If an invitation states “black tie“, a tuxedo is the expected attire.
Some weddings also call for black tie, particularly evening ceremonies or receptions with a more formal atmosphere. When in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed at a formal event.
How to Choose the Right Tuxedo Style
The two most common lapel styles are the peak lapel and the shawl collar, and the choice between them comes down largely to personal preference and face shape.
Peak lapels are sharper and more structured, giving a bold, traditional look. Shawl collars are softer and more rounded, lending a slightly more relaxed formality that works particularly well for evening weddings.
In terms of silhouette, single-breasted tuxedos are the most versatile and the most popular. Double-breasted styles are a stronger fashion statement and suit taller frames particularly well.
Both are entirely appropriate for black tie, and it simply depends on the look you want to achieve.
What Shirt to Wear with a Tuxedo
A white dress shirt is the classic choice. Specifically, you should look for a shirt with a pleated or bib front, a turndown or wing collar, and a slim, tailored fit.
You should avoid standard business shirts, as the placket and buttons won’t sit correctly beneath a tuxedo jacket. A shirt that is designed for formal eveningwear will have the right finish and weight to complement the jacket properly.
How to Choose the Right Bow Tie
A black silk or satin bow tie is the traditional pairing for a tuxedo, and it should always be tied by hand rather than clipped on. A pre-tied bow tie is easy to spot and takes away from an otherwise sharp look.
Learning to tie a bow tie takes a little practice but is straightforward once you get the hang of it, and the slight asymmetry of a hand-tied bow tie is part of what makes it look so good. Match the bow tie fabric to the lapel facing where possible for a seamless finish.
Can You Wear a Tie Instead of a Bow Tie with a Tuxedo?
In most cases, a black tie dress code calls for a bow tie. That said, a slim black silk tie can work well for weddings and less formal black tie events.
The more formal the occasion, the more important it is to stick with the bow tie. For an evening wedding with a softer dress code, or an event where black tie is suggested rather than required, a slim black silk tie is a perfectly considered alternative.
What Shoes Go with a Tuxedo?
Typically when choosing footwear, black patent leather Oxford shoes are the most classic choice. Their high-shine finish complements the satin details of the jacket and gives a polished finish.
Black velvet loafers offer a slightly softer alternative that works particularly well at weddings. As a rule, avoid suede, thick soles, or anything too relaxed.
How to Accessorise a Tuxedo: Pocket Squares, Cufflinks and More
Accessories give you the chance to add a personal touch to your tuxedo. You can add a white pocket square, folded either flat or with a near point. Cufflinks are also an essential with a formal shirt, choosing from either silver or gold.
For a more traditional look, you can also opt for a cummerbund instead of a waistcoat. Beyond that, keep jewellery to a minimum and avoid anything that pulls focus from the jacket.
How Should a Tuxedo Fit?
Before styling your tuxedo, you should always make sure the fit is perfect.. A tuxedo that doesn’t fit well will never look as it should, regardless of how much you spend on accessories.
The key to a good fitting tuxedo is making sure that the jacket shoulders sit cleanly at the edge of your shoulder, the chest has no pulling or gaping, and the sleeve shows a small amount of shirt cuff.
Similarly your trousers should sit at the natural waist without the need for a belt, as tuxedo trousers traditionally have side adjusters or braces instead. If you’re hiring a tuxedo, always attend a proper fitting appointment to ensure every measurement is taken accurately.
Tuxedo Hire vs Buying: Which Is Right for You?
For most people, suit hire is the most suitable choice, unless you’re attending several black tie events a year.
Suit hire means that you can still have a high quality, properly fitted tuxedo for your event, but for a fraction of the cost. With the guidance of our experienced team, you can be confident the fit and styling will be exactly right for your occasion.
At Groom Hire, we offer a range of black tie and tuxedo hire options across our stores in Chester, Liverpool, and Warrington. Make sure to book an appointment with our team and we’ll help you find the right style, fit, and finish for your event.
Key Takeaways
Knowing how to style a tuxedo well is simple when you know how. The right shirt, a hand tied bow tie, carefully selected shoes, and understated accessories will all contribute to a sharp look.
The first step though is always to make sure that your tuxedo fits you exactly as it should. A properly fitted tuxedo will always outperform one that hasn’t been tailored to your shape. Start with fit, get the details right, and the rest follows naturally.
