Men's Suits & Tuxedos

Men's formal attire generally means a dark suit or tuxedo paired with a white dress shirt, dress shoes, and a tie or bow tie. Black tie events require a tuxedo typically paired with a black bow tie. Semi-formal dress codes offer more flexibility with suit color and accessories like a colored or patterned pocket square.

Black tie attire calls for a black tuxedo, tuxedo shirt or formal dress shirt, black bow tie, and polished dress shoes. A pocket square is a nice addition. For black tie optional dress codes, it’s a little less strict, and either a classic tuxedo or black suit is expected.

Formal wear such as white tie or black tie requires a tuxedo with a formal tuxedo shirt and bow tie. Semi-formal attire allows for a two-piece suit or three-piece suit, typically in darker colors, with a classic white shirt. For semi-formal or cocktail wedding attire, a suit with a tie and dress shoes is much more appropriate than a full tuxedo.

It depends on the specific dress code listed. Black tie wedding attire traditionally calls for a tuxedo. For black tie optioinal or formal weddings, a dark suit or tuxedo is appropriate. When the invitation says "formal," a black or navy suit with a white dress shirt and tie typically works.

Suits and tuxedos are two types of formal attire and tailored style that are typically worn for special occasions. However, while they may look similar at first glance, several key differences set suits and tuxedos apart from one another. The main difference to note is that tuxedos are more formal and tend to be reserved for the most dressed-up events, whereas suits can be more versatile for a range of functions or dress codes.

There are also more specific distinctions. Starting with the jacket style, suit jackets typically feature a single fabric type over the whole garment and can come in a wider array of styles and colors, including brighter and lighter tones. From classic options like black suits and navy suits to more vibrant choices like burnt orange suits and teal suits, wearers have the opportunity to select a color and style that suits them best. On the other hand, tuxedo jackets have a more formal appearance, often featuring silk or satin on the lapel, pocket lining, and covered buttons. They most often feature peak, notch, or shawl lapels and generally come in black, dark navy, or white, making them exceptional choices for black-tie events and formal affairs.

As for the shirt and tie, men typically pair their suit with a classic dress shirt and either a necktie or bowtie. They also have more freedom of choice when selecting patterns and colors for these key accessories. However, men's tuxedos require a formal dress shirt, typically in white, that is accessorized with a bowtie and sometimes a vest or cummerbund.

The final difference is the trousers. Suit pants usually match the jacket in fabric and color but can also be mixed and matched or worn as separates. Conversely, tuxedo pants are more formal, typically featuring a silk or satin design on the waistband, matching the material of the jacket's lapel. Overall, suits are considered less formal than tuxedos, lending themselves to a wider range of events.

Whether you're preparing for a wedding, attending a networking event, or dressing for any other circumstance, the outfit you choose depends on the formality of the occasion. In many cases for big events, your invitation will outline the preferred dress code, stating whether it's black-tie, formal, semi-formal, cocktail, or casual. Tuxedos are reserved for black-tie, white-tie, and formal events, such as evening weddings, galas, and charity balls, as these events require a more refined and polished look.

Suits, on the other hand, are extremely versatile, making them easy to dress up or down to match the situation. A men's suit can be dressed up for cocktail and semi-formal events like weddings or smart-casual business meetings with a necktie and sharp dress shoes. Or, for more laid-back and relaxed environments like dinner dates and less formal office environments, suit separates can be mixed and matched with jeans or different-colored slacks and a pair of white tennis shoes for a more casual look.

At SuitShop, we make it easy to find the perfect fit that complements your build. All of our men's suits and tuxedos come in either a Modern or Slim Fit, regardless of the color or style you choose. Both fit types are designed to create a tailored silhouette for a sleek and current look, with the primary difference lying in the way the garment is constructed to match different body types.

Our Modern Fit suit and tuxedo jackets work well for those with a straighter torso or those who need slightly more room around the waist and thighs. The jacket is less tapered around the waist and a pant offers slightly more room.

Our men's Slim Fit suits and tuxedos lend themselves well to those with broader or more muscular shoulders and a slimmer waist or narrower legs. When putting on one of our Slim Fit jackets, you'll find a more tapered waist, creating a V shape, while the pants sit a bit lower and taper down the leg.

Since suit and tuxedo jackets and pants are sold as separates at SuitShop, you can get a perfect fit to accommodate your body type for both your torso and legs.

Achieving the right fit is crucial to looking and feeling your best at any function, whether an outdoor garden party or an upscale gala or fundraiser. When trying on a suit or tuxedo jacket, consider the sleeve length. Your sleeves should fall toward the tops of your wrists, with the back of the jacket resting toward the top of your seat. Your suit pants or tuxedo trousers should comfortably hug your waist without being too snug or too loose, ensuring freedom of movement. The exact pant length depends on your preferred break, but once the hem is done, the pants should fall toward the top of your dress shoes.

Using our intuitive Fit Finder, you can receive an accurate sizing and fit recommendation in a few quick clicks. Paired with information from our fitting guide and how-to hub, you can learn what makes for the best fit and how you can ensure you get yours.