Men's Black Suits & Tuxedos

A tuxedo is a step up in formality. The key differences are the satin details on the lapels and buttons, a satin trim along the waistband of the pants, and sometimes a side stripe down the legs. A tux goes with a black bow tie to finish the look instead of a necktie. A suit is more versatile across business outfits, cocktail attire, and most weddings, and it does not include those satin finishes. When the dress code says black tie, a tuxedo is the go-to.

Black tie attire is typically worn to evening weddings, galas, charity fundraiser events, upscale parties, and any special event where the dress code specifically calls for it. Think of it as  elevated formal wear, so wear it when the event or setting aligns. If the invitation says black tie, a tuxedo with a white tuxedo shirt or French cuff dress shirt, a black bow tie, and polished dress shoes is the right pull. When in doubt, slightly overdressed always reads better than underdressed at a black tie event.

A tuxedo should feel sharp and structured without being restrictive. The tuxedo jacket should fit snugly at the shoulders with a clean line down through the waist, and the button should fasten close to the body without pulling at the fabric. Sleeves and pants should show a hint of shirt cuff and ankle, with the trousers sitting high enough to land a sleek line. The goal is a tailored look, not a tight one.

The pieces include a black bow tie, a white dress shirt with tuxedo studs or a clean front with hidden buttons, cufflinks, and black dress shoes, typically patent leather, polished lace-ups, or formal loafers. A cummerbund or tuxedo vest adds a traditional waist covering, and a pocket square finishes the look. Browse our accessories to round out a complete black tie look.

Traditionally, black tie means a black bow tie. There is some room to make the look your own, with a deep navy or burgundy bow tie working as long as it complements the rest of the outfit and the event vibe. Keep the color rich, the fabric elevated like satin or silk, and the rest of your formal wear classic and polished.

Black tie attire features a tuxedo, bow tie, and dress shoes for formal events like weddings, galas, and dinner parties. White tie is the most formal dress code and calls for a black tailcoat, white piqué vest, white bow tie, and white dress shirt. White tie is reserved for state dinners, academic dress occasions, and the most traditional ceremonies, and it is the most formal dress code.

Yes. A midnight blue tuxedo is a classic alternative to a black tuxedo and is fully appropriate for any black tie event. The deep blue fabric often reads darker than black under low light, which gives the look a timeless elegance with a modern twist. Pair with a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and patent leather dress shoes for a formal look that lands.

A tuxedo from SuitShop runs about the same price as most tuxedo rentals, but the tuxedo is yours to keep for every formal event, wedding, gala, and special occasion that follows. That makes a purchased tuxedo a stronger long-term choice than tuxedo rentals, especially if you have more than one black tie event on the horizon.

Buying your tuxedo also means you get a better fit than renting a tux, since you don’t have to wait until right before your event to try it on, and you have plenty of opportunity to make sizing and fit changes and are able to make alterations, should you choose to do so.

Yes. Our suit jackets and dress pants are sized separately so you can pick the right size for each piece of the tuxedo. That helps you land the perfect fit if your jacket and pant size do not match. Use our Fit Finder to confirm both sizes before you order.

Patent leather dress shoes are the most traditional pairing with a black tie tuxedo, with polished lace-up Oxfords or formal loafers as the standard pull. Black is the only color that fits a true black tie dress code, and the polish on the shoe should match the satin trim on the tuxedo jacket and pants for a clean formal look.