Men's Tuxedos

A men's tuxedo is appropriate for black tie events, galas, formal weddings, prom, and other formal occasions that call for men's formal wear. If the invitation says "black tie," “black tie optional,” or "formal," a tuxedo is the ideal choice. The right time to wear a tux varies depending on the event.

Weddings: Formal evening weddings may require guests to wear more refined attire, making a men's tuxedo with classic accessories the perfect choice to blend with the theme of the night.

Funerals: For most traditional memorial services and funerals, black attire is recommended. Most often, a black suit or other dark suit option, like a charcoal grey suit, is most appropriate, but a black tuxedo can be worn to services that request more formal attire.

Black-tie events: Various black-tie events like charities, galas, operas, ceremonies, and theater performances call for formalwear like tuxedos. Depending on the specific event, there may be more flexibility on adding personal style through accessories or with a dark colored tuxedo other than black.

White-tie events: A step above black-tie is white tie, which is used for even more formal affairs that require men to wear black tuxedos or tailcoats with formal waistcoats or bow ties.

When determining whether to wear a tuxedo or a men's suit, refer to the dress code listed on the invitation to your event to ensure you dress appropriately without standing out.

Suits and tuxedos are two of the most common types of formalwear for men, but there are several differences that make them each more appropriate for different types of events. Overall, a men's tux is the more formal option, as tuxedos have several signature characteristics and luxury features like satin or satin-faced lapels and detailing that create a more elevated look.

Men's suits, on the other hand, are more versatile, making them a great choice for a plethora of occasions, from casual nights out on the town and dinner parties to casual weddings, semi-formal weddings, and work. A men's suit jacket can easily be dressed up or down, while tuxedo jackets are more formal and require their tuxedo pant counterparts to complete the look. When choosing between a suit and a tuxedo, the formality of the dress code is the key indicator that will dictate your outfit choice for the event.

Getting the right fit for your tuxedo is absolutely key to looking polished and formal at any event. Overall, your tuxedo, whether a navy tuxedo, white tuxedo, or otherwise, should fit snugly to your body without being too restrictive or tight. The shoulders of your tuxedo jacket should lie flat along the seam of your shoulder's edge, with the length of the jacket falling around the middle of your seat. When buttoned, you shouldn't notice any pulling across the chest.

As you try on your tuxedo pants, they should rest comfortably around your waist and drape over your legs to allow for freedom of movement without any bagginess or bunching. When searching for what to wear to a wedding or a formal event, we make it easy with our Fit Finder, which allows you to get an accurate sizing recommendation after answering just a few quick questions. You can also review our tips on how to make sure your tuxedo fits to truly land the formal look with a tux that feels comfortable and stylish.

A black tuxedo is the classic option for most formal weddings and black tie events. Navy offers contemporary style while maintaining the upscale feel that a black tie wedding needs. Choose based on your wedding's formality, what the couple is like, and your personal preference. For more fashion-forward or modern formal weddings, a colored tuxedo is a great way to stand out while dressing appropriately.

Tuxedos are typically reserved for more formal affairs like black-tie or even white-tie events and aren't as typical or suitable for semi-formal. That said, you can make several styling choices to make a tuxedo look more appropriate for semi-formal occasions. To create a semi-formal look with your tuxedo, turn to accessories like pocket squares and patterned dress socks. Incorporating unique patterns or more vibrant colors can help you break away from a black-tie look. You can also go for a neck tie as opposed to a standard bowtie with your tux to dress it down a bit.

However, when attending a semi-formal function, opting for a suit is your safest choice. For example, a navy suit is a classic for events like these; appropriate attire for outdoor gatherings can include a burnt orange suit; and a tan suit will fare well at a beach wedding. Ultimately, tuxedos should be set aside for formal events, whereas the versatility of suits makes them an excellent option for semi-formal and casual events.

Buying a men's tuxedo at SuitShop costs about the same as most tuxedo rentals, but it’s brand new and yours to own. Keep your tuxedo for future formal occasions, weddings, and galas. Unlike rentals, you get the perfect fit and can wear it whenever the occasion calls.