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04/20/2007 - What is a Tuxedo?

"Tuxedo" may be used to describe a type of semi-formal dress also known as black tie, or more specifically, the jacket worn with black tie attire. In some parts of the world a tuxedo is known as a dinner jacket.

There is no strict convention governing what precisely comprises a tuxedo, given the relatively informal nature of it as a dress code. Most commonly a tuxedo is made up of a black coat with lapels, black pants, a black bow tie, black socks, black shoes, a black cummerbund, and a white shirt. In some parts of the world it is acceptable to wear a white coat--usually in hot climates, or during the warmer seasons of the year.

Novelty tuxedos are available in a wide range of colors, most popularly pink and baby blue, but these should not be considered appropriate for a semi-formal occasion. Many people wear adornments with their tuxedos, such as fancy cufflinks or handkerchiefs in the breast pocket, and in most circles this is considered perfectly acceptable.

While the breast shirt of a tuxedo is normally a pure white, some care should be taken to compliment the color of the date's dress. This is considered particularly important in weddings, when an inappropriately white shirt can cast the wrong hue on the bride's dress. In this instance it is acceptable to choose an off-white shirt similar to that of the partner's dress.

Good tuxedos are made of wool, while polyester or wool-polyester blends are generally considered sub-par. Thread count varies from worsted wool at 60-75 threads per inch, all the way up to 120 threads per inch, by fine names such as Lubiam and Andrew Fezza. The number of buttons on the tuxedo is a matter of personal preference; many people consider more buttons to appear more fashionable, but a single or dual buttoned jacket is much more traditional in appearance.

A decent tuxedo may be rented for under $100 (US dollars) in most cities, though for the best results a tuxedo should be custom fit to the wearer. Preparations for a tuxedo should start at least two months in advance, and conventional wisdom holds that if you plan on attending black tie events more than three times a year you should own your own tuxedo.

While many people consider tuxedos to be formal attire, it is important to note that they are in fact a semi-formal alternative to the more proper white tie dress. White tie includes a black full coat with tails (as opposed to a short coat), black braided pants, black socks and shoes, a black top hat, a white bowtie, a white cummerbund, a white shirt and collar, both stiffened, and an overcoat. Tuxedos were adopted primarily as a relief from the high-maintenance required for white tie attire, particularly the starching of the undershirt. In addition to the handkerchief and cufflinks often seen with tuxedos, white tie may also include a cane and white dress gloves.

As traditions in the West evolve, the prevalence of white tie events is rapidly giving way to events in which a tuxedo is the preferred form of dress. Only a few events at the highest strata of society require anything more than a tuxedo, which is easily rented at a local shop.

A tuxedo is considered the height of men's formal wear, and while tuxedos are less common than they used to be, knowing about the different types of tuxedos can be helpful when you plan to wear one. Different types of tuxedos are designed for different occasions, and it is important to be dressed appropriately when wearing formal wear. While tuxedos are most frequently associated with long black tailcoats, a formal tuxedo also includes a cummerbund, bow tie, and matching pants. Coordinating all the parts of the tuxedo will yield a smooth, polished look that is certain to impress.

Different types of tuxedos fall into a number of basic categories. The first category is the time of day during which the tuxedo will be worn, and the level of formality involved. Lapel styles also vary in different types of tuxedos, and depending on the level of formality, one style may be more appropriate than another. Single breasted tuxedos are more casual, while double breasted tuxedos are reserved for very formal occasions. Finally, the type of tails on the tuxedo is also important to consider: some events require full tails, while others call for different types of tuxedos with a more casual look.

If you are attending a daytime event before 4:00, daytime tuxedos are appropriate. Tuxedos designed for day wear are usually in dark gray, and often have stripes as well. Black tuxedos are not to be worn during the day, as they are designed for formal evening events. Daytime tuxedos also usually lack full tails, and are single breasted with shawl or peak lapels. If you have been invited to a daytime formal event and are unsure about what to wear, consult a salesperson who can guide you through the different types of tuxedos designed for day wear so that you can pick one that is suitable and flattering for your figure.

For evening events, different types of tuxedos are used depending on whether the event is ultra formal, calling for a black double breasted tuxedo with full tails, or simply formal. For white tie events, plan on wearing the most formal tuxedo possible. For black tie optional, lean towards a more casual single breasted tuxedo with no tails. Given the large array of different types of tuxedos for evening events, you may want to consider consulting a specialist who can make sure that you look your best.

Whether you are buying or renting tuxedo, it is better to lean in the conservative direction. While some types of tuxedos come in crazy colors or include silly cummerbunds, you will probably feel more comfortable in a classic formal tuxedo. Especially in the instance of events which are going to be photographed for posterity, a stylish tuxedo goes a long way. Get a reliable and level headed friend to help you survey the different types of tuxedos and make an appropriate choice.

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