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"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.
