Tuxedo VS Suit

While writing my last blog post, I realized that there may be some need to identify the difference between some of the items listed in the men's chart.  So here goes!

We will start with the ultra formal.  Pictured here is a full dress or tailcoat tuxedo.  A tuxedo means it has satin lapels on the collar and a satin stripe down the side of each leg on the pants.  Full dress coats are usually black, white or ivory and worn with matching pants.

The shirt is a wing-tip shirt which is different than a traditional business shirt with a lay down collar.  The wing-tip allows the band of the bow tie to be seen around the neck.  It is white or ivory.

Wing-tip shirts are traditionally worn with a bow tie but have recently been paired with a lay down collar shirt.

The tailcoat may be worn with a vest or cummerbund.  White and black are the most formal but coordinating wedding colors may be selected.

Black shiny patent leather shoes will complete this look.

Pictured next is a traditional tuxedo.  It still features the satin lapel and a stripe on the pants, but is cut like a traditional business suit. 

These coats are available in a traditional, modern and slim cut to fit different body styles.  They come in black, white, ivory, brown, navy and grey.  They should be paired with matching pants.

This picture shows the newer lay down collar shirt.  This is acceptable for a less formal wedding.  It can be white, ivory or black. A traditional wing-tip shirt is usually worn for more formal occasions.  The lay down shirt may be paired with a bow tie or the four-in-hand tie as shown.

The vest and tie may be black, white or a coordinating wedding color.

The pocket square in the left breast pocket, may be used with a boutonniere or flower on the jacket lapel.

Also shown in each picture are French cuffs.  This means the cuff of the shirt is about 1/2 inch longer than the coat sleeve.  It is also acceptable to have the coat to be slightly longer than the shirt.   This is purely personal preference.

Black Tuxedo with Camo accessories

Grey Tuxedo

Havana tan suit

A suit looks very similar to a tuxedo but with no satin on the lapels or pants.  It is paired with a lay down collar shirt of any color.  A four-in hand tie as shown or a bow tie may be worn.  Since most bow ties from tuxedo rental companies are shiny satin, you may want to consider purchasing a bow tie from a men's department to wear with a suit.

This picture again shows the French cuff at the sleeve.

A suit may be worn with a coordinating vest or without a vest.

A suit should be paired with a flat black or brown shoe not the traditional shiny leather for the tuxedo shoes.

Stephen Geoffrey midnight blue suit

Whatever your occasion, we can complete the right look for you.  To help in your decision, consult the Jim's Formalwear Network.  Their website at http://jimsformalwear.com has a great Tuxedo Builder to show you exactly what your choices will look like together.