A tuxedo, also known as a dinner suit, features some fairly key differences to a regular suit and we think it is important to identify them, to clear up any ambiguity for future invites to important events!
Whilst the main structure of a regular suit and a Tuxedo is broadly the same, the most obvious difference to most of us would be the use of satin material for a Tuxedo. But there are in fact a number of things to notice between a Tuxedo and a standard suit.
What is a Tuxedo?
A Tuxedo, also known as a dinner suit, is a formal eveningwear ensemble traditionally worn for black-tie events.
Characterised by satin detailing on the lapels, buttons, and trouser seams, a tuxedo exudes timeless elegance and sophistication.
Typically crafted in black or midnight blue, it is designed to be worn with a crisp white tuxedo shirt, a black bow tie, and patent leather shoes for a polished look.
Unlike a standard suit, a Tuxedo adheres to a strict dress code, making it the go-to choice for formal occasions such as weddings, galas, and prestigious gatherings.
Tuxedo Vs Suit Materials:
A standard suit is available in many different fabrics and patterns, and is generally made using harder wearing materials that can stand the test of the daily grind.
There are endless options for customisation to accommodate personal style or the occasion.
A tuxedo suit is generally characterised by its use of satin, featuring satin lapels and buttons, and will often have a sheen to the fabric. It is usually worn in darker colours, mostly in black, cream or midnight blue, although in some instances, other dark colours are also acceptable.
A tuxedo can also be worn in velvet material, and we think you will agree that both satin and velvet materials are synonymous with formal elegance!
Can you remember that bright pink velvet jacket worn by Daniel Craig at the ‘No Time to Die’ Premiere… we can match the cloth and make you a replica with our ‘Made to Measure’ service.
Tuxedo Vs Suit Lapels:
A standard suit is made with peak and notch lapels, and these are in the same fabric as the rest of the suit.
A tuxedo will either feature peak and notch lapels in a satin material, or will be designed with satin shawl lapels, which is one piece of material that flows in an unbroken curve from your collar to your waist; shawl lapels are only ever seen on tuxedo jackets.
Tuxedo Vs Suit Trousers:
Generally speaking, when wearing a standard suit, the trousers will be made from the same fabric and pattern as the suit jacket.
However, this can be flexible depending on the occasion, and if worn in a casual setting, then there is flexibility for the wearer to pair the jacket with pretty much any pair of trousers they wish!
The strict stipulations of the tuxedo dress code, require the trousers to be made from the same material as the jacket (unless wearing a velvet or cream, in which case the trousers would be black with the satin stripe) and will feature the well-known satin or braided stripe down the outer leg of the trousers.
The trousers are also designed to taper down the leg for added suave and formality, see our dinner suit trousers here.
Tuxedo Vs Suit Shirts:
This is a vast subject in its own right!
When wearing a standard suit, the shirt options are endless.
They are available in so many colours, patterns and materials, and you can choose from a range of collar styles and cuff options too.
A suit shirt can be worn casually, open necked, or with a tie or bow tie depending on the occasion.
To the untrained eye, the tuxedo shirt might not seem dissimilar to a standard dress shirt, but there are some distinct differences.
The fabric of a tuxedo shirt will usually be 100% cotton and often woven in twill or broadcloth. Tuxedo shirts will either have a hidden placket down the front of the shirt (this is the narrow strip down the front of the shirt where the buttons reside) or the option to wear tuxedo studs.
Depending on which end of the formal spectrum you require, a tuxedo shirt may be worn with a pleated or marcella section down the front, a pique bib or just a simple plain front, which is the least formal and minimalistic.
A tuxedo shirt is best worn with a semi spread collar and is the most modern choice, but for optimum formality, a wing tip tuxedo collar is the way forward.
Finally, a tuxedo shirt is double cuffed and requires some tasteful cufflinks to complete the look of elegance and sophistication.
Tuxedo Vs Suit Shoes:
A standard suit is so versatile when it comes to footwear.
Unless there is a specific dress code to a formal event, or perhaps the workplace stipulates smart footwear, then the options are endless.
It is essentially entirely down to personal preference and can be worn with a smart leather shoe or boot, right through to a casual boat shoe or even trainers.
The same cannot be said for a tuxedo suit.
It is the highest level of formality and sophistication, and therefore a tuxedo shoe must always be black, and preferably patent leather.
In some instances, calf leather or a velvet slipper may also be acceptable.
The most commonly worn though, is the black patent leather Oxford dress shoe, which is the epitome of elegance and perfect for the most formal of occasions.
Tuxedo Vs Suit – Additional Finesse:
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- The humble button – it seems like a minor detail, but the button is also an important differentiator. A standard suit jacket will be made using regular suit buttons and there are usually 2 or 3 to fasten the suit jacket and a few on the cuffs. A tuxedo jacket usually features one satin button to fasten the jacket and 1 or 2 on the cuffs also in satin. The general rule is that the fewer the buttons on the front of a jacket, the more formal the occasion!
- Pockets – a standard suit has flapped pockets on the jacket, which are made using the same fabric as the rest of the suit, and are versatile, functional and aesthetically pleasing. A tuxedo has jetted or piped pockets, which are essentially a slit in the fabric and result in a sleek and elegant look to the formal jacket and are often decorated in satin.
- Neckwear – a standard suit can be worn with or without neckwear, depending on the level of formality required at the time. The most appropriate choice is a tie, which can be worn in any fabric, colour or pattern available, but a bow tie may also be worn. A tuxedo is traditionally worn with a black silk bow tie, which is usually pre-tied. Some occasions allow other dark colours, but never white as this is strictly reserved for white tie dress code.
- Cummerbund – the cummerbund has revived its spot in formal fashion over the past century and is the peak of formality and sophistication. It is valued for bringing completeness to a tuxedo and is mostly worn in black, although deep red is also a popular choice for that extra eye-catching look. A cummerbund is never to be worn with a standard suit.
At Walters we hope that this information, regarding the differences between a tuxedo and standard suit, will prove useful to you when you receive an invite to your next formal occasion, and that it will result in making you feel confident and in-the-know as you attend the special day!