How to Design a Tuxedo

Many guys are surprised by just how many choices there are when picking out a tux. After all, what could be more simple than a basic black-and-white suit? With today’s styles, there are options for just about every aspect of the tuxedo, from the shirt to the shoes. To design your tuxedo, you may want to browse through tuxedo styles online to get ideas. You can sketch or write down the name of the style options you like, then use your design to help you rent or buy a tuxedo that closely matches your style.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Pick a collar style for the shirt. You may want a plain collar like on most dress shirts, a more-formal wing collar or a modern cut with a small, banded collar.

2. Choose the style of the shirt front. Some shirt fronts are plain, while others have seams or decorative edges. The buttons may blend in with the shirt or stand out.

3. Pick a lapel style for the jacket. Lapels can have one or two points, and they come in different widths and sizes.

4. Choose the number of buttons for the jacket and the style of overlap. Tuxedo jackets may have just one button or four or more. Keep in mind that the higher up the jacket buttons, the more it will cover the shirt or vest.

5. Select a style for the back of the jacket. The tuxedo jacket can have a simple split or long tails for the most formal suits.

6. Choose a length for the jacket. Most tuxedo jackets sit just below the hips, but some styles end midthigh, and other jackets are cropped short in the front.

7. Pick a style of tie for the tuxedo, such as an ascot or bow tie, and how wide you want the tie.

8. Pick the style of vest or cummerbund, keeping in mind how it will work with the jacket. High vests cover more of the shirt but show more above the jacket. Vests may cover the back or just have a band that wraps around the back of the waist. Cummerbunds generally show only when the jacket is open, and they are most often worn with bow ties.

9. Choose a style of pants for the tuxedo. The pants can be full throughout or taper at the ankles, and they may or may not have stripes down the sides.

10. Choose colors for the shirt, suit and pants. Although tuxedos often use black pants and jackets with a white shirt, the suit and pants can also be white, tan or even colored or striped, and shirts may range from bright white to ivory.

11. Choose colors for the vest or cummerbund, tie and pocket handkerchief. These colors can help customize an otherwise black-and-white tuxedo.

12. Select a color and style for the cuff links, shoes and any other accessories.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re picking out a tuxedo for a wedding or social event, you may want the accessories to match or complement the colors of the bridesmaids’ or ladies' dresses or highlight other colors used in the event.
• If you’re renting or buying a tuxedo, you may not have to make a choice for every aspect of the tuxedo, since some styles come with only certain options. If you’re extremely ambitious, you can make a tuxedo yourself, using your design choices to modify a pattern to match your style.