How to Wear a Tux Shirt

While cuff links, cummerbunds and bow ties are optional tuxedo accessories, a proper tux shirt is an essential style element for formal black-tie events. Whether it is constructed from the finest white pique cotton or blue silk shantung, a tux shirt is a universally-flattering garment that can be dressed up or down depending upon the occasion. Worn with a tailor-made tuxedo or paired with jeans for a more casual look, a tux shirt is a necessary wardrobe item for any man looking to unleash his inner James Bond.

Instructions

1. Get measured for the proper fit. To obtain your proper tux shirt size, use a measuring tape to determine your collar width and sleeve length. Dress shirts have two measurements: collar width and sleeve length. For example: a tux shirt can have a 14 1/2 inch collar and a 32 to 33 inch sleeve length.

2. Decide on the type of tie needed to accessorize the shirt. There are three types of ties worn with tux shirts: clip-on or pre-tied ties, bow ties or long ties. The clip-on tie has a small metal piece attached to the back of the tie. This metal piece is used to attach the tie to the front of the tux shirt. A standard bow tie is associated with formal wear, and has a butterfly shape. The long tie, similar to a tie worn with a basic dress suit, is a style seen frequently on the red carpet and at semi-formal events. Men add a long tie when their collar has at least a ¼-inch pleat.

3. Add a white tie to your tux shirt. If you want to emulate President Barack Obama's 2009 Inauguration look, add a white bow tie to your tuxedo shirt. Men wear white bow ties during occasions where guests wear the most formal attire. For example: white tie is usually worn to weddings after 6 o'clock, to accept the Nobel Prize or when the president of the United States is having a state dinner honoring foreign royalty or heads of state.

4. Wear your tux shirt with denim. Pair your pleated tux shirt with dark jeans and black or brown accessories to dress up your denim. To upgrade your Western wear for a trip to the local bar or an evening of country line dancing, add a shiny pair of cowboy boots and a 10-gallon hat to add a little style to your Texas two-step.

5. Dress up your tux shirt with formal accessories. Cuff links, cummerbunds and studs add classic sartorial style to your tux shirt. Don't be afraid to add a little sparkle to a basic black tuxedo. Cuff links and studs adorned with gemstones are important accessories that add color to your formal wear.

Tips & Warnings

• With a little practice, you can tie your bow tie in four different shapes and styles including: the classic butterfly, the pointed-end, the semi-butterfly and the batwing. Whether you are renting your tux shirt or investing in a made-to-measure shirt, exact measurements are essential. Wear your cummerbund with the pleats facing up instead of down.

Resources

• Black Tie Guide's White Tux Shirts
• Black Tie Guide -- Four Ways to Tie a Bow Tie