How to Button a Tuxedo Shirt

Tuxedo shirts are button-down shirts that go beneath a cummerbund or vest and a tuxedo jacket. This layer of clothing comes in many different styles, including the standard collar version, mandarin collar style and pleated collar styles. A tuxedo shirt should be buttoned as soon as you put it on, on to prevent wrinkles.

Things You'll Need

• Undershirt
• Tuxedo

Instructions

1. Put on the slacks that go with the tuxedo first. Leave the slacks unbuttoned to make it easier to tuck in the tuxedo shirt once it is buttoned. If you choose to wear a belt with the slacks, wait to put this on until after you have buttoned the tuxedo shirt and tucked it in. A belt is often not necessary on tuxedo slacks, but if the tuxedo has not be fitted properly than using a belt is acceptable.

2. Wear an undershirt beneath the tuxedo shirt. An undershirt can be a plain white T-shirt or a tank top type shirt. Tuxedo shirts are made from many different materials. Common materials are silks and cottons. An undershirt adds an extra layer of warmth and also acts as an extra layer between the skin and the shirt. Tuxedo shirts made of cotton and silk are often light, thin and easily seen through.

3. Place the tuxedo shirt on over the undershirt by sliding the shirt on, one arm at a time. Button the wrist buttons on the tuxedo shirt before buttoning anything else. Cuff links can be used on the wrist buttons of a tuxedo shirt to add an extra flair to the tuxedo outfit. If no cuff links are available, button in the normal manner by using the opposite hand to slide the button through the button hole. Repeat this action for the other wrist of the tuxedo shirt.

4. Straighten the collar of the tuxedo shirt with the palm of your hand. Go around the neck area and make sure no wrinkles have formed. If the tuxedo shirt lacks a collar or has a mandarin-style collar, it should be straight and smooth once it is put on. Line up the bottom of the tuxedo shirt and find the lowest button on the shirt and the lowest button hole. Slide the button through the hole with your fingers. Work your way up the entire shirt until the tuxedo shirt is fully buttoned.

5. Tuck in the tuxedo shirt into the slacks of the tuxedo. Start at the front and work your way around to the back ,making sure all of the shirt is tucked in properly. Button the slacks of the tuxedo and put on a belt, if necessary. The next piece of the tuxedo that will be put on is the tie. Tuxedos come in many varieties which may include a bow tie, neck tie or no tie at all. If the tuxedo has a collar, lift it up and wrap the tie around the neck area. Tie in place and then fold the collar down over the tie. Place the tuxedo vest or cummerbund on over the tuxedo shirt. A cummerbund is wrapped around the lower waist and a vest gets put on just like the tuxedo shirt. Put on the tuxedo jacket last.

Tips & Warnings

• Iron the tuxedo shirt right before wearing.

• Make sure the tuxedo shirt is tucked in before putting on the tuxedo jacket.