How to Wear a Tuxedo Vest

The tuxedo vest is required at many formal gatherings, such as school dances, weddings and some fundraiser events. A tuxedo vest, however--just like many formal wear components--can be somewhat complicated and difficult to determine how to wear. There are a few rules concerning style and coordination that apply to anyone who wears a tuxedo vest. Follow these guidelines to fit in at any formal event that requires a tuxedo.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Full tuxedo, including vest, pants and dress shirt
• Tie or bow tie in a color that matches the vest
• Pocket square or handkerchief in a color that matches the vest

1. Put your dress shirt on, buttoning it up all the way and tucking it into your pants.

2. Put on your tie or bow tie.

3. Put your arms through the sleeves on the tuxedo vest, pulling the openings of the tuxedo vest over your tie, if you are wearing a hanging tie. Do not tuck in the bottom ends of the tuxedo vest.

4. Button the tuxedo vest.

5. Put the tuxedo jacket on over the tuxedo vest, buttoning only the top button on the jacket.

6. Fold the handkerchief in half and then in half again and place it in the tuxedo vest pocket with one corner sticking out.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid wearing a vest that closely matches the color of your dress shirt. The tuxedo vest looks best when it is up against a contrasting color.
• Do not wear a vest with a double-breasted or shawl collar tuxedo.

References

• Tuxedo etiquette