Things You'll Need:
- Bow Tie And Cummerbund Sets
- Cufflinks
- Dress Socks
- Men's Dress Shoes
- Tuxedos
- Cologne
- Mens' Watches
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Step 1
Select a tuxedo shirt with either a wing or turndown collar. Wing collars will have a stiff, clean front, while turndown collars will have a softer, pleated front.
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Step 2
Make sure the shirt has a front bib construction that can be kept securely beneath the waistband at all times.
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Step 3
Be sure that the front bib section of the shirt will not extend past your suspenders.
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Step 1
Select tuxedo trousers according to your type of dinner jacket - trousers with two stripes for tailcoats, and trousers with a single stripe for all other dinner jackets.
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Step 2
When wearing a tailcoat or cummerbund, wear trousers with a waist high enough to be completely covered by the tailcoat or cummerbund.
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Step 3
Choose trousers with vertical pockets for a dressier look.
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Step 1
Select a lightweight fabric for your tuxedo. Since most formal affairs are held indoors, you'll probably wear your suit in relatively comfortable temperatures. And because you're likely to be dancing, lightweight fabrics will help keep you cool.
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Step 2
Stick to basic black or deep, midnight blue when choosing a tuxedo color. Wear light-colored, off-white dinner jackets only during the summer months or in warm climates.
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Step 3
Choose a tuxedo style that suits your purposes. Black tie and tails is the most formal of men's evening wear and should be saved for truly special occasions. Double- and single-breasted dinner jackets are appropriate for any occasion.
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Step 4
Keep in mind that a single-breasted dinner jacket is left open and requires a cummerbund. Double-breasted jackets are worn buttoned when standing.
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Step 5
Choose either shawl or peak lapels - the only lapels appropriate for formal dinner jackets.
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Step 6
Find a jacket that flatters your face and build. Shawl lapels de-emphasize a round face, and jackets without vents make you look slimmer.
Comments
midrynn said
on 2/24/2009 Thanks Mantonidude! I was blown away by 5starsuits.com. I'm local to LA, so I figured I would check out their store. Not only did they have a larger inventory than many other stores in LA's garment district (couple of floors), they had the exact tux I wanted in stock and in my size, never pressured me, and helped me get it tailored while I waited. Tux, shirt, and vest altogether cost less than my last regular suit! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great deal on a suit!
mantonidude said
on 11/20/2008 I think the best and the one that worked for me was a Giorgio Fiorelli Solid Black 100% Super 150's Poly-Rayon, single breasted, 3 button, side vented tuxedo with 1 pleated pants. I bought it for only $99 at 5starsuits.com and yes I did look like James Bond :-)
Antiquarian said
on 12/18/2007 I take issue with your "no vest with a double-breasted dinner jacket" admonition. I have been told by several older tailors that while this may be an older style, there is nothing wrong with it. Also, anything double-breasted should stay buttoned ALL THE TIME, not just when standing. Take it all the way off if you don't want to deal with it buttoned.
Antiquarian said
on 12/18/2007 I take issue with your "no vest with a double-breasted dinner jacket" admonition. I have been told by several older tailors that while this may be an antiquated style, there is nothing wrong with it. Also, anything double-breasted should stay buttoned ALL THE TIME, not just when standing. Take it all the way off if you don't want to deal with it buttoned.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 In the United States, notched lapels are becoming more and more common at formal affairs. Elsewhere in the world, notched lapels are considered business attire, and should be avoided at evening affairs. In order to avoid a possibly embarrassing situation, avoid notched lapels, as somebody might be offended by them.