Guide to Different Types of Tuxedos

Tuxedos are typically worn for formal or black tie events. They come in several colors, lapel styles as well as fits. Because there are so many options, we have broken down all the components of a tuxedo below for you to choose from. The way to distinguish a tuxedo from a suit is the satin. You can find that satin on the lapels, buttons and sometimes pockets whereas a suit will have the same fabric all throughout.

Colored Tuxedos

The black or white tuxedo is a classic but it's increasingly common to find navy tuxedos, burgundy tuxedos and grey tuxedos in weddings and red carpet events!

The White Dinner Jacket

The White Dinner Jacket typically has no satin but it is a unique look for any formal themed parties or weddings. This look was made popular by James Bond and also The Great Gatsby. We have seen this trend on almost every red carpet arrival! The dinner jacket is typically paired with black pants and a black bow tie.

Lapel Styles

Shawl Lapel This style gives the tuxedo a sleek look. It is characterized by the rounded edges. This style is not very common on suits. Some styles have a black contrasting lapel on coats that are in a different color.

Notch Lapel The notch lapel is the most common type of suit lapel style. You see this style on both suits and tuxedos. The notch lapel is very popular because people are familiar with it and feel comfortable wearing it, but it is not the classic tuxedo style (shawl lapelsand peak lapels are).

Framed Lapel If you're looking for a tuxedo with more of an edgy look, the narrow satin trim in a contrasting color is the perfect choice. Or if you want to wear a tuxedo with only a little satin, a framed lapel in the same color as the coat is a good fit for you.

Peak Lapel The peak lapel is one of the more popular lapel style on the red carpet. It is also considered more formal and stylized than the others.

Tuxedo Accessories

Cummerbund This accessory isn't too popular right now but some men still wear it to traditional black tie events. The purpose of the cummerbund is to cover the waistline where the pants meet the shirt and it can only be worn with a bow tie, never with a long tie!

Bow Tie The bow tie is common to wear with both tuxedos and suits. Different types of bow ties include the batwing, diamond point, or butterfly.

Long Tie The purpose of the long tie is to cover up the buttons on the shirt. Although the tie was originally created for suits, it is quite popular to wear it with a tuxedo.

Women in Tuxedos

Tuxedos are not just limited to men. Many women have made this trend popular, especially on the red carpet! Both Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively rocked it with their well-tailored tuxes.

Visit us at any of our 31 locations to choose your tuxedo style with one of our stylists. Photo Credits: Anna Delores Photography, Christine Skari Photography, Kimberlee Miller Photography, Whiskers & Willow Photography, (Once Like a Spark) Photography, D. Park Photography, Barnet Photography, McCune Photography, Style Fizz, BuzzFoto