There are several ways tuxedos can differ from one another, and so that makes for a lot of choice when browsing for a tuxedo, but it also can be intimidating if you’re not sure what to look for.
The good news is, you only really need to worry about three characteristics to get by, these are the primary ways in which tuxedos can differ:
Tuxedo Color
Tuxedos can come in many colors, but are most commonly worn in black, white or ivory. However, other colors are very popular recently, such as brown, navy and grey.
Color choice is mostly a personal preference, with a few exceptions: if your event specifies a black tie or white tie dress code, you must wear an accordingly-colored tuxedo. Also, there is a light suggestion that lighter colored tuxedos are daytime attire, while darker colors are intended for night time wear – this rule is not as strict as it once was, and may be bent or broken in most cases today.
Tuxedo Lapel Style
Tuxedo lapels are the flaps that fold outward from the middle of your tuxedo jacket, just below the collar. Tuxedos may feature lapels in a few different styles:
Notch Lapels
Notch lapels feature a triangular notch cut from just below the top of each lapel. The notch lapel style is very popular today and appropriate for any formal occasion. Many people feel comfortable wearing notch lapels due to their familiarity, as notch lapels are very common on the modern business suit.
Peak Lapels
Peak Lapels are another common lapel style, they feature an outward/upward pointing triangular peak shape on the outer edge of the lapel. Some people feel they have a more ‘formal’ appearance over notch lapels, but that is purely subjective; a peak-lapel tuxedo will be appropriate for any event.
Shawl Lapels
The fashion of the shawl lapel is rooted in tradition and its flattering features make it perfectly suitable for various formal occasions. The shawl is widely accepted as the proper dinner jacket and is often a popular choice for events attended by an individual. The prominent features of the shawl, a round shape collar with a deep neckline, create a picture perfect frame for the presentation of complete formal wear dress. Whether you are attending the opera, dressing for dinner on a cruise, or are a guest at a Black-Tie affair, we love a shawl lapel jacket complimented with a crisp white wing-tipped shirt, bow-tie, studs and cufflinks.
Single vs Double Breasted Tuxedos
A single breasted jacket has a single column of buttons down the center of the jacket when closed (buttoned). Double breasted jackets feature two columns of buttons on the front jacket closure. It’s best demonstrated with a picture, so we invite you to take a look in how single and double-breasted tuxedo jackets may differ…