Tuxedo Etiquette: What Style of Tuxedo to Wear?

Tuxedo is considered throughout the world as the standard outfit for men.  It is worn by men of all ages for special events or occasions like wedding, prom nights, formal dance party, and even symphony.  It has been around for years now and it’s worth knowing that just like the other garments, the tuxedos come in different forms and styles.

Because of the variation in sizes, style and colors, several experts have set up certain tuxedo etiquettes for people to follow.  The tuxedo etiquette is pretty simple though as it only involves certain ideas of what type of tuxedo to wear for a particular occasion.  Yes, it stresses the right tuxedo for the right occasion, allowing the people to determine exactly what is proper and improper when a certain event is concerned.  The tuxedo etiquette also holds certain rules as to what makes a tuxedo outfit so formal or informal in appearance and looks.  Now, if you want to know the tuxedo etiquettes by details, consider the following:

Traditional Style vs. Contemporary Style

Many people use tuxedo to follow certain styles.  Of the known styles, the traditional and contemporary style is the most popular.  In fact, most tuxedos are designed and produced to suit these categories.

There is a big difference between the traditional and contemporary style of tuxedo wear.  Under the standard tuxedo etiquette, a tuxedo used for traditional appeal should appear black in color.  It must be accessorized by proper items, such as a white shirt, a black tie, a cummerbund, vest, and black shoes.  Note that black is the standard color for the traditional tuxedo, and this is more common for weddings and formal parties.

If you want to go beyond the tradition, you can consider the contemporary style which is pretty unlimited and free.  Here, almost all colors of tuxedo are allowed for use provided that the color suits the dress or accents of your date.  The contemporary style of wearing tuxedos is so-common for prom-goers and other informal events.

What Style to Wear?

Whether traditional or contemporary, it is maintained under the tuxedo etiquette that if a situation calls for a white tie, people attending the event should wear the proper white tie.  Well, the white tie is the most formal of the tuxedo outfit.  It simply directs you to wear a dress tailcoat, a trouser, white pique vest, white pique shirt, and a white bow tie.

On the other hand, there is the black tie, which according to the tuxedo etiquette should be worn for formal events like wedding.  Unlike the white tie, this calls for a tuxedo jacket, vest, cummerbund, tie, shoes and socks in black, except the shirt which should be white.  Just like the white tie, this style can be enhanced by the use of tuxedo accessories.

Note that of the options given, the black tie is said to be the most traditional in style.  This is recognized by the tuxedo etiquette itself.