The very word, “tuxedo” instills in most of us glamorous visions of enchanting balls, formal parties, and beautiful weddings. Soft lights, beautiful music, lovely gowns, and impressive tuxedos gallantly float through our minds when thinking of these types of events.
Men, in particular, are exceptionally striking when clothed in such formal wear. This fashion of dress incorporates a multitude of seemingly separate pieces, which then blends perfectly together to make an impressive and unique whole. It is a universal look that simply does not age. Regardless of style, the tuxedo literally exudes an aura of prestige, elegance, power, and masculinity.
Tuxedos have specific basic pieces, of which, if even one is missing, detracts from the entire appearance. This ensemble includes the jacket, shirt, vest, tie, cummerbund, cufflinks, studs, trousers, socks, and shoes.
Tuxedo jackets are available in a variety of styles and colors, from double breasted to long tailed, one to six button, and from the most classic black to the brightest of platinum. The jacket is the essential and pivotal piece of the ensemble, for this is what the rest of the tuxedo will be built around. Careful selection of jacket cut as well as color will enhance one’s appearance and exude confidence.
The shirt is normally available in white or ivory only, as its purpose is to augment, not to detract from the jacket and other accompanying pieces. Shirt styles include winged-tip, laydown, or mandarin collars with either French cuff or convertible cuffs. Smooth or pleated fronts are also available.
Ties and cummerbunds are found in satin and poly/satin, and are offered in a huge selection of colors. Neck ties and bow ties are available, although the latter is more common. These are offered in self-tie or pre-tied styles and most are adjustable. Tuxedo cummerbunds are either smooth or pleated, and also offer adjustability.
Vests come in different colors and range from three to six buttons. Both full backs and backless vests are offered. This piece needs to be carefully matched to the jacket cut with the cummerbund and tie accenting both pieces for a look of completeness. Cufflinks and st uds are available in both muted and bright contrast, so these pieces need to be added at this time to ensure the right look is being built for the individual.
The trousers that accompany tuxedos are almost always pleated, while some offer adjustable waists. These are selected so that they match the jacket exactly in both material and color. Usually, trousers are left un-hemmed until the entire suit is selected, including the shoes.
Socks and shoes are among the last items to choose. Socks should blend in with the trousers to create a uniform look when sitting. Shoes worn with tuxedos are supposed to have a patent finish, meaning they need to be shiny. While the classical look requires a tie up shoe, other modern styles are available.
Additional accessories that accompany tuxedos include a pocket square, button covers, gloves, suspenders, top hat, scarf, and walking cane. The majority of these pieces are used when wearing the most classic of tuxedos, the tuxedo tails.
In times past, tuxedos were a sign of the very elite of society, men who were dynamic forces within their chosen community, if not of their country would be seen in none other than this tried and true traditional ensemble. In the modern day, men of all walks of life now enjoy the pleasure of wearing this epitome of formal wear. |
