When wearing a tuxedo, it’s imperative that all pieces of the ensemble flow together perfectly. To ensure that you wear your tuxedo well, it’s important that you know the ins and outs of tuxedo shirts and which tuxedo shirts go with which tuxedo styles. Browsing through the tuxedo shirts in a department store, formal wear shop, or website should never be a guessing game and it should never be about which tuxedo shirts you like best. The decision of what tuxedo shirts are proper for you needs should be determined by which tuxedo shirts are appropriate for the specific tuxedo style you will be sporting at your event.
Not all tuxedo shirts are created equal, and matching the wrong tuxedo shirts with the wrong tuxedo style can be a major fashion faux pas. For instance, you’d never wear pique tuxedo shirts with a regular tuxedo and you’d never mix mandarin tuxedo shirts with tuxedo tails. If you don’t know why these tuxedo shirts and styles don’t match, you’d better study up in time for the big day.
First things first, let’s talk about color. Tuxedo shirts should be purchased in white. Sure, there are other colors of tuxedo shirts available, but just because a corvette is sold in pastel pink doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for a guy to buy it. When the event calls for formal attire, white tuxedo shirts are the standard.
Once you know the color of the tuxedo shirts you should be looking at, it’s time to address style. When choosing tuxedo shirts, you’ll have four main aspects to look at. Tuxedo shirts feature different collars, cuffs, fronts and materials. The most formal of all tuxedo shirts are the pique fabric tuxedo shirts, and these tuxedo shirts should only be worn as part of a tuxedo tails ensemble. Other fabrics that are common to tuxedo shirts include 100% cotton and a poly/cotton blend. 
Tuxedo shirts feature wing tip, lay down and mandarin collars. When wearing most tuxedo styles, the choice of a wing tip collar, mandarin collar, or a lay down collar will mostly depend on personal preferences. The wing tip tuxedo shirts feature straight collars that have the tips bent over to look like wings. The collars of lay down tuxedo shirts are similar to standard dress shirt collars. Both wing tip and lay down tuxedo shirts are worn with a neck tie or a bow tie. Mandarin tuxedo shirts, on the other hand, are not worn with a tie at all. These tuxedo shirts feature straight
collars and the very top button will display a button cover in lieu of a tie. Tuxedo shirts come in both smooth and pleated fronts, and this decision will again be based on your personal likes and dislikes.
When you figure out which of the tuxedo shirts style is right for you, you can begin to focus on cuffs. Tuxedo shirts come with either convertible or French cuffs. Convertible cuffs can be worn with either the shirt sleeve buttons, or cufflinks. Covertible cuffs are usually found on poly/cotton tuxedo shirts. Most better made tuxedo shirts are designed with French Cuffs. A French cuff folds back onto the sleeve, and are fastened with cufflinks. Which cuffs you choose for your tuxedo shirts will also depend largely on your individual style. Both cuff types should be worn with tasteful cuff links and studs. Properly accessorizing your tuxedo shirts will ensure a refined and polished appearance. |