When it comes to your everyday grind, you probably have your style dialed in. But when you need to step out for a special event, formalwear can get overwhelming quickly.
It’s totally normal to have questions. We heard you, so we’ve rounded up the best answers to help you get dressed with confidence. (And for anything we don’t cover here, be sure to check out our FAQ page.)
Table of Contents
What’s the difference between lapel shapes?
Why do jackets have different numbers of buttons?
Do I button all the buttons on my suit?
Should I wear a bow tie or a necktie?
Do I have to wear a cummerbund with a tuxedo?
How can the groom stand out in the same tux as his groomsmen?
When should I wear patent leather shoes?
When should I wear a pleated shirt?
Should my pocket square match my tie?
What’s the difference between lapel shapes?
Peak lapels have edges that “peak” upward toward your face. Originally seen on highly traditional garments like tailcoats, the peak lapel is usually found on tuxedos. It’s generally viewed as the most formal option.
Shawl collars are characterized by a modern, rounded shape, and are primarily seen on tuxedos and dinner jackets. They’re formal—only slightly less so than peak lapels.
Notch lapels are the standard in men’s suiting, but you can also find tuxedos designed with a “notch” where the jacket collar meets the lapel. Notch lapels are versatile, but they’re considered more casual than the other lapel types.
What’s all this mean for you? If you’re heading to a strict black tie event, peak or shawl is the way to go. Otherwise, lapel choice is really a style choice, so choose the style you prefer.
Why do jackets have different numbers of buttons?
Button options are mostly about personal style. Learn more about the nuances of jacket button numbers here.
But if you want the short answer: One-button jackets (which are usually tuxedos) tend to be more formal than two-button jackets (a design detail most often found on suits). But this only really matters if your event is very formal. When in doubt, choose the look you like best.
Do I button all the buttons on my suit?
Unless the jacket only has one button, never fasten all of the buttons on your suit or tuxedo jacket. If your jacket has two-buttons, fasten the top button only. Three-button jackets give you the option of fastening the top button, but always button the middle. The only time you must button up is when you’re wearing a double-breasted jacket—in which case you button the top button.
But no matter the jacket, never button the bottom jacket button. Jackets with multiple buttons are designed with the assumption you’ll leave that bottom button unfastened. Button every button and the fit of your jacket will suffer.
Should I wear a bow tie or a necktie?
It’s hard to go wrong with either form of neckwear, but there are a few rules to note. If your event has a black tie dress code, you should wear a bow tie with your tuxedo. Likewise, if you’re wearing a pleated tuxedo shirt, a necktie is too casual—stick to the bow tie.
If your event is casual—basically anything less formal than black tie—there is no wrong choice. If you do decide on a bow tie, a good way to narrow down your choice is with the fabric.
Do I have to wear a cummerbund with a tuxedo?
Honestly… only if you’re in a wedding party and you’ve been asked to wear one. Cummerbunds are a very traditional accessory (some might say “old-fashioned”) and they’re not something we typically recommend.
We do offer cummerbunds for rent, and they can look good in the right situation (traditional black tie) or as part of the right outfit. But if you feel naked without a waist covering, you might want to consider a low-cut vest instead.
How can the groom can stand out in the same tux as his groomsmen?
We get it: When everyone’s outfits are coordinated, you can start to feel like you’re in a very stylish police line-up with your groomsmen (which may or may not bring up bad/amazing bachelor party memories).
To set yourself apart, mix it up with one or two small details. Switch up your tie, choose a unique pair of shoes, or add a vest to your look. They key is going small. Don’t worry—people will notice.
The good news is, you’re the groom so you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to your and your groomsmen’s outfits. Learn how to plan their look here.
When should I wear patent leather shoes?
You can’t go wrong with patent when you’re wearing a tux, but it’s more of a gamble to wear patent leather shoes with a suit. Avoid patent with a suit unless you’re heading for a very fashion-forward event (think Met Gala, red carpet, etc.).
Check out this guide to learn more about matching shoes with your suit or tuxedo.
When should I wear a pleated shirt?
Pleated shirts have a rectangular panel featuring vertical pleats that run up both sides of the button placket. Some pleated shirts have traditional wing tip collars, some have a modern fold-down spread collar.
Either way, pleated shirts should only be worn with a tux and a bow tie. Suits and neckties are too casual for pleated shirts, so save the pleat for your tuxedo.
Should my pocket square match my tie?
It’s actually best if they don’t match perfectly, or you risk looking like your mom laid out your clothes the night before (which is very sweet, but too matchy-matchy).
It doesn’t have to be complicated—a simple white pocket square looks good with any tie. If you want to draw a little more attention with your tie/pocket square combo, try pairing a solid tie with a patterned pocket square (or vice versa) in the same color family.
Avoiding a matching set goes for the vest, too. And don’t even think about one of those bright tie and vest combos.
Now that you’ve got your style dialed in, read up on how everything is supposed to fit: Your Fit Questions, Answered.