BLACK TIE 101

Sometimes the hardest part of wearing a tuxedo is knowing when to put it on. Here are your hints:

If an invitation states "black tie," "black tie preferred," "black tie encouraged," "creative black tie," "black tie requested," or anything similar, you are wearing a tuxedo.

If an invitation states "formal attire requested," you have some investigating to do. Once upon a time, "formal" pretty much meant "tux". These days, it may mean that a dark suit and conservative shirt and tie combination are in order. Check with your host to be su
If an invitation states "black tie optional," you are not wearing a tuxedo unless you are going to be prominently featured in the evening's festivities (i.e. you are the host, guest of honor, in the wedding party, or something similar). Again, traditional business attire is usually more appropriate.

If an invitation states "semi-formal" or "evening attire" or anything similar, a suit and tie are the way to go. Nowadays modern black tie can include a neru collar and longer jacket . . . but its still considered black tie . . .

Rent or Buy?
As a rule, if you expect to wear a tuxedo more than two or three times in the next two or three years, it's more economical to buy your own tuxedo otherwise rentig is the option for you.

Pants

They will always have some kind of satin stripe running down the outside of each leg. They will never have belt loops. And tux pants rarely have cuffs. Plain bottoms are the way to go.

JacketsTuxedo

Jackets have satin lapels, whether shawl (traditional) or notch (more modern). Satin-covered buttons are also a must.

Shoes

It's simple. Tuxedo shoes are patent leather shoes. Always have been. Always will be.

Shirts

A dress shirt is not a tuxedo shirt. Look for pleats or a textured "bib" on the front. Vertical ribbing is most common, but any distinctive texture is usually acceptable. Except the aforementioned ruffles. French cuffs are preferred.

Accessories

We'll address the great cummerbund vs. vest and bowties vs. four-in-hand / Euro tie debates later. Meanwhile, know that cufflinks and a stud set (in lieu if your top four shirt buttons) are standard components of a tux. A pocket silk is a popular accent. In a wedding, pocket silks are often replaced by a boutonnière. Sometimes men wear both, but this tends to crowd the lapel area. Use discretion.

Trends

There's something more festive about a vest. Cummerbunds are wonderfully traditional and, to many, will always be an essential component of a tuxedo. You can't go wrong either way.(The pleats on cummerbunds face up "to catch the crumbs" or "to hold the opera tickets.")

What about ties?

When in doubt, a bowtie is the way to go. Nothing says "tuxedo" like a bowtie and you might argue that they are the true formalwear neckwear. Euro ties or four-in-hand ties, on the other hand, are exceedingly popular right now. They have an understated elegance and tend to make a tux look a little more like a suit, which some men prefer. These ties also look particularly good with vests, which accounts for their growing popularity.

Remember you can add accessories down the road if you'd like to get more colorful or creative.

If you're renting, the world is your oyster. Pick the accessories, colors, and patterns that appeal to you. Believe it or not, just because the invitation says "black tie" doesn't mean your tie has to be black.

Looking Your Best

You're getting dressed up so act like it. Get a haircut and a nice close shave. Add a touch of cologne to make the evening special. Your tuxedo will look great. Make sure you do, too!