Black Tie & Tuxedo Hire FAQs

What Is A Tuxedo?

A tuxedo is a formal men's evening wear consisting of a black jacket and trousers, a white dress shirt, a bow tie, and sometimes a black waistcoat or cummerbund. It is traditionally worn to formal events, such as black-tie events, weddings, and proms.

What Shirt To Wear With A Tuxedo?

A traditional shirt to wear with a tuxedo is a white dress shirt. It should have a wing-tip collar, French cuffs, and a formal front, usually with studs or buttons to secure the shirtfront. The shirt should fit well and be pressed, as it serves as the base for the formal look of the tuxedo.

What Shoes To Wear With A Tuxedo?

Traditionally, black leather dress shoes are worn with a tuxedo. They should be polished to a high shine and have a smooth finish. Other options include black patent leather oxford shoes or black brouges. The shoes should match the color of the tuxedo, be well-fitted and comfortable, and coordinate with the other accessories.

Can You Wear A Tuxedo To A Wedding?

Yes, a tuxedo is a common choice of attire for a formal or black-tie wedding. It is a classic and elegant outfit suitable for a formal wedding ceremony and reception. However, it is always best to check the dress code specified by the wedding invitation or with the couple to ensure that a tuxedo is appropriate for the wedding.

Can You Wear A Tie With A Tuxedo?

The most traditional choice for a tuxedo is a black bow tie, worn with a wing-tip collar dress shirt. Some people may choose to wear a long necktie instead, but this is less common and less formal than the traditional bow tie. The tie should complement the other elements of the outfit and be tied neatly and symmetrically.

How To Wear A Tuxedo?

Here are the general guidelines for wearing a tuxedo:

1. Choose a well-fitted tuxedo jacket and trousers that are made of high-quality fabric. Ensure the jacket fits comfortably in the shoulders and the trousers are the correct length.
   
2. Wear a white dress shirt with a wing-tip collar, French cuffs, and a formal front. Ensure that the shirt fits well and is pressed.
   
3. Wear a black bow tie or, less commonly, a long necktie. The tie should be tied neatly and symmetrically.
   
4. Wear black patent leather dress shoes that are polished to a high shine. Other options include black patent leather oxford shoes or black leather dress shoes.
   
5. Accessorize with a black waistcoat or cummerbund, black dress socks, and black dress gloves (optional).
   
6. Make sure that all outfit pieces coordinate well and are clean, pressed, and free of wrinkles.
   

These are general guidelines, and a tuxedo's specific dress code may vary depending on the occasion. It's always best to check the dress code specified by the invitation or with the hosts.

What Is A Dinner Jacket?

A dinner jacket, also known as a dinner suit or tuxedo, is a formal men's evening wear consisting of a black or midnight blue jacket and trousers, a white dress shirt, a bow tie, and sometimes a black waistcoat or cummerbund. It is traditionally worn to formal events, such as black-tie events, weddings, and proms. The dinner jacket originated in the late 19th century as a less formal alternative to the tailcoat and has since become standard attire for formal events.

What Does Black Tie Mean?

Black tie is a dress code for formal events that typically occur in the evening. It is characterized by a tuxedo for men and an elegant floor-length gown for women. The tuxedo typically consists of a black or midnight blue dinner jacket, black trousers, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, black patent leather shoes, and sometimes a black waistcoat or cummerbund. The dress code is considered the most formal attire, second only to white tie. The term "black tie" refers to the dress code's specific requirements, including wearing black accessories and formal clothing.

What To Wear To A Black Tie Wedding

For a black-tie wedding, men are typically expected to wear a tuxedo, while women should wear an elegant floor-length gown.

Men's attire: A black or midnight blue dinner jacket, black trousers, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, black patent leather shoes, and sometimes a black waistcoat or cummerbund.

Women's attire: An elegant floor-length gown in a formal fabric such as satin, silk, or chiffon. The gown should be dressy and complement the formality of the event. Black or neutral colors are traditional for a black-tie wedding.

It is always best to check the dress code specified on the wedding invitation or with the wedding couple to ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the event. Additionally, it is important to consider the location and time of the wedding, as well as the weather, when deciding what to wear.

What Not To Wear To A Black Tie Event

At a black-tie event, it's important to avoid clothing that is too casual or informal. Some specific items to avoid include:

1. Denim or casual cotton trousers
   
2. Sneakers or athletic shoes
   
3. T-shirts or tank tops
   
4. Shorts or Capri pants
   
5. Flip-flops or sandals
   
6. Informal jackets or blazers, such as a sports jacket or denim jacket
   

Generally, it's best to stick to a traditional black-tie outfit, including a tuxedo or elegant gown, to ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the occasion. If you have any doubts, it's always best to err on the side of dressing more formally.

What Is A Black Tie Event?

A black-tie event is a formal social occasion that typically takes place in the evening and requires guests to wear formal attire. The dress code for black-tie events is characterized by tuxedos for men and elegant floor-length gowns for women. The tuxedo typically consists of a black or midnight blue dinner jacket, black trousers, a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, black patent leather shoes, and sometimes a black waistcoat or cummerbund. Women's attire should be dressy and complement the formality of the event. Black or neutral colors are traditional for black-tie events. Black-tie events can include formal dances, galas, charity events, weddings, and other special occasions. The term "black-tie" refers to the specific requirements of the dress code, which includes wearing black accessories and formal clothing.

What Is White Tie Attire?

White tie is a formal dress code that is traditionally worn for very formal evening events such as state dinners, diplomatic receptions, and operas. It is the most formal dress code and requires a specific style of clothing for men and women.

White tie attire consists of a black tailcoat, black trousers with a silk stripe, a white wing-collared shirt, a black bow tie, black patent leather shoes, black dress socks, and a white pocket square. A white waistcoat or black waistcoat may be worn, depending on the event and personal preference.

In general, white tie dress code is reserved for the most formal and elegant events and is a step above black tie.

Can I Wear A White Tie To A Wedding?

White tie attire is typically reserved for the most formal of events and may not be appropriate for a wedding. Weddings are often black-tie or semi-formal, and white-tie attire may be too formal for the occasion. It's best to check the dress code specified on the wedding invitation or with the wedding couple to ensure that you are dressed appropriately for the event. If the wedding is black-tie, a tuxedo is appropriate, and if it is semi-formal, a dark suit and tie may be appropriate.