Key Takeaways
Understanding Lapel Styles: Learn the differences between peaked, shawl, and notch lapels to choose the right one for your tuxedo.
Lapel Fabric Choices: Decide between the classic sheen of satin and the textured elegance of grosgrain.
Lapel Width Proportions: Find out how to match the lapel width with your body type for a balanced look.
Single vs. Double-Breasted Jackets: Discover which jacket style aligns with your personal taste and the occasion's formality.
Importance of Jetted Pockets: Understand why jetted pockets are the sole choice for tuxedo jackets.
Button Details Matter: Learn about the significance of button placement and fabric in tuxedo design.
Choosing the Right Jacket Vent: Know the impact of no vent, single vent, and double vent on a tuxedo's appearance.
Tailoring Tuxedo Pants: The role of side adjusters and fabric stripes in perfecting tuxedo pants.
Bottom Finishing of Pants: The significance of a plain bottom finish for a polished look.
When wearing a tuxedo, attention to specific styling details is crucial, as these nuances greatly influence the overall look, feel, and vibe of the outfit. In this educational segment, we aim to make you well-versed in tuxedo styling, helping you make choices that align with your personality and personal style. The goal is for you to not only look dashing in your tuxedo but also feel comfortable and confident.
The Art of Tuxedo Jackets: Understanding Lapel Styles
We start with the tuxedo jacket, focusing on the lapel, the jacket's most distinguishing feature. There are three lapel styles:
Peak Lapel: Characterized by its upward extending points that aim toward the shoulders, the peaked lapel is the most classic and timeless choice for a tuxedo jacket. It's a fail-safe option that epitomizes elegance.
Shawl Lapel: Featuring a rounded shape, the shawl lapel offers the same level of formality as the peaked lapel but with an air of relaxed sophistication. If you're aiming for a casually elegant look, the shawl lapel is an excellent choice.
Notch Lapel: While common in suit jackets, the notch lapel is somewhat rare in modern tuxedos. Though versatile, it doesn't quite reach the formality and elegance level of a tuxedo. Therefore, it's not a recommended style for tuxedos from our perspective.
Lapel Fabric Choices: Satin vs. Grosgrain
The second detail to consider is the lapel fabric. You have two options:
Satin Lapel: Offers a smooth and shiny appearance, giving the tuxedo a classic and polished look.
Grosgrain Lapel: Has a ribbed texture with a less shiny appearance, providing a subtly textured elegance.
Both fabric options are timeless, so there's no incorrect choice. However, if you opt for a shawl collar, a satin lapel is generally preferable.
Proportions Matter: Selecting the Right Lapel Width
The third detail is the lapel width. The width of the lapel should be in proportion to two key aspects: the width of your body and your face. For broader individuals, a wider lapel is suitable, while slimmer lapels better suit narrower frames. This proportionality is vital for a tuxedo's balanced appearance. A common mistake is choosing a lapel that is too narrow. A safe guideline is a width of 3.5 to 4 inches for a peak lapel and 3 to 3.5 inches for a shawl lapel.
Classic Elegance: Single vs. Double-Breasted Tuxedo Jackets
Single vs. Double-Breasted Jacket: The choice between a single-breasted and a double-breasted jacket is significant. The single-breasted jacket, with its classic, traditional, and conservative appeal, is a universally flattering choice. On the other hand, a double-breasted jacket, characterized by its overlapping fabric and two sets of buttons, offers a more formal appearance. The decision should be based on personal preference, style, and comfort. If you're unfamiliar with double-breasted jackets or hesitant, it's advisable to opt for a single-breasted jacket, especially on important occasions like your wedding day, where comfort and confidence are paramount.
The Only Pocket Style for Tuxedos: Jetted Pockets
When it comes to tuxedos, there is one acceptable pocket style: the jetted pocket. A jetted pocket features a clean line and a sleek appearance, contrasting with the more casual flat or patch pockets. The trim of the jetted pocket should match the lapel fabric, ensuring a cohesive and elegant look.
Buttoning Up Style: Tuxedo Button Details
The button configuration varies between tuxedo types. A single-breasted tuxedo typically features one button, while a double-breasted tuxedo with a peak lapel may have four or six buttons. For a shawl lapel, two or four buttons are common. The button facing, or the fabric surrounding the button, should match the lapel fabric. This detail contributes to the tuxedo's overall harmony and sophistication.
The Finer Points of Jacket Vents: No Vent, Single, or Double
Jacket Vent: The vent is the opening at the back bottom of the jacket. You have three options:
No Vent: The most traditional and old-school choice, offering a clean, uninterrupted line at the back of the jacket. Single Vent: A single slit in the center, fairly uncommon in tuxedo jackets and generally not recommended. Double Vent: Featuring openings on both sides, it's the most modern and updated option. If your style leans towards classic with a modern twist, a double vent is advisable.
Tailoring to Perfection: Pants Side Adjusters
Tuxedo pants should not have belt loops; instead, they feature side adjusters. These adjusters allow you to fine-tune the waist size for a perfect fit, maintaining the tuxedo's sleek and elegant look.
The Signature Stripe: Fabric Stripe on Tuxedo Pants
The classic tuxedo pant includes a fabric stripe down the side. This stripe should match the fabric of the lapel for a cohesive look. Pants without this feature do not qualify as true tuxedo pants.
Finishing Touches: Bottom Finishing of Tuxedo Pants
Tuxedo pants should always have a plain bottom. This clean finish aligns with the tuxedo's overall simplicity and elegance and is the most formal way to complete the pants.
Understanding and paying attention to these details ensures that your tuxedo is not only aesthetically pleasing but also consistent with formal wear standards. The right choices in these areas will result in a look that is both elegant and comfortable, allowing you to feel confident and stylish in any formal setting. Stay tuned for more insights into the individual components of a complete tuxedo look, and feel free to reach out with any questions regarding these details.
These styling details are essential in crafting a tuxedo that not only looks superb but also feels right. They contribute to the balance and elegance of the attire, ensuring that you look your best, whether at a black tie event, wedding, or any formal occasion. Making informed decisions about these elements will result in a tuxedo that perfectly encapsulates your personal style while adhering to classic formalwear conventions.
Elevate Your Formal Wear with Westwood Hart's Bespoke Tuxedos
At Westwood Hart, we specialize in crafting bespoke tuxedos that perfectly align with your personal style and the nuances of formal occasions. Our expert tailors are dedicated to creating attire that not only looks impeccable but also feels uniquely yours. Understanding the importance of details in tuxedo styling, we offer a range of customization options, from lapel styles and fabric choices to the perfect fit of your trousers.
Whether you're preparing for a wedding, a black tie event, or any formal occasion, our bespoke tuxedos ensure that you stand out with elegance and sophistication. With Westwood Hart, you’re not just choosing a tuxedo; you're embracing a legacy of craftsmanship and style. Visit us to experience the pinnacle of personalization in formal wear, where your vision and our expertise come together to create something truly exceptional.