Not many things, well, nothing actually, looks as good as a handsome man in a sleek tux. Take our friend Jake Gyllenhaal for example…although that’s really not fair because the man would still look good in a burlap sack. But back to THE suit that all men will wear at least once in their lifetime – the Tuxedo. It is not your standard suit, and it doesn’t help things that it comes in a variety of styles these days. But we’re just going to go over the standard, studly Tuxedo that no doubt, many brides want to see their grooms wearing on their big day! So what sets a Tuxedo apart from a suit? Three major things: wool fabric, lapels (notch or peak) that are different from the wool fabric and gorgeous buttons. While the traditional, traditional tuxes often include a pleated, crisp white shirt, a cummerbund and Opera slippers, these are not necessary today. Wear them if you’re a boss, but you’ll likely still look sleek without them.
NYTimes
I’m sorry gentleman to properly, properly, wear the Tuxedo, you must have pointed collars AND a bow tie. I know Tom Ford wears the occasional skinny tie, but there is no denying the designers best work include the bow tie. And no excuses about not knowing how to tie one, there are tutorials galore I myself will be happy to show you, as I grew up with a man who only wears bow ties. As for a double or single breasted coat, double. Go with a single breast and keep the buttons sharp and to a minimum (2 maximum). You’ll also look like a stud if you keep one buttoned and your hand in your pocket. Like Jake. Except for when you exchange rings…take your hands out then please.
Get your sleeves tailored appropriately. It’s nice to see a little white or the shirt poking out, like the diagram above says, about a quarter of an inch. Unlike a suit blazer, the Tuxedo jacket should be more form fitting and have slightly less wiggle room in the arms. Hence why you’ll probably need to take it off to bust a move on the dance floor. Pants should ALWAYS have a silk strip down the side. Period. Amen. There is to be NO cuff at your ankle – the trouser legs should fall and rest nicely on the spiffy shoe (that is patent leather folks, not dull leather). And there you have it. Take this picture of Jake to your nearest tailor and get fitted once, maybe even twice, to make sure you sport the tuxedo to the best of your ability on your big day!
