What Is a Tuxedo?

A tuxedo is an evening suit associated with black tie. Its traditional features include contrasting facings on the jacket and formal trousers, worn as part of an outfit with a white evening shirt, black bow tie and formal shoes. In Britain, “dinner suit” and “dinner jacket” are familiar terms; “tuxedo” is widely used too.

Tuxedo, dinner jacket or suit?

A dinner jacket is the jacket itself; dinner suit usually means the jacket and formal trousers. Tuxedo can refer to the suit or the wider outfit, depending on context. A dinner jacket does not have to be coloured, and a tuxedo is not defined by being entirely black. Read tuxedo vs dinner jacket for the terminology.

A conventional suit generally uses the same cloth on the lapels as on the jacket body. Traditional tuxedo styling introduces satin or silk facings and formal trouser details. Modern evening tailoring can vary these features, so check the actual garment specification. Our tuxedo vs suit guide compares the occasions and details.

The main parts of the outfit

• Jacket: black or midnight blue is the traditional starting point. White and coloured velvet jackets offer other eveningwear interpretations.
• Trousers: formal trousers traditionally have a side braid or stripe. The colour and construction depend on the outfit; check the individual product.
• Shirt: a white evening shirt, with its collar, front and cuffs chosen to work with the accessories.
• Bow tie: black is the established choice for traditional black tie.
• Waist covering: a cummerbund or suitable evening waistcoat can cover the waistband with a single-breasted jacket. A fastened double-breasted front generally needs neither.
• Shoes: polished formal shoes complete the outfit.

What are peak, notch and shawl lapels?

Peak lapels point upwards towards the shoulders. Notch lapels have a stepped opening at the collar join. Shawl lapels form a continuous rounded roll. Peak and shawl are established eveningwear choices; notch gives a more suit-like interpretation. Shape, width and satin placement are separate decisions. Compare them in our lapel guide.

Single or double breasted?

Single-breasted jackets have a narrower overlap and one column of buttons. Double-breasted jackets have a wider overlap and two columns. Either can form an evening outfit; fit and proportions matter more than a rule about body type. See the single vs double-breasted comparison or explore double-breasted tuxedos.

When do you wear a tuxedo?

Black tie is traditionally an evening dress code, commonly requested for formal weddings, dinners and galas. Follow the invitation rather than assuming a venue or occasion always requires it. Opera and theatre performances, for example, do not automatically mean black tie. Ask the host when wording such as “formal” is unclear.

For women, a tuxedo is a contemporary option at many formal events, but a strict invitation may have more traditional expectations. Our women’s black-tie guide explains how to plan the outfit and check the dress code.

What does a Luxedo tuxedo include?

Luxedo’s two-piece suits include a jacket and trousers. Optional waistcoats and accessories are separately listed and priced on the product form. Shirts, shoes and other styling items in photographs are not automatically included. Check the product and final basket before ordering.

Made-to-Order uses standard sizes; Made-to-Measure uses the body measurements requested by the form. Both offer the styling controls shown on the individual product, while double-breasted styling is offered on Made-to-Measure suits.

Read how ordering works, explore men’s tuxedos or explore women’s tuxedos.