Cheers Gentleman,
In the previous article, We explored the history and the reason behind the name of the Tuxedo. Hence in this article, we will be going to know about the anatomy of the Tuxedo / Dinner Suit, and the etiquette of the Tuxedo / Dinner suit.
A classic Tuxedo has always been in black and single-breasted jacket with silk, satin, or grosgrain facing peak lapels, no rear vents, and with only one closing button which allows the front to be cut in a deep "V" shape that mimics the ideal male torso. Because the single-breasted model is often worn unbuttoned, it requires the trousers' exposed waistband to be covered by a cummerbund or waistcoat. Since the 1930s the double-breasted jacket was also accepted as an informal alternative to the single-breasted jacket and is now considered equally correct.
Fabrics
Worsted Wool, and Rayon
Colour
Black / Midnight Navy Blue
The Jacket
Lapels
Peak Lapel / Shawl Lapel
The most distinguishing aspect of a Tuxedo jacket, the lapels are never the same fabric as the rest of the garment. instead of they have a satin or grosgrain facing and are almost always black.
Buttons
The Tuxedo buttons are unique as well, usually covered in the same satin or grosgrain as the lapels
Vents
The Tuxedo is limited to one vent. And that's at the most. In fact, many Tuxedos come with no vents in a traditional way.
Pockets
Tuxedos pockets are always coming with jetted pockets.
The Vest / Cummerbund
The vest or Cummerbund began as a way to keep your torso covered in front of others, upping the formality. The vest can be single or double-breasted or if you decided to wear a cummerbund, make sure the material of your cummerbund matches with your jacket lapel facing and also that the folds should face upwards.
The Trousers
The distinguish between regular suit trousers and Tuxedo trousers are racing stripes down the side of the leg, This striping is typically one of two materials: Satin or grosgrain. And do not have belt loops, it's important that the trousers are impeccably fitted, of you invest in pair of suspenders.
The Shirt
The Tuxedo shirt can be made from a crisp thin poplin or a textured material like a diamond weave if your want to add a bit of flair. Also, the Tuxedo shirt can have three styles: plain, pique bib, and pleated bib front, the most formal shirt collar option is a turn-down collar (pointed or spread collar) Shirt with a french cuff. Therefore, proper Tuxedo etiquette dictates that it is really the only shirt option that should be considered when wearing a Tuxedo.
Accessories
The primary accessories for a Tuxedo are the studs, cuff links, bow tie, pocket square, shoes, and socks.
Studs
The first rule of formal wear when it comes to shirts is that buttons should never be seen. In light of this rule, you'll find there are two main options for the front closure of the shirt. Traditional Tuxedo shirt replaces the top four (or five) buttons on the shirt front with buttonholes on both sides of the shirt. The shirt is secured using studs instead of buttons, As an alternative to wearing Tuxedo studs, you can wear a shirt with a covered placket.
Cuff links
The Tuxedo shirt should always have a French cuff, therefore cuff links are inevitable, regardless of your selection, your studs should complement your cuff links.
Bow tie
Your bow tie should be black or midnight blue, and, ideally, match the material used on your jacket lapel facing.
Pocket Square
Keep your pocket square simple. Opt for white or cream-coloured silk, cotton, or linen piece. In terms of the fold, go for a clean and simple square fold (presidential pocket square fold).
Shoes and Socks
The shoe style of choice for Tuxedo is a black patent leather oxfords, black plain toe oxfords, or even opera pumps, velvet slip-on, and socks should be black silk socks, over the calf.
