In men’s fashion, the black tie remains the most misunderstood. Majority of men think dressing the black tie is difficult and unpleasant affair for proms or weddings. Black tie is often worn for formal events or special occasions that it becomes a distinct uniform for some. This is the reason why a black tie is stunning. The suit you normally wear for business looks appropriate for mostly office wear only. But a tuxedo is intended for a particular occasion, this is what’s outstanding about it.
For men who may be having difficulty with the first black tie event they’re attending, understanding specific guidelines can help. Men who understand basic rules will no doubt look fine. However, there are rental stores providing tuxedos that do not follow the basics. Don’t give in. It’s better to stick with timeless formal wear to guarantee your elegance in black-and-white.
Men’s Dinner Jacket
Men’s dinner jacket is not a suit coat. The standard style is a single-breasted jacket which should not have any vents for formal events. The simple shawl lapel is the traditional black tie option which has a ribbon around the back of the neck. The peak lapels, which have upward points, are acceptable by most men for additional style. However, it’s important to remember that black tie exudes a subtle elegance and shawl collar is always the better option. The notched lapels are usually what manufacturers offer, however they are generally regarded as unacceptable for formal wear and must be avoided.
The dinner jackets are usually black with grosgrain or satin at the front lapels. A midnight blue color is also acceptable yet the peaked lapel is not a common choice. White jackets are also considered as a style for formal wear yet they have different rules and must not be mistaken as appropriate to wear for black tie events.
Formal Trousers for Men
Formal wear should always be matched. The pants must always be made from the same cloth as the jacket, and the cloth on the seams must match the facings of the lapel. A single braid is a classic adornment of the seam, however a subtle and slim band of cloth is just as acceptable and more traditional today. There should be no cuffs, as they might go against the decoration of the seam.
The formal trousers should be worn with a covering of the waist, which is either a cummerbund or waistcoat, and thus should be worn with suspenders. A formal belt is unheard of and anyone who says differently and tries to sell you something is unnecessary. This allows the trousers to sit high on the natural waist, which is near your bellybutton and just above the hips. The formal trousers have fronts that are pleated and this should be a much better choice.
Formal Waistcoats for Men
Men’s formal waistcoats are not the same style vests compared with a 3-piece suit’s third piece, yet they are referred to by the same name. They are buttoned low at the torso thus exposing the shirt’s front. Majority of waistcoats for black tie have their own lapels or tailored with the similar fabric as the lapels of the jacket. Waistcoats can also be made backless with a fastening at the back with a buckled strap rather than front buttons. However, this vest style is no less or more formal than styles with working buttons. It’s merely a design to maximize comfort and lessen the amount of cloth used.
The Formal Wear Cummerbunds
Another option for the waistcoats, the cummerbunds were first considered as casual style appropriate for outdoor wear and for summer. Today, a cummerbund in black is referred to as a perfect alternative to waistcoats and more popular option at most stores including rental. The cummerbund’s pleats are facing upwards, so visualize them as small pockets, which was their original function anyway. Men had a habit of tucking tickets into the folds, and sometimes still do. There are cummerbunds with hidden pockets on the backside, however the pleats must still be facing upward.
Dress Shirts for Black Tie
The black tie’s dress shirt should always be white; there is no alternative. Its collar should be turndown, with hidden collar points behind the bow tie. However, in America particularly, the modern black tie’s dress shirt in pointed wing collar has been accepted. The wing collar may be regarded by traditionalists as vulgar and inappropriate for black tie, yet it is widely available. Dress shirts that are quality made have a doubled-over fabric that looks like a “bib” at the shirt’s front. It is commonly adorned with narrow pleats. The dress shirt is fastened with studs instead of buttons. The studs must match the cufflinks with exclusive colors namely, black, gold, or mother of pearl. The most common of which is black.
The Black Bow Tie
The black bow tie has a different style all its own. Clip-on or pre-tied is unacceptable. A bow tie should have a fixed length to your neck and adjustable to other models. To make sure the tie is well proportioned to your face, make sure that the ends of the bow fall between the outer corners of your eyes and the edge of your face. Anything less can make your head look big. The bow tie’s material must be a match to the lapel facings of the jacket. The sheen on the bow ties combined with the softness of the front lapels can attract attention to the uniformity of the attire.
Black Tie’s Dress Shoes
If you’re planning on wearing black tie on a regular basis, you should carefully choose formal footwear most appropriate for it such as patent leather pumps with a black bow at the front. This classic footwear may seem girlish for modern dressers, but the goal of black tie is to give the attire a distinction to the event in a classic form. Men’s formal leather pumps are only appropriate to wear indoors. It evokes luxury and elegance and remains exclusive to formal style. A pair of dress shoes only for a black tie event can seem like a luxury for men. The standards for modern black tie enable any dress shoes in formal style and the ideal would be plain-toe oxfords. You can still use regular dress shoes in black leather so long as they are polished properly. However, small scrapings can easily indicate that the leather facing may not be real.
Last Details of the Black Tie
A black tie should have a pocket square, this is imperative. The pocket square should be white linen folded according to your preference. There are gentlemen who prefer irregular shapes apart from the standard shapes. The most traditional folds are the ones acceptable so avoid pocket squares that are pre-made with permanent folds which can easily be spotted by trained eyes. In addition, a clip-on bow tie is also considered a mistake for beginners.
The Boutonnieres
The boutonniere is characterized as a small flower inserted in the left lapel’s buttonhole. It is merely a formal wear option depending on the occasion. Few flowers are accepted as real boutonnieres and not all the florists understand the limitations of the classic formal dress or able to cut the flowers to fit the buttonhole precisely. If you believe in your florist and thinks that the occasion is casually acceptable to ensure a bit of color among all guests, a dainty flower is a nice accessory to include in a black tie event.
Formal Dress Outerwear
During winter, you will need an overcoat for all your black tie occasions. The coat must be dark or very dark color such as black or midnight blue and must not be made artificially such as nylon or the waterproof Gore-Tex material. Most men add an opera scarf, or a white tasseled scarf, to the jacket along with dark suede gloves such as black or dark grey. A simple black hat is also appropriate with usual options such as homburgs or fedoras. Hats that are inappropriate for formal wear include stocking caps, while top hats are better worn with tailcoats or white tie.
The Significance of Having the Right Fit in Menswear
Contrary to what people believe, men's clothing must be comfortable all the time.
Proportion Matters in Men’s Classic Tailored Clothing
The gentleman who is careful about clothing and style should also be in control of what looks good on him and his body’s proportions.
Tips in Wearing the Navy Blazer
It’s no secret that the navy blue blazer is a versatile garment that every man should own.
Suits 101: Basic Guide for Men
The pinnacle in men’s fashion is defined by one glorious perfectly fitting custom suit.
A Closer Look at Men’s Suit Jacket
In understanding the basics of men’s suits, it helps to take a detailed look at the suit jacket.
After introducing the basics of the suit jacket, the next logical step is to discuss important details of the suit jacket in its finished form.
Adding patterns in your wardrobe will give your suits a much needed variety and flare on an otherwise simple collection.
Picking out fabrics is one of the most crucial aspects in customizing your suit.
Getting to Know the Double-Breasted Suit Jacket
The jacket’s collar and lapels are its 2 distinguishing features to be recognized as such.
Wearing the 2-piece Vested Suit
The unique appeal of a three-piece suit lends a stylish touch to any man’s suit collection. Individuality and your style can stand out in a crowd by including a vest or waistcoat.
Of all the details in a man’s suit, color is the first thing you notice. You never get another chance for a first impression, therefore choosing the right color for your suit should be taken seriously.
A Closer Look at Men’s Charcoal Grey Suit
Charcoal grey suit is the most popular choice of color for men’s suits in retail. This color has become the universal color in business.
The formality of business wear relies on 2 classic suit colors – charcoal grey and navy blue.
The black suit in wool is an important addition to men’s fashion. Its formality is unquestioned in most events albeit a bit somber with its dark color.
Light Colored Suits in Tan, Khaki & Taupe
Fashion designers usually refer different terms for just one color or vice versa. This section defines light colors for men’s suits.
Light Grey: A Classic Suit Color for Men
Men’s suits are made predominantly in dark colors. While it is common knowledge that dark suits are formal and paired easily with various shirt colors and ties.
Importance of Wearing the Sport Coat
With the flexibility in the office dress code, fewer men now wear a suit and tie to work, yet appearances still matter as people are quick to judge someone by their choice of clothing in the office.
For those times when you wish to wear something stylish to a social gathering without looking too stuffy in a suit, a sport coat can provide you both style and comfort.
The Difference between a Sports Jacket and Suit Jacket
There is a general confusion on what a sport jacket is and how different it is from a suit jacket. It was a confusion that spanned for more than fifty years.
Tips in Wearing the Navy Blazer
It’s no secret that the navy blue blazer is a versatile garment that every man should own.
Basic Guide to Understanding Trousers
Men’s trousers are often misunderstood for many terms associated with it but mainly because finding one that’s a perfect fit is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Wearing Timeless Grey Flannels with a Sport Coat or Blazer
Trousers are not the main focus of a gentleman’s outfit, instead it should briefly grab attention towards your jacket or shoes.
Men’s Basic Guide in Wearing Vests and Waistcoats
The origins of men’s vests and waistcoats started as a piece of men’s functional outerwear.
Getting to Know the Dress Shirt
The characteristics of the dress shirt rely primarily on 3 things: front buttons, collar, and long sleeves.
In-Depth Look at Custom Shirts
There are several details that go through before completing men’s dress shirt and taking notice of this can provide greater results. This section provides the dress shirt’s construction and design.
Men’s Guide to Dress Shirt Cuffs
Men’s dress shirt cuffs may be an essential part of the wardrobe, apart from the collar. The shirt cuffs are the most exposed parts when a coat is worn.
Shirt collars can be made available in various colors, styles, and sizes. However, there is always one common goal when custom fitting shirt collars – that is to frame the wearer’s face.
Men’s Basic Guide to Shirt Fabrics
Shirt fabrics for tailoring come in a variety of colors and textures. The most popular shirt fabric is cotton and fabrics are mostly named according to its weave method.
Understanding Men’s Seasonal Dress Shirts
A man’s basic features may be the prevailing factors in what colors look good on a man, however, they are not the be-all and end-all in what every stylish man should understand.
Understanding Choice of Color and Contrast in Men’s Dress Shirts
Color is the first thing anyone sees when it comes to a man’s dress shirt. In a roomful of men clad in suits, the color of your shirt may be the one to get you the attention you need or one you can simply wear to blend in.
Discovering the Perfect Tie for Men
A man’s tie plays an essential part in completing his suit, and discovering the perfect one to match can be challenging.
3 Factors in Choosing Men’s Ties
If you’re wearing a suit, the necktie can provide more flare to your outfit. Suits are usually made in classic colors such as black, grey, navy and dress shirts are made usually in white and blue, a man’s neckwear can emphasize the suit’s color and pattern.
Matching Tie Knot with Shirt Collar
There is a certain technique in selecting the tie knot that works for your attire. What you need to do is simply coordinate the tie knot and the shape of the shirt’s collar.
Matching Men’s Ties with Colors and Patterns of Dress Shirts
One of the difficult things a man may face when coordinating his outfit is matching his tie with the rest of his wardrobe.
With the numerous options for men’s accessories, the pocket square or handkerchief on the breast pocket of the jacket remains a mystery few have ever deciphered.
The Art of Folding Men’s Pocket Square
Men’s pocket square is considered an art itself that takes a while to master.
The Variety of Pocket Squares in Colors & Patterns
Men’s pocket squares are made in colorful designs and patterns that are acceptable to a variety of suits.
Things to Consider in Wearing Men’s Jewelry
Wearing appropriate men’s jewelry with a suit can make you appear from someone decent to someone dazzling.
Not a lot of men wear suspenders nowadays, however the leather belt is both an essential and practical item of clothing.
Men naturally grab for something to keep them warm when the temperature drops. The favored clothing for a tailored man during this time is the overcoat which is usually a knee-length jacket made in a heavy fabric.
The Importance of Men’s Dress Shoes
If you want to be sure of a man’s style, all you need to do is look at his shoes. Taking care of one’s body is just as important as dressing your feet in well-fitting dress shoes.
Dress shoes for men are made in various styles and each one has its purpose.
Groom’s Dressing: Wedding Guide for Men
Your wedding day is the most important day of your life, so it should be fitting to be well-dressed as well.
Dressing Up for Graduate School Interviews
An interview in graduate school is not the same as interviewing for a regular job post.
Dressing for Law School & Legal Job Interview
This section discusses on how to dress properly for an interview in law school.
Dressing Sharply for the Medical Interview
Various companies differ in their dress codes and can often have different levels of formality as well depending on the circumstances as even surgeons don’t wear their sterile scrub suits.
Dressing Professionally for the Engineering Job Interview
Engineering is a broad term to connote that it is applicable to various jobs from digging holes to computerized processes.
Black Tie Dressing: The Proper Way to Wear the Tuxedo
In men’s fashion, the black tie remains the most misunderstood.
The Importance of Purchasing Custom Menswear Online
Shopping online today has become more accessible with flexible return policies and affordable shipping costs.
The Difference Between Fused Suits & Canvassed Suits
Every stylish man should wear a custom suit and we believe that all men will need tailored suits for formal wear such as weddings or interviews or as anywhere life demands us.