Whether for a wedding, black-tie event, or another formal affair, understanding the difference between a suit and a tuxedo is key to making sure you look your best. While these two types of clothing may seem similar at first glance, there are distinctive details that set them apart from one another.
Construction & Fabric.
The construction and fabric of a suit and tuxedo can help you distinguish between the two. A traditional suit is usually made from wool or a wool blend and either ventilated or single-breasted for comfort. On the other hand, a tuxedo is made from more luxurious materials such as silk or velvet. It is also typically double-breasted with lapels that face the same direction.
It is also important to note the difference in color between suits and tuxedos. Suits are often seen in neutral colors such as black, navy, gray, and brown, while a traditional tuxedo is marked by its stark contrast of black and white. The formal evening wear may be accessorized with a bowtie and cummerbund for a touch of sophistication. Thus when trying to determine the difference between suit and tux, you need to consider their distinct construction, fabric and colors.
A suit is typically paired with a pointed spread or pointed tip collar shirt. It also has a tie, which should match its color and pattern. Conversely, a tuxedo requires a pleated shirt with a soft semi-spread collar, which emphasize the contrast between the lapels of the jacket. A slim cummerbund or bowtie should be worn to complete the look.
Collar & Shirt Style.
A suit is typically paired with a pointed spread or pointed tip collar shirt. It also has a tie, which should match its color and pattern. Conversely, a tuxedo requires a pleated shirt with a soft semi-spread collar, which emphasize the contrast between the lapels of the jacket. A slim cummerbund or bowtie should be worn to complete the look.
The material and construction of suits are usually more relaxed than that of a tux, which is designed to hold its shape. In terms of cut, tailor-made suits tend to have a less structured look than tuxedos, which have a stiffer outline. Additionally, the lapels on tuxedo jackets are satin - either shawl or peak - and most often in black. By comparison, suit lapels can vary in color and style such as notch lapel or shawl lapel. Furthermore, buttons on tuxedo jackets are covered with satin for a more formal look. Suit jacket buttons may be covered with silk or just be normal plastic buttons.
A tuxedo typically has precise flap lapels of satin material and a two-button single-breasted design. The suit lapels can be peak, shawl, or notch - typically of the same fabric as the rest of the suit. Suits usually have multiple buttons, ranging from two to four on average. The last button should always remain unbuttoned for breathing comfort.
Lapels & Buttons.
A tuxedo typically has precise flap lapels of satin material and a two-button single-breasted design. The suit lapels can be peak, shawl, or notch - typically of the same fabric as the rest of the suit. Suits usually have multiple buttons, ranging from two to four on average. The last button should always remain unbuttoned for breathing comfort.
Other than the lapels and buttons, two distinguishing factors of tuxedos are their black or midnight blue color and their trousers' distinctive satin stripe. While suits can be made in many fabrics and colors, including white, a tuxedo is worn only for formal events. A required component of any tux is a bow tie, while a suit can be worn with either a bow tie or standard necktie. Although suits are still considered an appropriate garment to wear in smart casual settings where less formal attire is suitable, tuxedos should always save for ultra-formal occasions like dinners, red carpet events, and more.
Pocket style and vents are an important distinguishing feature of suits and tuxedos. Suits usually have either jetted or flap pockets, which are sometimes called besom pockets. On the other hand, tuxedos typically feature a single jetted pocket but may also use one slanted flap pocket known as a hacking pocket. Both suit and tuxedo jackets can come with either side vents or no vents.
Pocket Style & Vents.
Pocket style and vents are an important distinguishing feature of suits and tuxedos. Suits usually have either jetted or flap pockets, which are sometimes called besom pockets. On the other hand, tuxedos typically feature a single jetted pocket but may also use one slanted flap pocket known as a hacking pocket. Both suit and tuxedo jackets can come with either side vents or no vents.
The style of pockets and vents has changed over time. In the 19th century, suits almost always featured flaps or flap pockets while tuxedos had either slanted hacking pockets or no pockets at all. Similarly, tuxes were nearly always single-vented with side vents being very rare until the 20th century when they began to become more stylishly accepted. Nowadays, no matter what type of suit or tuxedo you wear they can be found in both styles. While pocket style and vents alone don’t determine whether you are wearing a tux or a suit, understanding them can help you make the right choice for any event.
The trousers of a suit tend to be more businesslike, usually crafted from the same fabric as the jacket and fitted with a pleat. A tuxedo pairs well with pleated trousers, often in a separate fabric—typically wool or cotton/poly blend. To pair with your suit or tuxedo, consider investing in cufflinks and a pocket square. Or switch it up with accessories like suspenders or coordinating vests. Showcase your personal style by accessorizing with a colorful pocket square and bow tie to go along with your sleek two-piece ensemble.
Trouser Style, Color, and Accessories.
The trousers of a suit tend to be more businesslike, usually crafted from the same fabric as the jacket and fitted with a pleat. A tuxedo pairs well with pleated trousers, often in a separate fabric—typically wool or cotton/poly blend. To pair with your suit or tuxedo, consider investing in cufflinks and a pocket square. Or switch it up with accessories like suspenders or coordinating vests. Showcase your personal style by accessorizing with a colorful pocket square and bow tie to go along with your sleek two-piece ensemble.
Comparing suit and tuxedo style, the most obvious point of distinction is color and fabric. Suits come in an array of colors, including navy, gray or black and can be crafted from wool or cotton/poly blend. Although classic black remains a favorite for formal dress, tuxedo options are generally limited to one true standard: midnight navy blue. The soft midnight shade -- a barely-there blend of dark blue and black --makes it easier to style as you please. To add even more visual appeal to your getup, consider experimenting with different tones of blues and fabrics like velvet or corduroy if you’re wearing a suit or opting for fun shirts and accessories like patterned scarves or colorful ties if you’re pairing your look with a tux.
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