What Type of Tuxedo Shirt is in Style
As the world of fashion evolves, so does the style of tuxedo shirts. It's a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest trends to ensure that you look your best.
Keeping up with the latest trends may give you an edge at your next formal event. Not only will you look sharp, but you'll also be comfortable in your clothing.
This guide is going to be discussing a lot about the tuxedo shirt style, from its comparison with the other types of shirts, and color combination, to the fabric and occasion it is suitable for. After reading this, you should have a better idea of what's "in" and what you can do to update your look from last season.
Tuxedo Shirt vs Dress Shirt - The Main Difference
Let's first start off by discussing the main difference between a tuxedo shirt and a dress shirt.
You may wonder, why do I need a specific shirt for a tuxedo when I can just wear a dress shirt?
The answer is, of course, you could technically get away with wearing a dress shirt under your tuxedo jacket However, there are a few key characteristics that set tuxedo shirts apart from dress shirts and make them the better choice for formal wear.
The most noticeable difference is the classic look of the tuxedo shirt. Tuxedo shirts have a clean, crisp, and dramatic appearance that is always in style. They are also designed to be worn with a cummerbund or waistcoat, which gives them a more polished look.
Another important distinction is the fit. Tuxedo shirts are designed to be more fitted than dress shirts. This ensures that they look neat and tidy under your tuxedo jacket.
White vs Black - What Color Should a Tuxedo Shirt be?
The most common colors for a tuxedo shirt are white and black.
White is the traditional choice and looks great with any color tuxedo or suit. Black is a more modern choice and can add a touch of sophistication to your look.
If you're unsure which color to choose, it's always safe to go with white. You can't go wrong with a classic white tuxedo shirt.
Wing-Tip Collar Shirt vs Turn-Down Collar Shirt - What Collar Style Goes Best with a Tuxedo?
Now, what about the collar?
The two most popular choices for a tuxedo shirt are the wing-tip collar and the turn-down collar.
Turn-down collar shirts are the most popular form of neckwear, although both wing-tip and turn-down collar shirts are quite common.
According to strict formal guidelines, the only time you'll need a wing-tip collared shirt is when wearing a tailcoat. Pairing your tuxedo with a white turn-down collared shirt for your finest overall effect.
Different Tuxedo Shirt Front Styles to Pick from
1. Plain Front Tuxedo Shirt
The plain front tuxedo shirt is the least formal of the three styles and is typically worn with a French placket and French cuffs. You can wear this shirt style with or without French cuffs. This shirt style is simple and clean with a slim lapel, making it a good choice for those who want a sleek look.
2. Pleated Front Tuxedo Shirts
Pleated front tuxedo shirts are slightly more formal than plain front shirts and are typically worn with a bow tie. The pleats on the front of the shirt add some visual interest while the overall look is still smooth and tailored. A tuxedo shirt with pleats uses studs instead of buttons.
3. Pique Bib Tuxedo Shirt
The most formal of the three shirt styles is the pique bib tuxedo shirt, which is typically reserved for white tie events. The bib front of this shirt is made of a pique fabric, giving it a textured look. If you're looking for a smooth, sleek appearance, this is the shirt style for you. With the pique bib, you will need to use French cuffs and studs rather than buttons.
Some Cuff Design Options for a Tuxedo Shirt
Since we're on the topic of shirt collars, let's move on to cuffs.
There are several types of cuffs that you can choose from for your tuxedo shirt. The most common are:
1. One Button Barrel Cuff
A standard dress shirt cuff with one button barrel is a failsafe choice - it's both classic and understated. Plus, this fused cuff will always look crisp and measures 2.375 inches.
2. Long One Button Barrel Cuff
This one-button barrel cuff is slightly longer than the average standard length, and it has a more proportionally balanced look for guys with long arms (34″ or more). This cuff is fused to maintain a crisp appearance and measures 2.875″.
3. One Button Mitered Cuff
Unlike the one-button barrel cuff, the mitered cuff has an angled edge that creates a more dramatic look - perfect for making a statement. This cuff is also fused for a crisp appearance and measures 2.625."
4. Two Button Rounded Cuff
The two-button rounded cuff is more dressy than a one-button cuff but not as formal as a two-button mitered cuff. This fused cuff will keep its crisp appearance and is 2.875″ long. And it's the ideal choice for men with larger wrists.
5. Two Button Mitered Cuff
The two-button mitered cuff is a popular, more elegant choice for dress shirts than the standard barrel cuff. The placement of the buttons also makes this an ideal cuff to wear with watches. This fused cuff maintains a crisp appearance and measures 2.875″ long.
6. French Cuff
Who says tuxedo shirts have to be boring? The French cuff is a great way to add a little personality to your look. This cuff is made with a separate cuff band that is folded over and secured with cuff links. The band can be made from the same fabric as the shirt or from a contrasting fabric. This cuff measures 2.875 inches long when folded back.
7. Rounded French Cuff
The rounded French cuff is essentially the same as a regular French cuff, except for the fact that it has a rounded corner on the back edge near the wrist. It is just as formal--merely a different style. To wear this type of cuff, you will need to use cufflinks. Additionally, this particular cuff is fused to give off a crisp and neat appearance. Once folded back, it measures 2.875″ long*.
8. Convertible Square Cuff
Let's say you want the look of a French cuff without the hassle of having to find cufflinks. The convertible square cuff is for you. This type of cuff can be worn either with or without cufflinks. When worn with cufflinks, the cuff looks just like a French cuff. When worn without cufflinks, the cuff looks like a standard barrel cuff. This fused cuff is 2.5″ long when folded over and 3.25″ long when worn unfolded.
9. Soft One Button Cuff
This cuff is the same shape as our one-button barrel but without the stiff fusing. It is soft, comfortable, and a good match for casual-style shirts. Without the fusing, it shows personality and a bit of puckering—the cuff measures 2.375″ long.
10. Soft Long One Button Cuff
Yet again, we have a soft cuff, but this time it is longer to complement those with long arms (34″ or more). The cuff measures 2.875 inches long.
11. Soft Square Two-Button Cuff
The soft square two-button cuff is slightly larger and more interesting than a regular cuff. It's unfused, so it bends and conforms to the wrist much easier and feels more relaxed in general. The cuff measures 3.125" long.
12. Soft French Cuff
This more relaxed take on the classic square french cuff is perfect for those who want a laid-back look. The soft, unfused interlining provides just the right amount of giving to make this shirt comfortable and easy to wear all day long. This cuff measures 2.875 inches long when folded in half.
Note: Please note that dimensions may vary slightly
What is the Most Suitable Fabric for a Tuxedo Shirt?
There are a few different types of fabrics that can be used for a tuxedo shirt, but the most common and suitable fabrics are cotton, polyester, and linen. Cotton is the most popular choice because it is comfortable, durable, and easy to care for. Polyester is also a popular choice because it is wrinkle-resistant and easy to care for. Linen is a less popular choice because it is not as durable as cotton or polyester, and it wrinkles easily.
The Most Common Tuxedo Accessories
So you've chosen a tuxedo for your upcoming black-tie event. But there's more to dressing for a formal occasion than just throwing on a tux. To really look your best, you're going to need to accessorize. Here are some of the most common tuxedo accessories and how to wear them.
1. Bowtie
A bowtie is perhaps the most iconic tuxedo accessory. And while they're not terribly difficult to tie, they can be a bit fiddly. If you're not confident in your ability to tie a bowtie, go with a pre-tied option.
As for style, stick with either a traditional black bowtie or a white one. You can also go with a colored bowtie if you want to add a touch of personality to your outfit—just make sure it coordinates with the rest of your ensemble.
2. Studs
Studs are small, ornamental buttons that fasten the front of your shirt. They come in pairs, and each should be worn in the buttonhole on either side of your collarbone. If your shirt doesn't have buttonholes, you can simply wear the studs in the corresponding holes where the buttons would normally go. In terms of style, either round or diamond-shaped studs are best. Also, ensure they coordinate with your cufflinks (which will be discussed in more detail momentarily).
3. Cufflinks
Cufflinks are an extra ornamental detail that polishes off the look of your dress shirt. They come in pairs and are meant to be worn through the buttonholes on either side of each cuff. Like studs, cufflinks come in a variety of styles, so feel free to experiment until you find a pair that you like.
Just remember to avoid anything too flashy or gaudy—after all, less is more when it comes to formalwear accessories.
4. Vest or Cummerbund
A vest or cummerbund is worn around the waist and helps cover up the gap between your shirt and pants—providing a cleaner, more polished look. Vests come in different styles and colors, so you can definitely have some fun with this one.
Just make sure the color coordinates with the rest of your outfit—black is always a safe bet—and that the bottom of the vest hits at about mid-thigh (any shorter, and it will look more like a cropped top).
As for cummerbunds, they should always be worn with the pleats facing up. And again, make sure the color coordinates with your ensemble—red is traditionally considered bad luck when it comes to formalwear.
5. Pocket Square
A pocket square is folded piece of fabric—usually silk—that's placed in the breast pocket of your jacket. It's primarily used as decoration, but it can also serve as a handy handkerchief if you happen to get something caught in your throat during your big speech (not that we're wishing ill on you, of course).
When folding your pocket square, there are literally dozens of ways to do it—so feel free to experiment until you find a fold that you like. Just remember that pocket squares should never match exactly with either your cummerbund or your tie—a coordinating color is fine, but an exact match is considered tacky.
3 Best Tuxedo Shirts
1. White Pique Cotton French Cuff Laydown Tuxedo Shirt
A tuxedo is not a tuxedo without a crisp, clean shirt. And not just any shirt will do. You need a shirt that fits well and looks good. A shirt that says, "I'm here to party." A shirt that screams, "I means business." That's where the White Pique Cotton French Cuff Laydown Tuxedo Shirt comes in. This is the best tuxedo shirt money can buy. Here's why:
The White Pique Cotton French Cuff Laydown Tuxedo Shirt is made from 100% cotton. This means that it's not only comfortable to wear, but it's also durable. You can wear this shirt repeatedly, and it will still look as good as new. The cotton fabric is also breathable, so you'll stay cool and comfortable all night long.
This shirt is designed to be worn with a tuxedo. We know that wearing a tuxedo can be a little bit daunting, but with this shirt, you'll look like a pro. The white color is classic and timeless. It will never go out of style. And the laydown collar gives the shirt a touch of whimsy.
The French cuff really sets this shirt apart from the competition. The cufflinked sleeves add an air of sophistication and refinement. You'll be sure to turn heads when you walk into the room wearing this shirt.
2. White Cotton French Cuff Wing Tip Tuxedo Shirt
The tuxedo shirt is a timeless essential that every well-dressed man should have in his wardrobe. Whether you're attending a black-tie event or just wanting to elevate your style, a tuxedo shirt is the way to go. Our White Cotton French Cuff Wing Tip Tuxedo Shirt is made from the highest quality materials and construction, so you can be sure it will stand the test of time.
One of the great things about a tuxedo shirt is its versatility. You can wear it with a tuxedo for a traditional look, or you can pair it with a blazer and jeans for a more modern outfit. either way, you'll look sharp and put-together. Here are some tips on how to wear our White Cotton French Cuff Wing.
If you want to use the shirt to dress up a pair of jeans, try pairing it with a sport coat or blazer. This look is more casual but still refined and polished.
Tuck the shirt into your trousers for a clean, streamlined look. If you're wearing the shirt with jeans, make sure they're well-fitting and not too baggy.
Make sure your shoes are shining! Whether you're wearing dress shoes or sneakers, clean shoes are essential for pulling off any outfit.
3. Trim Fit French Cuff Tuxedo Shirt
A tuxedo shirt is a staple in any man's wardrobe, and this Trim Fit French Cuff Tuxedo Shirt is one of the best.
This shirt has a slim fit that flatters any body type. The trim fit is achieved with a tailored silhouette and higher armholes. The 100% cotton fabric is also wrinkle-resistant, so you'll always look sharp.
One of the most distinguishing features of this shirt are the French cuffs. French cuffs add an air of sophistication and refinement. They're also easy to fasten - simply fold back the cuff, insert the cufflink of your choice, and voila!
This shirt has a broad-spread collar that looks great with or without a tie. If you do choose to wear a tie, the removable collar stays will ensure that your collar stays in place all day long.
Conclusion
When choosing a tuxedo shirt for your next event, be sure to consider the formality of the occasion as well as your personal style preferences. For a less formal look, go with a plain-front shirt. If you're aiming for something in between, go with a pleated front shirt.
And for the most formal occasions, choose a pique bib tuxedo shirt. With so many options to choose from at Flexsuits, you're sure to find the perfect shirt to match your tuxedo and make a lasting impression.