Men's black tuxedos have been a staple of formalwear for over a century. These classic garments are synonymous with elegance and sophistication, and are often the go-to choice for formal occasions such as weddings, black-tie events, and galas.
In this article, we will explore the history of the black tuxedo, its various styles and components, how to properly wear and accessorize it, and some tips on where to buy a quality black tuxedo.
The History of the Black Tuxedo
The tuxedo, as we know it today, originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It was first introduced in the fashionable resort area of Tuxedo Park, New York, where wealthy socialites gathered for leisure activities such as horseback riding and tennis. At the time, men's formalwear consisted of tailcoats and waistcoats, which were uncomfortable and impractical for outdoor activities.
One of the residents of Tuxedo Park, a wealthy businessman named James Brown Potter, decided to commission a tailor to create a new type of jacket that would be more suitable for outdoor activities. The result was a shorter jacket with a shawl collar made of black wool, which became known as the tuxedo.
The tuxedo quickly gained popularity among the wealthy elite, and was eventually adopted as a formal alternative to the tailcoat. Over time, the tuxedo evolved to include various styles and components, but the black tuxedo remained the most classic and timeless option.
Styles and Components of the Black Tuxedo
The black tuxedo typically consists of four main components: the jacket, pants, shirt, and bow tie. Let's take a closer look at each of these components and their various styles.
Jacket
The jacket is the most important component of the tuxedo, and is typically made of black wool or a wool blend. There are several styles of tuxedo jackets to choose from, including:
- Single-breasted: This is the most common style of tuxedo jacket, and features a single row of buttons down the front. Single-breasted jackets can have either peak lapels (pointed lapels that point up and out) or notch lapels (lapels with a V-shaped indentation).
- Double-breasted: This style features two rows of buttons down the front and peak lapels. Double-breasted jackets are less common than single-breasted jackets, but can add a touch of old-school elegance to a formal outfit.
- Shawl collar: This style features a smooth, rounded collar with no notches or peaks. Shawl collar jackets are typically worn with a black bow tie and are popular for black-tie events.
Pants
The pants of a black tuxedo are typically made of the same material as the jacket, and feature a satin stripe down the sides. There are two main styles of tuxedo pants:
- Flat front: This style features a smooth front with no pleats or folds. Flat front pants are typically more modern and streamlined.
- Pleated: This style features one or two pleats at the front, which can provide a little extra room and movement. Pleated pants are often seen as more traditional and classic.
Shirt
The shirt is another key component of the tuxedo, and is typically made of white cotton or a cotton blend. There are two main styles of tuxedo shirts:
- Wingtip collar: This style features a collar with two small wings that point up and out. Wingtip collar shirts are typically worn with a bow tie and are the most formal option.
- Spread collar: This style features a collar with a wider spread between the points.
