The dinner jacket, also known as a tuxedo, is a formal evening suit worn by men for special events and occasions. It is typically worn with a dress shirt, black bow tie, and black dress shoes. The dinner jacket is a timeless classic that has been worn for over a century and continues to be a staple in men's formalwear. In this article, we will delve deeper into the history and features of the dinner jacket, as well as discuss how to properly wear and care for one.

History of the Dinner Jacket:

The dinner jacket has its roots in the 19th century, when it was a more relaxed version of the tailcoat. At that time, tailcoats were the standard for formal evening events, but they were often uncomfortable and restrictive. The dinner jacket, on the other hand, was designed to be less formal and more comfortable, with a shorter jacket and no tails.

The first recorded use of the term "dinner jacket" was in 1887, when the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) ordered a short smoking jacket to wear at informal dinner parties at Sandringham. The jacket was made from a black wool fabric, and had a shawl collar and silk lapels. It was worn with black trousers, a white dress shirt, and a black bow tie.

The popularity of the dinner jacket grew quickly, and it soon became the standard for formal evening events. In the early 20th century, the dinner jacket was worn by many famous men, including Winston Churchill, Humphrey Bogart, and Frank Sinatra.

Features of the Dinner Jacket:

The dinner jacket is a classic piece of formalwear that has a number of distinct features. These include:

1. Single or Double Breasted: Dinner jackets are typically either single-breasted or double-breasted. Single-breasted jackets have a single row of buttons down the front, while double-breasted jackets have two rows of buttons.
2. Silk Lapels: The lapels of a dinner jacket are traditionally made from silk, and can either be peaked or shawl. Peaked lapels have a pointed shape, while shawl lapels have a rounded shape.
3. Black Fabric: Dinner jackets are traditionally made from black wool fabric, although they can also be made from other materials such as velvet or silk.
4. Satin Accents: Satin accents are a common feature of dinner jackets, and are typically found on the lapels, buttons, and pockets.
5. Dress Shirt: A white dress shirt is the traditional shirt to wear with a dinner jacket. The shirt should have a winged collar and French cuffs, and be worn with a black bow tie.
6. Trousers: Black trousers are worn with a dinner jacket, and should have a satin stripe down the side.
7. Accessories: Other accessories that can be worn with a dinner jacket include black dress shoes, cufflinks, and a pocket square.

How to Wear a Dinner Jacket:

When wearing a dinner jacket, it is important to ensure that it fits properly and is worn with the appropriate accessories. Here are some tips for wearing a dinner jacket:

1. Fit: The jacket should fit snugly around the shoulders, and the sleeves should end at the wrist bone. The trousers should fit well around the waist and hips, and should be hemmed to the appropriate length.
2. Dress Shirt: The dress shirt should be made from a lightweight cotton or silk fabric, and should be tucked in properly. The winged collar should be visible above the jacket lapels, and the French cuffs should be fastened with cufflinks.
3. Bow Tie: The bow tie should be made from black silk, and should be properly tied. It should be snug around the neck, but not too tight.