Men’s Formalwear Demystified…

When trying to decide on formalwear for the groom and groomsmen, the endless tux options can become a blur. Are you looking at colors? Fit? Fabric? And what about suits? Wait, is it a tux or a suit? And does it matter?

While the style of your wedding, your dress, and the season will have the most impact on the overall look you’ll want for the menswear, having some idea of the main style differences available will help you get started narrowing down your choices.

TUX OR SUIT

TUX

• Satin on lapel, satin strip or bead on pants, satin buttons
• Worn with a waistcoat, cummerbund or suspenders
• White shirt with studs and cuff links
• Limited solid colors
• Bow tie common, long tie also ok
• Black patent leather shoes
• Formal, only worn in the evening

SUIT

• No satin anywhere
• Can be worn with a vest or suspenders
• Any dress shirt
• Wide variety of colors and patterns
• Long tie common, bow tie also ok
• Leather shoes with a finish that complements the suit
• Can be dressed up or down, worn anytime of day

LAPEL STYLE

Tuxedos may have any of the three lapel styles: notch, peak, and shawl, with the shawl collar considered the most formal. Suits typically have a notch lapel, but may also have a peak lapel.

BUTTONS

It’s a simple choice: one or two, but it makes a big difference in how the jacket looks. You’ll find both styles on tuxedos and suits.

AND THEN THERE’S THE FIT

CLASSIC
Generously cut and the most traditional fit.

MODERN
A fashion forward fit that looks and feels more trim than a Classic fit.

SLIM
Even trimmer than the Modern fit.

Here we’ve provided just the basics, but you can get expert guidance to find the perfect style, color, and fit for your wedding at your local men’s formalwear shop (most bridal shops also rent men’s formalwear).

Click HERE to go directly to the list of Perfect Wedding Guide preferred Sacramento wedding attire shops. To search for formalwear shops in other cities, or for any other type of wedding vendor, just click the Local Vendors link at the top of this page – you can find everything you need for your wedding right here at Perfect Wedding Guide!