Tuxedo vs Suit: Details Make the Difference | The Black Tux Blog (2024)

The difference between tuxedo vs suit styles is in the details. Learn how these outfits differ and find the perfect look for your next event.

No matter the difference, it needs to fit. Find Your Fit➝

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What’s the difference?

While there is a big difference between tuxedos and suits, it’s not always obvious what sets these two formal wear staples apart. After all, tuxedos and suits have a lot in common: they’re both are made up of a combination of a jacket and matching dress pants, and paired with relatively formal ties, shoes and accessories.

The details are where we find the real differences. Let’s dig into the tuxedo vs suit convo and dive deeper so you know which one to wear for your next event.

Table of Contents

Jacket Differences
Tuxedo vs Suit Pants
Shirt Differences
Tuxedo vs Suit Ties
Tuxedo vs Suit Shoes

Tuxedo vs Suit Jacket Differences

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The jacket is a great place to start if you’re looking for the main differences between tuxedos and suits. That’s because tuxedos are defined by the accent fabrics used (and where), and lapels (the fabric that folds away from your chest) and the buttons will be a bit different on a tux vs suit.

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Tuxedos feature a silk satin lapel (often black silk, but not always), while suits are designed in one consistent fabric on the body and lapels of the jacket. If you spot the lapel shimmer, you’re probably eyeballing a tux. Likewise, the buttons on the jacket can tell you a lot. Tuxedo buttons are often covered in silk, while suits feature normal buttons made of horn.

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If you look closely, and you might also notice a silk satin accent on the breast pocket or waist pockets of a tux. Conversely, suits always have a simple breast pocket opening and the same fabric throughout.

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Suit vs Tuxedo Pants

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As with the suit vs tux jackets, the primary difference between suit vs tuxedo pants comes down to fabric placement. Tuxedo pants usually feature a satin silk stripe down the outseam (the outer length of the pants).

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Some tuxedo pants have a silk waistband, but they never have belt loops. Instead, tux pants have waist adjusters on either or side, or they’re tailored to fit the wearer’s waist. Utility is the name of the suit game, and suit pants are almost always designed with belt loops.

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Tux vs Suit Shirt Differences

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While some of the traditional formal wear rules hold up, others can feel a bit outdated. For example, you’d always wear a formal pleated bib and wing tip collar with a tux, and a less formal dress shirt would be frowned upon (sad).

The traditional bibbed wing tip shirt is still a safe choice, but for a modern look, try a shirt with a fold-down collar. We offer a few styles that mix and match modern and classic elements of the tuxedo shirt, and both would pair well with any tux. Limit your shirt color choice to white when you wear a tuxedo for the biggest impact.

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Pretty much anything else is fair game for a suit, including patterns and colors, but don’t try to break the old formal wear rules and wear a pleated shirt with a suit vs tux. That would be like eating a steak with your bare hands, or a Big Mac with a knife and fork.

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The topic of shirt cuffs might seem like tux vs suit minefield, but cuff design is mostly a personal style thing. If you want to wear cufflinks, just make sure your shirt cuffs are compatible (all of our shirt styles work with cufflinks). Because tuxedos are a bit more formal, french style cuffs (on the right above) would probably be a better tux match.

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Suit vs Tux Ties & Neckwear

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Tuxedo equals bow tie, suit equals necktie—right? Not necessarily.

The biggest difference between suit neckwear and tuxedo ties comes down to the dress code of the event. For the formal dress codes, plan to wear a black bow tie with your tuxedo, or at least a bow tie in the black and white color palette. The less formal the dress code is, the more freedom you have to sub in a patterned bow tie or even a necktie—all of which works just as well with a suit.

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When you wear a suit, you can mix up the colors a little more—a very popular move when couples choose their wedding ties. There’s nothing stopping you from wearing a bow tie with a suit, though neckties are a more common choice.

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Tuxedo vs Suit Shoes

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Oxfords, derbys, loafers, sneakers. There are so many styles to categorize, and which shoes are acceptable to wear with a suit or a tuxedo is always changing. That’s why we’re not going to dive into those weeds, except to say: If you’re going to wear sneakers with a suit or tuxedo, do it with confidence—that’s half the battle.

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A simple way to contrast shoes for a tuxedo vs a suit is by varying the shoe’s material. The classic tuxedo look features a patent leather shoe. Velvet is also a trending shoe material match for a tuxedo, often styled into a loafer. Some designers even mix materials, like patent leather and grosgrain ribbon, or even a matte leather combo. We recommend black tux shoes unless this is a festive, fashionable, or laid back event.

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There’s no rule that says you can’t wear patent leather shoes with a suit—potentially a big style flex—but suede and polished leather shoes are more common choices when you’re not putting the finishing touches on a tux.

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Tuxedos and suits that fit.

Once you make your decision between a tuxedo vs suit, you’ll need to find one that fits your bod. Anyone who has shopped for a suit (or went to prom in the ’90s) can tell you that used to be pretty tricky, which is exactly why we changed it.

Not only do we offer a full collection of modern tuxedos, suits, and accessories (not to mention free home delivery), but we make it easy to find the perfect fit. Just answer a few simple questions about you and your body, and we’ll tell you your sizes. Simple, right?

FIND YOUR FIT➝

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Tuxedo vs Suit: Details Make the Difference | The Black Tux Blog (2024)

FAQs

Tuxedo vs Suit: Details Make the Difference | The Black Tux Blog? ›

Tuxedos feature a silk satin lapel (often black silk, but not always), while suits are designed in one consistent fabric on the body and lapels of the jacket. If you spot the lapel shimmer, you're probably eyeballing a tux. Likewise, the buttons on the jacket can tell you a lot.

What is the difference between a suit and a tuxedo suit? ›

Easy: Tuxedos are worn with bow ties and suits either with or without a tie. Tuxedos have satin lapels, which can even be from a different shade while suits lapels are made of the same fabric. Tuxedos have also satin buttons while suits have the usual suit buttons, not covered by a piece of satin fabric.

What is the difference between a tux and a custom suit? ›

Wedding style trends for men

Many newer styles also incorporate grey, navy, tan, and other colors. On the other hand, custom suits are crafted from the same material throughout. The main difference is that tuxes have satin details, such as lapels, buttons, or a satin stripe down the side of a pant leg.

Is it acceptable to wear a black suit instead of a tuxedo? ›

Some event holders may frown on you forgoing the tux if they have a specific idea of what black tie is in their minds. But you'll generally be safe going with a classic black or navy blue suit if you see one of two terms on the invitation – black tie optional and black tie preferred.

Does a tuxedo count as a suit? ›

The biggest difference between a suit and a tuxedo is the presence of satin on the lapel and sometimes on the side of the pants. The lapel is the folded material of the jacket that connects to the collar.

What is the difference between a men's black suit and a tuxedo? ›

The basic answer of the difference between a suit and a tuxedo is satin (aka the shiny fabric). A tuxedo will have satin on the lapel of the jacket, as well as a satin lining on the side of the trousers.

Why is a tuxedo more formal than a suit? ›

Tuxedos, which can be worn with bow ties or neckties, are considered more formal than regular suits and are often only worn at the most formal events, such as weddings and galas. Traditionally, a tuxedo is made with satin, while a suit is not. When we want to dress fancy, we may put on a suit or a tuxedo.

What is the difference between tuxedo and suit Quora? ›

What's the difference between a suit and a tuxedo? This is a common question and the short answer is that a tuxedo is dressier than a suit and has satin on it. A tuxedo should only be worn for evening events, say after 6:00 pm, and is suitable for Black Tie Attire.

Do all tuxedo pants have a stripe? ›

Traditional tuxedos feature either a full satin or satin trim lapel, while the lapel of a suit tends to match the jacket and pant fabric. Don't forget about the pants! Tuxedo pants traditionally have a satin stripe down each leg.

Can you wear a regular tie with a tuxedo? ›

Though she personally doesn't favor straight ties with tuxedos, stylist Ms. Urbinati admitted that the look falls within the “black tie” parameters: “It's not inappropriate,” she said. Even if you go with a straight tie, it's often best to hang onto the debonair air of a bow tie.

What makes a tuxedo not a suit? ›

While a tuxedo can be worn with accessories including a cummerbund, bow tie, and suspenders, and pleated button down shirt, a suit will usually be worn with a belt, neck tie, and unpleated button down shirt. Another important difference to note between a tuxedo and suit are the events in which they're each worn.

Is it OK to wear a black tux to a wedding? ›

Yes, it's absolutely okay to wear black to a wedding,” says wedding planner Matthew Oliver. “If you're not sure, most invitations will actually mention the dress code, but you can never go wrong with a classic black tux and a white shirt.

Is an all black suit tacky? ›

Don't wear it to the office

Stick with grey or navy, and leave the black suit for weddings and galas. Just because a black suit shouldn't be the first thing you buy doesn't mean you should ignore it. It's crisp, it's classic, and it will always have a place in men's style.

Should I wear a vest or cummerbund? ›

When selecting a vest or cummerbund for formal attire, it's crucial to weigh the event's formality and your body type. Vests, adaptable across various physiques, add warmth and elegance. Conversely, cummerbunds are traditional for black tie affairs, providing a sleek, tailored look.

Can I wear a tuxedo shirt with a regular suit? ›

Tuxedo Shirt Plackets

Please, let this style live up to its name, and only wear it with tuxes—it should never make an appearance under your suit jacket. The most common type of placket style, and one you usually can't go wrong with.

What dress code requires a tuxedo? ›

Traditionally, a black-tie dress code denotes a formal evening occasion, where men are meant to wear tuxedos and women, floor-length gowns.

Can you wear a suit to black tie? ›

For guys, the black-tie dress code means it's time for a tuxedo. This means the full look–a proper dinner jacket, tuxedo pants, appropriate shoes, and the necessary accessories. No standard suits allowed, even the fanciest of them.

Can you wear a tuxedo as a wedding suit? ›

Formal Wedding. By the way, a formal wedding is a dress code, not merely a description. A tux is still a fantastic choice here, but it's a little bit less formal than a black-tie event. It's also the best bet for what men should wear to a wedding with no stated dress code.

Do you wear a suit or a tux at a wedding? ›

A tux is typically worn in the evening. If the wedding occurs during the day, then a suit would be more appropriate. However, if the festivities go well into the night, then you can wear whichever you prefer.

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