Every man's wardrobe has clothes for special occasions or business meetings, as well as for everyday wear. But not every person can answer what the differences are between different models of suits. Let's figure out how a classic suit and a tuxedo differ from each other.
What is a tuxedo
A tuxedo is an evening men's outfit that visually differs from a classic suit with satin lapels on the jacket and stripes on the trousers. According to the rules, it is worn with a bow tie, so only a white shirt with a stand-up collar, the edges of which are bent outward, is worn under it.
Reference: The birthplace of the tuxedo is Britain, where it has become an indispensable item in the wardrobe of gentlemen.
Tuxedos were used as a change of clothes for smoking cigars. It is much more convenient to brush ash off satin cuffs than from any other fabric, and brushing ash off a cigar was considered the height of indecency.
Rules for wearing a tuxedo
- This is an exclusively evening outfit that should be worn to the theater or to a special event.
- Not worn during the daytime.
- No belt is used; the trousers are held in place with a cummerbund or suspenders.
- You need to tie the bow tie yourself rather than buy a tied one.
- Depending on the type of lapels, a vest or sash is worn underneath.
- The shirt cuffs are secured with cufflinks.
- The folds of the belt should be directed upwards.
- Trousers must be without cuffs and made of the same fabric as the top.
- The shirt should be white with single cuffs.
- Shoes and socks are black.
To sew tuxedos, thin woolen fabrics are used; thin jacquard with a textured pattern is allowed. Lapels and collars are made of satin or velvet.
What is a suit
A classic men's suit includes two parts - a jacket and trousers, made from the same fabric.
There is a three-piece suit, complemented by a vest. This is a versatile wardrobe item that can be worn with a shirt and tie.
Each part of a two-piece suit can be worn independently of the other.
Kinds
The following categories of products are distinguished.
- Informal or casual - elegant outfits, which can be sewn using various fabrics (even cotton and linen). There are also no restrictions on colors.
- Business - elegant suits in classic designs. They can be single-breasted, double-breasted, with or without shoulder pads, with two slits at the back and straight trousers.
The fabric for sewing a quality product is natural wool, cashmere, possibly with the addition of flax or silk. Merino wool is highly valued; it can last for decades.
Important! Synthetic materials look cheap and do not meet quality requirements.
Signs of a good suit
- The length of the trousers is adjusted to the shoes - gathers are not allowed.
- The shirt cuff shows 1–1.5 cm;
- The lining is made of natural silk or viscose, but not polyester.
- The sides and hinges are processed by hand.
- Working cuffs with high-quality loops.
- Combined fabric pattern along the central and side seams.
The main thing in a suit is that it fits, so many men have them made to order or buy them from the same manufacturer. Often ready-made sets are adjusted to size by a tailor or atelier.
What is the difference between a tuxedo and a suit?
The main differences between a tuxedo and a suit are given in the comparative table.
Detail | The tuxedo | Costume |
Bust neckline | round | triangular |
Lapels and collar | Lapels are lined with silk, collar is made of velvet | made from the same fabric as the entire product |
Shirt collar | rack | turndown |
Shirt color | only white | any |
Accessory | bow tie, suspenders or belt | tie or nothing |
Pants support | sash or suspenders | belt in color with shoes |
Vest | in color with a shirt or bow tie | matches the jacket |
Shoes | black, matte leather (except patent leather) | any shoes |
Socks | black, tall | any |
Chest pocket | fake, has a buttonhole | yes, they put a shawl in it |
The advantage of a tuxedo is that a man can look both elegant and prestigious in it. In addition, the outfit can be complemented with cufflinks and a sash.
The suit is more versatile and appropriate in any situation.