Every man knows what a suit is, some have to wear it to work every day, and for others it’s formal wear for a special occasion. But there are events whose dress code requires a tuxedo or tailcoat in the wardrobe. However, few people know what the main differences between these two men's wardrobe items are.
Tailcoat and tuxedo
Despite all the solemnity, both jackets were not previously items of exclusively festive evening wardrobe. The tailcoat was invented based on the military uniform. The officers wanted to remain smart, even while sitting in the saddle and moving to war.
Important! Both men's wardrobe items are options for special occasions.
A tuxedo is also a festive evening wear, but has a slightly different cut and some stylistic features. Its use is possible only in certain cases provided for by the dress code.
Description
Tailcoats are a suit for special occasions, which have an interesting cut.The front part is short, and the rear parts are long, descending below the hips. The trousers are straight, with satin stripes on the sides.
There are certain rules for wearing it:
- wear only on official gala evenings, after 19:00;
- black color is required;
- under the jacket they wear a thin white shirt with a stand-up collar;
- The use of a bow tie is mandatory, the sleeves are fastened with modest cufflinks;
- the jacket is worn unbuttoned, revealing the expensive buttons of the vest.
A tuxedo is also considered formal evening wear. This is a special cut of the jacket that is never sold with trousers. There are a number of features of this item of men's wardrobe:
- it is also combined only with white shirts and shirts; the stand-up collar suggests wearing a bow tie;
- the lapels of such a jacket are trimmed with silk;
- A tuxedo is always worn with a button fastened, as prescribed by the rules of etiquette.
Both suits have their own charm and are perfect to wear to formal events or other occasions. For example, championships in ballroom dancing or horse riding require the use of a costume. However, the cut of dance costumes differs significantly from the usual formal attire.
Comparison of external characteristics
Despite the formality of both costumes, the tailcoat is worn exclusively for special occasions. Usually the men's dress code is announced additionally, along with the invitation. A tuxedo can also be worn to informal meetings.
Important! Both suits have many similar characteristics, but are also very different from each other.
Both jackets have lapels trimmed in silk or satin. However, the cut of the tailcoat is very different, thanks to the long back flaps.The color scheme also distinguishes these two jackets; the tuxedo is allowed in various colors, including light shades. The tailcoat can only be black.
Difference in official etiquette
A tuxedo allows some liberties in the image and does not have strict rules for colors and features of combination with other wardrobe items. The tailcoat is strictly official and requires clear rules on what to wear with the suit.
A thin white silk shirt with a stand-up collar is a must in combination with a tailcoat. A silk butterfly is tied around the neck and the look is complemented with a pique vest. It, unlike a jacket, must be fastened with all buttons. In addition, it is expected to wear cufflinks, a watch on a chain and a white scarf folded in the breast pocket. The last accessory can only be excluded if orders are used.
Important! You should not wear a wristwatch with a tailcoat; according to etiquette, this is considered bad form.
Despite the solemnity of both jackets, the tailcoat has a large number of rules for combining with other items of clothing and wearing at formal events. A tuxedo gives you much more freedom in choosing a stylish look.