
JACKET STYLES
Tuxedo, (tux) -- The most
common, most classic tux jacket, and is worn at formal and semiformal events.
Consider the following:
• Single-breasted (with a one- to
four-button front)
• Double-breasted (with a two- to six-button front).
For tuxedoes, you’ll find three types of lapels: peaked, notched, or
shawl (see below)
Full dress, (tails or tailcoat) -- The
jacket is cropped in front, with two tails in the back and a two- to six-button
front. This style is considered a must at ultra-formal evening weddings.
Mandarin, (Nehru jacket or Mao jacket) – The stand-up
collar surrounds the neck with no lapel and is worn with a Mandarin-collar
shirt.
Cutaway (morning coat) – The choice for a formal
daytime weddings, the cutaway coat is short in the front, long in the back, and
tapering from the front waist button to a wide back tail. This style of jacket
comes in black or gray, and is paired with matching striped
trousers.
Stroller coat – This suit jacket is cut like a
tuxedo jacket, but in a semi-formal way, in black or dark gray. This is the
jacket of choice for weddings that occur before 5pm.
LAPELS
Notched lapel -- Has a triangular indention where the lapel
joins the collar. This is the least formal lapel style.
Shawl
collar – Has a rounded lapel with no notch
Peaked lapel – A broader lapel, in a V-shape that points up
and out just below the collar.
SHIRT COLLARS
Wing collar – A standup collar with downward pointing edges,
the most formal choice to pair with a tuxedo jacket.
Crosswyck – A crossed style in front that fastens with a
button or decorative clip
Mandarin collar – Also known as the band collar, it stands
up against the neck and is a top stylish choice.
Spread
collar – Very much like a standard button-front shirt, but the points
in front are wider apart.
SLEEVE CUFFS
Standard
dress –Your usual shirt, with sleeves fastened by cuff
links
French cuffs – Folded over at the edge and
fastened with cuff links
Button-close cuffs – Those that
close with a button, inviting button-cover accents.
TIES
Bow tie – The
accessory for a formal tuxedo, forms a bow at the neck and may be worn in black
or white, depending on your style of wedding and personal color choice.
Groomsmen may wear different colored ties, or choose the opposite or same as the
groom.
Necktie – The traditional long tie for a formal or more
casual look.
Ascot tie – A wide, formal tie that is usually patterned,
folded over, and fastened with a stickpin or tie tack. This one is used for
ultra-formal daytime weddings, paired with a cutaway coat and striped gray
trousers.
Bolo tie – A western look, this one is a
thick string tie fastened at the neck.
Euro tie – A combination of the ascot and necktie, this
formal look is a square-bottomed tie knotted in style at the neck and worn with
a spread collar or wing collar.
ACCESSORIES FOR MEN
Vests (waistcoats) – A vest worn under a jacket, in your
choice of color.
Cummerbunds – Pleated circles of fabric
worn at the waist, without a vest.
Cuff links –
Fasteners for your cuffs. Maybe be simple silver or themed, as there is a huge
range of choice out there.