When should a groom wear a tuxedo instead of a suit?

A groom should wear a tuxedo for a black-tie wedding or a formal evening ceremony, typically starting at or after 5 p.m. For daytime, outdoor, or semi-formal weddings, a suit is the more appropriate choice.

What is the difference between a tuxedo and a suit?

A tuxedo has satin or grosgrain-faced lapels, a satin stripe on the trouser, and is worn with a bow tie and a formal shirt, while a suit has self-fabric lapels and plain trousers and is worn with a long tie. Tuxedos are reserved for formal evening events.

What color tuxedo is best for a wedding?

Black is the classic wedding tuxedo color and works for any formal ceremony. Midnight blue is a popular alternative that can look richer under evening light and photographs as a deep, true black. Both pair with a white formal shirt and black bow tie.

What shirt and accessories go with a wedding tuxedo?

A wedding tuxedo is worn with a white formal shirt with a pleated or piqué front, a black bow tie, black formal shoes, and optional studs and cuff links. A cummerbund or a vest covers the waistband; wear one or the other, not both.

Tuxedos | Men's Wedding & Formal

Wedding & Formal

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More to Know About Wedding Tuxedos:

Wedding tuxedos are the formalwear worn for black-tie and formal evening weddings, distinguished from a suit by satin or grosgrain lapels, a satin stripe down the trouser, and formal details like a bow tie and a pleated or piqué formal shirt. Black and midnight blue are the standard colors.

Lapel style sets the tone: a peak lapel is the most formal and traditional, a shawl lapel reads slightly softer and is common for grooms, and a notch lapel is the most understated. Jos. A. Bank carries all three across its tuxedo range.

For the groom and groomsmen, a wedding suit package pairs the tuxedo with a coordinated formal shirt, bow tie, and pocket square. Suit separates let each wearer size the jacket and trouser independently for a clean fit in photos.

Book alterations early: every tuxedo bought in a Jos. A. Bank store includes free alterations, and formalwear benefits from a precise fit through the shoulder and sleeve. Complete the look with formal shirts and formal dress shoes.

Related reading from the Jos. A. Bank style guide: evening wedding attire, black-tie optional wedding attire.

Frequently Asked Questions

▾When should a groom wear a tuxedo instead of a suit?: A groom should wear a tuxedo for a black-tie wedding or a formal evening ceremony, typically starting at or after 5 p.m. For daytime, outdoor, or semi-formal weddings, a suit is the more appropriate choice.
▾What is the difference between a tuxedo and a suit?: A tuxedo has satin or grosgrain-faced lapels, a satin stripe on the trouser, and is worn with a bow tie and a formal shirt, while a suit has self-fabric lapels and plain trousers and is worn with a long tie. Tuxedos are reserved for formal evening events.
▾What color tuxedo is best for a wedding?: Black is the classic wedding tuxedo color and works for any formal ceremony. Midnight blue is a popular alternative that can look richer under evening light and photographs as a deep, true black. Both pair with a white formal shirt and black bow tie.
▾What shirt and accessories go with a wedding tuxedo?: A wedding tuxedo is worn with a white formal shirt with a pleated or piqué front, a black bow tie, black formal shoes, and optional studs and cuff links. A cummerbund or a vest covers the waistband; wear one or the other, not both.

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More to Know About Wedding Tuxedos:

Frequently Asked Questions