How to Choose the Right Tux
The majority of men will only wear a tux once or twice in their lives, so choosing wisely is crucial.
Up next in Men's Fashion 101 (21 videos)
Why do you need the fashion advice in these Howcast videos? Because every woman likes a well-dressed man.
You Will Need
- Time
- Photos
- Event detials
- Information about your date's dress
- Knowledge of your body type
- Expressive accessories
Steps
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Step 1
Allow ample time
Rent, buy, or have a tux custom made two months in advance. Gather photos for salespeople from bridal magazines or online.
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Step 2
Consider the event
Consider climate and weather. A lightweight, white tux is ideal for a tropical beach wedding, while a traditional black tux will work for an indoor or winter affair.
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Events after six p.m. are formal and require a tux, cummerbund or vest, tie, cufflinks, studs, and tuxedo shoes.
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Step 3
Coordinate with your lady
Coordinate your tux style with your date's dress. Whether it’s a theme wedding or her dress is modern and sleek, dress according to that style.
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Step 4
Dress for your body type
Dress for your body type. If you’re thin, wear a double-breasted jacket with padded shoulders and fuller pants. Muscular or stocky men look best in a single-breasted, one-button, shawl-collar tux.
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If choices are limited, go for a shawl collar. The classic smooth, thin-collar jacket without notched lapels flatters everyone.
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Step 5
Consider color
Consider the color. Black, gray, and midnight blue are classics. Light colors are for summer events and weddings.
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Step 6
Get a great fit
Fix sagging and drooping or puckering and pulling with alterations. Pant hems should cover your socks when you walk, but shouldn’t drag. Shirt cuffs should reach an inch beyond your jacket sleeve.
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Step 7
Express your personal style
Express your personal style in the details, like studs and cufflinks. Tux shirts, shoes, ties or ascots, vests, cummerbunds or belts, handkerchiefs, flowers, or a top hat are places to make your style mark.
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Did you know? The tuxedo was invented by Henry Poole, who created a short smoking jacket for Prince Edward VII of Wales in 1860.
