Tuxedos are synonymous with men's formal wear. They've been around since the 19th century. The Prince of Wales, in fact, popularized tuxedos. Since then, tuxedos have made their way across the world while becoming recognized as the main formal outfit worn by men. Even if you've worn a tuxedo before, though, there are probably some things you don't know about them. Below are seven common myths about tuxedos.
#1) Same as Regular Suits
They may look similar, tuxedos aren't the same as regular suits. Technically speaking, any formal outfit consisting of trousers and a matching jacket is a suit. Nonetheless, tuxedos aren't the same as regular suits. Tuxedos offer the highest level of formality of all suits. They feature satin facing on the trousers, lapels and buttons. Regular suits, on the other hand, are devoid of satin facing, resulting in a less-formal appearance.
Tuxedos also have higher-quality buttons than regular suits. Regular suits often have plastic buttons, whereas tuxedos have premium buttons made of stronger and more durable materials.
#2) Must Be Accessorized With a Bow Tie
Tuxedos should be accessorized with a tie. When wearing a tuxedo, a tie will define your neckline while creating a cleaner and more formal appearance. With that said, you can accessorize a tuxedo with either a bow tie or a necktie. Some men assume that tuxedos must be accessorized with a bow tie, but this is just a myth. Bow ties are typically the preferred choice because of their simple and elegant appearance, but you can still accessorize a tuxedo with a necktie; you just need to choose the right type of necktie.
#3) Only Available in Solid Colors
Another common myth is that tuxedos are only available in solid colors. There's no denying the fact that solid-black tuxedos are popular. Tuxedos, in fact, are the foundation for black tie dress codes. A black die dress code is a type of formal dress code that calls for a black tuxedo, which is typically worn with a white button-up shirt and a tie. The good news is that tuxedos are available in other colors. Some tuxedos even feature multiple colors.
There are patterned tuxedos, for example. Patterened tuxedos are characterized by a specific pattern that features multiple colors. Some of them have polka dots. Other patterned tuxedos have stripes. Regardless, they all feature at least two colors. If you're tired of wearing the same solid-colored tuxedo, you may want to invest in a patterned tuxedo. It will allow you to create a more colorful outfit that's perfect for just about any formal occasion.
#4) Requires Cufflinks
While some tuxedos require cufflinks, most of them do not. Cufflinks, of course, are button-like fasteners. They are designed to secure the cuffs of a dress shirt. Some dress shirts have built-in buttons. Other dress shirts don't have built-in buttons. If you're planning to wear a dress that doesn't have built-in buttons at the cuffs, you'll need to use cufflinks.
Regardless, when you buy a tuxedo, you'll typically a tuxedo jacket and a pair of matching formal trousers; you won't get a dress shirt. You'll still need to wear a dress shirt, but dress shirts aren't included in tuxedos. Therefore, you don't need to worry about whether or not a tuxedo has cufflinks. Cufflinks are used for dress shirts; they aren't used for tuxedos. More importantly, you'll only need to use tuxedos if your dress shirt doesn't have built-in buttons to secure the cuffs.
#5) Only Available in Generic Sizes
While you can certainly find them generic sizes, tuxedos are available in custom sizes as well. Here at StudioSuits, custom sizing is available for all standard suits and tuxedos. Instead of choosing a tuxedo in a generic size, you can order a custom-sized tuxedo. Custom sizing means that it will be designed using your body measurements.
Custom-sized tuxedos are almost always a better choice than their generic-sized counterparts. Generic-sized tuxedos are designed using generic measurements. The problem is that different men have different bodies. For the perfect fit, you'll need to choose a custom-sized tuxedo. You can provide your measurements when ordering a custom-sized tuxedo. These measurements will be used to create the tuxedo, ensuring that it fits perfectly.
#6) Difficult to Maintain
This myth couldn't be further from the truth. Tuxedos are easy to maintain. Most tuxedos are naturally wrinkle resistant. As long as you hang up your tuxedo when you aren't wearing it, it shouldn't develop many wrinkles.
Most tuxedos can be safely dry cleaning. Dry cleaning is a hands-off cleaning process. If your tuxedo is dirty, you can drop it off at a local dry cleaning establishment. Dry cleaning is a safe and effective cleaning process that involves the use of powerful cleaning chemicals to remove stains. It's not exactly a "dry" process. Dry cleaning receives its namesake from the fact that it doesn't involve water. Rather than water, dry cleaning involves other liquid-based cleaning chemicals. Regardless, tuxedos are easy to maintain because you can get them dry cleaned.
#7) Requires Suspenders
Finally, some men assume that tuxedos must be worn with suspenders. Also known as bracers, suspenders are accessories that are designed to hold the trousers with which they are worn. They consist of adjustable straps with clips on the end. You can wrap a pair of suspenders over your shoulders, followed by clipping them to the front and back of your trousers.
You can wear suspenders with a tuxedo, but it's certainly not a requirement. An alternative solution is to wear a belt. A belt will serve the same purpose by holding up your trousers. A belt will also define your waistline while creating a more complete tuxedo outfit. The bottom line is that tuxedos don't require suspenders. You can wear a belt with them, instead. Even if your trousers fit properly, a belt will help to create your tuxedo outfit.
