While getting in the preparation
of our engagement… my Hubby-to-be and I tried to look more into the differences
between a Tuxedo and a Suit. We both heard many people asking about the difference
between a Tuxedo and a Suit.
I thought that a suit
was worn with a tie and a Tuxedo with a bow-tie and that the Suit had no gilet
while the tuxedo had one.
To my astonishment the
differences were not limited only to that.
The greatest
difference between a Suit and a Tuxedo is the presence of Satin. Traditional tuxedos
have satin facing on the lapels, buttons, pocket trim, and a satin side stripe
down the leg of the trousers. Suits on the other hand do not have any satin. Some
modern tuxedo options have minimized the use of satin to a thin satin trim on
the lapels and a thin satin bead down the pant leg, but the primary difference
between the two is that tuxedos have satin on them and suits don’t.
As you might recall, I
mentioned above the use of ties and bow ties. It is perceived by many people
that it is common to wear lonf ties with suits an high position vests with tuxedos.
However, the use of tie is a traditional look appropriate with suits. Tuxedos
on the other hand are usually worn with bow ties and cummerbunds or waistcoats.
However, there are a
few formal options, both traditional and modern, that don’t incorporate any
satin. The first is what is known as “Tropical Black Tie” or better known
as a white dinner jacket. This is traditionally worn with a white
turn-down collar shirt, black accessories, black pants, and a white dinner
jacket. The jacket should have a 1 button front, self-flap pockets, and a
self-shawl lapel. It is a tuxedo, but not one that incorporates any
satin.
A more modern
satin-less tuxedo option exists in a few styles made primarily to cater to a
growing demand in the wedding market. Tuxedo lines like the Allure Men Tuxedo line by Jean Yves make
nearly identical tuxedos, but in different colors. While the black, steel
grey, and heather grey tuxedos do incorporate satin, the tan and slate blue
tuxedos do not. Because they are part of a larger line of identical
tuxedos, these are still considered tuxedos and are very popular options for
both proms and daytime weddings.
It’s important to note
that, more than just the apparent physical differences, a tuxedo sends a
different message than a suit does. A
lot of people wear suits every day. Regardless of whether you do or not,
it’s a societal norm. You can go to the grocery store wearing a suit and
nobody will think it is s at all strange. Should you opt to wear a suit
to your wedding, for instance, there is a strong chance that others in
attendance will also be wearing suits. And it isn’t their wedding day.
The point of a tuxedo isn’t just to dress up and
look nice. The point is to memorialize a special occasion by
wearing something special that you wouldn’t wear anywhere else. Your
tuxedo says, “This moment is special to me. This is where I want to
be. I would look out of place anywhere but here.” That’s the point
of it. And that’s why, even if you look killer in a suit and even if you
rarely if ever dress up in either, the two ensembles just aren’t equal for a
truly special occasion. With a tuxedo you would undoubtedly stand out of the
crowd.
Thanks for reading!
WiNNee
*Disclaimer: Pictures have been googled.
