What is the Difference Between a Tuxedo and a Suit?

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.