Suit -vs- Tux

Hanley

Hey guys,

Just wondering if anyone could explain what the difference between your standard suit, and a tux that you'd get from somewhere like Blacktie is.

I've a really nice black suit that's cut nicely and fits me really well and was wondering would it be acceptable to just get a dress shirt and bowtie for my black tie college grad?? (that being said, most people tend to just wear suits anyway!)

Cheers!

Al_Fernz

Hanley wrote: »

I've a really nice black suit that's cut nicely and fits me really well

If its made by Inzer it doesn't count.:D

DesignLady

Tux will have a satin (shiny) finish on the lapel (a peaked lapel is most common on a tux but you can get some with regular rever collar or the old fashioned shawl collar tux which is becomming fashionable again). The buttons will be covered buttons - this means they are round buttons in the same fabric as the tux or the satin finish instead of normal buttons. The trouser will have a satin finish strip down the side in a traditional tux.

The black suit would be suitable for most black-tie functions these days but do not wear the dress shirt and bow tie with a regular suit. It will look sloppy. Wear a great shirt and high quality tie instead.

Enjoy the grad.

Hanley

DesignLady wrote: »

Tux will have a satin (shiny) finish on the lapel (a peaked lapel is most common on a tux but you can get some with regular rever collar or the old fashioned shawl collar tux which is becomming fashionable again). The buttons will be covered buttons - this means they are round buttons in the same fabric as the tux or the satin finish instead of normal buttons. The trouser will have a satin finish strip down the side in a traditional tux.

The black suit would be suitable for most black-tie functions these days but do not wear the dress shirt and bow tie with a regular suit. It will look sloppy. Wear a great shirt and high quality tie instead.

Enjoy the grad.

Great advice, thanks!!

I'll make the most of the 3 day weekend and go shopping so.... Any recommendations on combo's to go for? Or ones to avoid...?

DesignLady

Depends on your budget and your shape. I'm a Paul Smith fan (not the great printed ones on this occassion but there are some nice formal ones with a twist available). Hugo Boss shirts are better if you're broader and they have good range of formal shirts and have some lovely ties. French Connection and Ted Baker might be worth trying for a reasonable budget and a more youthful cut.
Ralph Lauren if you want to go all out (purple or black label for occasionwear). Canali for classic and quality if you have the budget. And Turnbull and Asser if you are loaded but if you were buying those you'll probably own a tux!

For extra formality, if you're worried about not wearing a tux, I would recommend french cuffs (the type you fold up and secure with cufflinks), a decent tie pin and hankerchief to match the tie.



Can you tell I used to work in the mens formalwear dept. at Harrods?:p


PS. Debenhams great, especially on a budget and the mens designers at Debenhams might have something (although they're often very casual) but don't get a tie and shirt set or at least get a different tie if you buy one of those. They're usually quite bland and a great tie can work wonders on an outfit. (Canali are great for ties, paul smith and etro are good for something more original, I like the Hugo Boss knitted ties but they are an acquired taste.)

The_Hustler

I did it for my college grad, people thought it was a tux. You're among students, it's not like they are experts.

Btw, Marks and Spencers sell quite a few varieties of tuxedos, and you may have a few blacktie events in a biggish accounting firm, could well work out cheaper than renting in the long run (I don't think they're that expensive to buy at all)

EDIT: Obviously DesignLady knows her stuff and can recommend some great looking gear but I know you're just starting work like me, I'll be buying a tux this year for the same reason I just gave though.

DesignLady

I do have a slight perference towards the top end stuff- not that I can afford the female equivilent for myself! Apologies for getting carried away.

The Hustler is completely right on M&S. Great for the classics. On a more realistic scale than the brands I mentioned previously. Topman are good for skinny trendy ties and slim fit shirts if that's the look you're after. Most of my male friends do their tailored buying in Zara or H&M despite my trying to get them to blow the budget so it's worth trying them too. (they usually look smart)

If it's at all possible Paul Smith is worth a look for the shirt and ties. There are four price tiers so it's not all priced too far above the high street.

I still think most woman would know the difference between a suit and a tux but they won't care as long as you look appropriate for the event.;)

Happy Shopping