7 Differences Between Suits & Tuxedos
You've heard of these two outfits before. You've probably seen pictures of them. Now you have to ask yourself, are bespoke suits really that different from tuxedos?
Here are the differences between bespoke suits and tuxedos laid out by each aspect of the outfit. You will also discover when you would wear a suit instead of a tuxedo and vice versa.
1. Fabrics for Suits & Tuxedos
There are a wide range of different fabrics that can be used in suits and tuxedos, but there are trends that distinguish the outfits from each other. Whatever material is used in a bespoke suit, the same material will be applied consistently throughout the jacket.
Tuxedos tend to incorporate a shinier material with the primary fabric, such as satin. This is done to make the tuxedo showier.
Tuxedos are for more formal events
The satin or another material is often incorporated with the lapels, the trim, or even the buttons of the tuxedo. Some tailor's may also add a stripe along the tuxedo pant leg.
2. Suit & Tuxedo Designs
The design of a tuxedo is very different from suits. Especially the lapels.
Photo by LOGAN WEAVER on Unsplash
The lapels of a tuxedo tend to be folded out and against the chest of the outfit. For suits, the lapels are a lot more relaxed.
The edges of the lapels are also different. In tuxedos, the lapels have a straight edge, while you'll notice on suit lapels that the lapels form triangles around the collar.
The lapels are notably different for suits and tuxedos
There are even differences in how each outfit should fit. Tuxedos tend to be form fitting and tight for the people the tuxedo is made for. Even in bespoke suits, the outfit is meant to be looser and a little more comfortable.
3. Buttons Used for Suits & Tuxedos
Suit buttons tend to be made out of an array of different materials, such as bone or plastic. Some suits may have fabric covered buttons.
Photo by Merve Sehirli Nasir on Unsplash
Tuxedos will normally also have fabric covered buttons. The difference is the chosen fabric will probably be something shiny like satin to go with the lapels and trimming.
4. Accessories That go With Suits & Tuxedos
There are a lot of differences in what accessories go with bespoke suits and which ones go with tuxedos. The only accessory you might wear with both is a silk pocket square.
Bespoke suits and tuxedos accessorize with pocket squares
The most common accessory worn with suit are neckties. Silk scarves can also be a nice replacement for a necktie while wearing a suit.
Men tend to wear a bow tie with tuxedos, but bow ties are also an option for suits.
Most men wear bow ties with tuxedos
5. Suit & Tuxedo Shirts
The big differences in shirts for suits and tuxedos is the colour. Tuxedo shirts tend to be white exclusively, while any solid colour works for suits.
The collar type worn with tuxedos is also very specific and different from what you would wear with a suit. Most men will wear a shirt with wing collars or turndown collars when wearing a tuxedo.
6. Kinds of Shoes for Suits & Tuxedos
Because tuxedos are considered much more formal than suits, black patent shoes are usually what are worn with tuxedos. Men wear much more casual shoes with suits, and have different choices such as loafers, oxfords, or slip-ons.
Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
7. When do you Wear a Suit or a Tuxedo
Bespoke suits can be worn at any time of day. They are usually worn for events that are formal, between being casual and really formal, such as office work or meetings and dates.
Tuxedos are usually only worn at night and for really formal events like galas, outings to the opera, and certain weddings.
Tuxedos are best for formal evening outings
The one thing that should not be different between a bespoke suit or a tuxedo is that you should feel confident when you wear it. Your suit should be meaningful to you.
That is why Nathon Kong incorporates the art works of people with mental health troubles to the lining of all our bespoke suits and tuxedos. Each art piece tells the story of an artist's journey to mental health recovery.
Nathon Kong incorporates art in the lining of bespoke suits.
The art is created by participants at Les Impatients. Les Impatients is a nonprofit organization that supports people with mental health troubles through therapeutic art programs. 10% of all proceeds are donated by Nathon Kong to Les Impatients so that they can continue to support these artists.
Nathon Kong also creates limited edition silk fashion accessories featuring art by Les Impatients. Each silk fashion accessory comes in a unique gift box with a certificate of authenticity detailing the art piece's edition number and the story of the artist who created it.
10% of your proceeds are donated to nonprofit organizations supporting mental health and local artists.
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