Tuxedo Styles

Tuxedos are no longer as commonly worn as they used to be, but for a formal event like your wedding, it's best to review and to know the basic tuxedo styles available. What you wear directly affects how you look and feel during your wedding. To help you know the different tuxedo styles available, we're providing you with information on one of the most popular wedding tuxedo styles available: the single breasted tuxedo.

The Single Breasted Tuxedo

The single breasted tuxedo is characterized mainly by its jacket. Just like other tuxedos, a formal single breasted tuxedo requires you to wear a tie or bow tie, a cummerbund or vest and matching pants.

Single breasted tuxedos are more casual than their double breasted counterparts. The jacket for this type of tuxedo closes with a narrow overlap that is fastened with a single row of buttons. Although most single breasted tuxedos are one-button, you will also find multiple-button single-breasted tuxedo jackets on the market.

Picking Out Single Breasted Tuxedos

When picking out any style of wedding tuxedo, you need to first consider the time of the ceremony and the formality of the affair. Also, depending on your wedding's level of formality, you have to decide on whether or not you're going for full tails for your tuxedo or if you're going for a more casual look.

Deciding on tuxedo-color and style also depends on whether you're having a day wedding or a night wedding. You're not supposed to wear a black single breasted tuxedo to a morning wedding, but a dark gray tux instead. Forgo the full tails for daytime events and wear a single breasted tuxedo with either peak or shawl lapels. If your semi-formal wedding will be held at night, go for a traditional black, single-breasted tuxedo.

You should also consider your body frame when choosing among single breasted tuxedo styles. If you're short, pick a one-button single breasted tuxedo. You can wear a vest or a cummerbund with this tuxedo style. If you're wearing a vest, just make sure you find a low vest that will help add length to your frame. Steer clear from long tails and double-breasted coats to avoid appearing shorter than you are.

If you have a more rotund frame, wear a single-breasted tuxedo, but avoid jackets with two or more buttons. Forgo the vest if you are short and stocky.

It doesn't matter if you're buying a new tuxedo or if you're renting one. Pick a single breasted tuxedo with a classic cut, style and color for a more dignified look.

Accessorizing Your Suit

Self-expression is all good, but getting too creative with your attire for a formal wedding isn't recommended. You will find cummerbunds and vests in zany colors and designs, but keep in mind that for any formal event, especially your wedding, it's better to stick with the classics than to experiment with different wacky looks.

When to Wear It

Single breasted tuxedos are worn for black tie or semi-formal events. For a white tie affair or an über-formal wedding, go for a double breasted suit over your single breasted tux.

Tuxedo Shop

Once in a while, a man is required to wear a tuxedo for special occasions such as weddings, conferences, proms, school dances, anniversaries and other formal gatherings. However, tuxedos are not typically found in a typical man's wardrobe because of the rarity of occasions when there is a need to wear one. Plus, tuxedos are quite expensive and buying one to be used in a single occasion just isn't practical. So for those occasions when a tuxedo is needed, a trip to the rental shops is just the perfect answer.

Start an Early Search!

If you want ample time in choosing the best tuxedo, start looking for rental shops that offer the best selection. Make a list of probable shops and look up their numbers in the directory. In that way, your search becomes organized and easier. Visit the shops and try on the tuxedos so that you'd really get the best one for you. When you've gone through your list, narrow it down to the shops that have impressed you to shorten your list. Starting an early search also allows you to avoid the rush especially when prom days are coming. Starting the search at a later time might deprive you of the best tuxedos because others have already booked them. So don't procrastinate and move if you want to be the best tuxedo man in the function you are attending.

Arrange for Fitting

To be sure that the tuxedo fits your build very well, arrange to be fitted at least two weeks before the occasion. This will give the shops ample time to alter the fitting of the suit. Doing this at a much later time might cause the shops to rush and sacrifice the quality of the suit's fit. It is also best to come back a week before the occasion for another fitting to check whether it still fits perfectly. Remember, the key to looking good in a tuxedo lies not just in the style but on the fit as well.

Widen Your Budget

Renting a tuxedo is not the same with renting an ordinary suit so it is best to widen your budget to be able to secure a good one. It is easier to choose a tuxedo when there is ample money because most likely, the one you'd like are the pricey ones. Always be ready with your money to be able to have the tuxedo reserved for you especially on seasons when customers are filing in tuxedo shops for rental.

Check Before Check-out

Before checking out the tuxedo that you have chosen, check for loose stitches and fading spots in the tuxedo. This is to save you from embarrassing stares when you finally wear the tuxedo. Spotting these while still in the shop can be very convenient since you can request for a repair then and there. Aside from this, you can also save yourself from additional charges in case you return the tuxedo with damages.

Return What You've Borrowed

As much as possible, return the tuxedo to the rental shop immediately after using it. Some shops charge for delayed returns and keeping the tuxedo longer will only increase chances of you forgetting to return it. So while you still remember that you have rented it, run down to the shop and return in before they start enjoying charging you.