10 Fashion Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing a Tuxedo

10 Fashion Mistakes to Avoid When Wearing a Tuxedo

Tuxedos are synonymous with men's formalwear. Consisting of a tuxedo jacket and a pair of matching trousers -- both of which feature satin facing -- they offer a sleek and stylish appearance that's perfect for nearly all formal, black-tie events. If you're planning to wear a tuxedo, though, there are certain fashion mistakes you should avoid. By steering clear of these mistakes, you'll create a more cohesive and formal style.

#1) Wearing a Standard Suit

They may look similar, but tuxedos aren't the same as standard suits. A suit is a formal outfit consisting of a suit jacket and a pair of matching trousers. A tuxedo features similar garments but with a few subtle nuances.

Only tuxedo jackets and trousers, for instance, feature satin facing. You can typically find this satin on the lapels, buttons and the side of the trousers. Standard suits lack this satin. They still feature a jacket and a pair of matching trousers, but standard suits don't have any satin on them.

#2) Choosing the Wrong Material

Tuxedos are available in a variety of materials. Some of them are made of cotton, whereas other tuxedos are made of wool, velvet, linen or even rayon. Regardless of the occasion, you'll need to choose a tuxedo in the right material.

Cotton and linen tuxedos are popular during the warmer months of the year. They are both lightweight, organic materials that offer a high level of breathability. By wearing a cotton or linen tuxedo during the summer, you can rest assured knowing that it will keep you cool and comfortable. For the fall or winter months, on the other hand, you may want to choose a tuxedo made of a heavier material, such as wool or velvet.

#3) Wearing a Traditional Button-Up Dress Shirt

Tuxedos require the use of a button-up dress shirt. Whether you're planning to wear a tuxedo made of cotton, linen, wool or any other material, you'll need to choose a button-up dress shirt for it. With that said, you shouldn't wear just any button-up dress shirt.

There are premium button-up dress shirts that are designed specifically for tuxedos. Known as tuxedo shirts, they typically feature an emphasis on quality and attention to detail that's not found in other button-up dress shirts.

#4) Assuming All Tuxedos Must Be Black

Black is undoubtedly a popular color in which tuxedos are made, but you don't have to limit yourself to choosing a black tuxedo. Tuxedos are available in countless colors. Of all the different colors, black is probably the most popular. Nonetheless, you can create a unique formal outfit by choosing a tuxedo in an alternative color.

Some men prefer blue tuxedos. Others prefer white or gray tuxedos. All tuxedos consist of a jacket and a pair of matching trousers, but they are available in different colors. If you're tired of wearing the same black tuxedo day after day, you may want to choose a tuxedo in an alternative color.

#5) Renting Rather Than Buying

What's wrong with renting a tuxedo exactly? It may sound like a smart way to save some cash, but it can backfire in several ways. If you rent a tuxedo, you may end up with a damaged jacket or pair of trousers. Rental boutiques will typically inspect their tuxedos after each rental, but they may overlook some forms of damage.

Perhaps the biggest problem associated with renting a tuxedo is the fit. You may get lucky and find a rental tuxedo that fits perfectly. In most cases, though, you'll end up with a tuxedo that's either too big or too small.

#6) Fastening the Wrong Buttons

There's a wrong way and a right way to fasten the buttons on a tuxedo jacket. Like all suit jackets, tuxedo jackets feature buttons on the front. Most of them have two to three buttons on the front.

Assuming your tuxedo jacket has two buttons on the front, you only need to fasten the top button. You can fasten the top button while leaving the bottom button unfastened. If your tuxedo jacket has three buttons on the front, you should always fasten the middle button, never fasten the bottom button and sometimes fasten the top button.

#7) Accessorizing With a Necktie

While there are exceptions, you should typically avoid accessorizing your tuxedo with a necktie. Tuxedos are typically worn for events that call for a "black tie" dress code. The "black tie" dress code revolves around formalwear. It's a formal style that involves the use of a tuxedo and other formal accessories.

Neckties are still classified as formal accessories, but they aren't as formal as bow ties. Bow ties offer an unparalleled level of formality. Therefore, they are more appropriate for "black tie" dress codes. You can accessorize your tuxedo with a necktie for occasions. But for a "black tie" dress code, you should stick with a bow tie.

#8) Overlooking the Pocket Square

Don't forget to tuck a pocket square into the breast pocket of your tuxedo jacket. Pocket squares are small pieces of folded cloth. They don't serve any functional purpose, but they do enhance the aesthetics of the suits and tuxedos with which they are worn.

As long as your tuxedo jacket has a breast pocket, it will accommodate a pocket square. After folding the pocket square, tuck it into the breast pocket. The pocket square will enhance your tuxedo jacket's aesthetics by adding new colors to it.

#9) Wearing Casual Socks

Another fashion mistake to avoid when wearing a tuxedo is choosing casual socks. Tuxedos are formal outfits, and like all formal outfits, they require the use of formal accessories, including socks. 

Your socks may not be visible while you are standing. Sitting down, though, may force the bottom of your tuxedo trousers to rise several inches up your ankles. As a result, your socks will become visible. With formal dress socks, you can rest assured knowing that you'll maintain a formal style while sitting.

#10) Wearing Casual Shoes

In addition to casual socks, you should also avoid wearing casual shoes with a tuxedo. Both standard suits and tuxedos require the use of formal footwear. Rather than wearing sneakers, you'll need to wear casual shoes with your tuxedos.

Examples of formal shoes include loafers and derbies. When choosing formal shoes, consider the color and whether it matches your tuxedo.