Tuxedo & Black Tie Dress Code Explained: How To Look Awesome in a Tux for Wedding, Groom, Gala, Prom

[@johnmattan3273]

Only the most formal events require a man to wear Adidas tuxedo pants, with the legendary triple galon.

[@idiothead5731]

John Mattan hahaha

[@liubolun]

Pretty much a Russian wedding...

[@richardtrager7125]

Slav tuxedo

[@carltrotter7622]

Brilliant comment. I’m so formal I wear the triple gallon ensemble blue to the gym.

[@finfuller3885]

hahahahaahaa

[@duybankai]

Sven is Yoda of Menswear. No one else is even close.

[@gentlemansgazette]

thanks, even though I hope I look better ;)

[@kamdennestor9087]

yep

[@OrrosGG]

Wisest of ‘em all.

[@mrsmith4709]

Except for any menswear shop attendant in New Zealand or England. They all know it backwards and traditional.y, this guy is not traditional, closer than most, but he is American so that is like getting an Arab to explain to an Eskimo what snow is.

[@ha9706]

@@mrsmith4709 He is actually from germany

[@RSskatecompany]

Reminded yet again of how incredibly glad I am to have found this channel, astonishing work.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks. Please share it on FB or link to it from sowewhere else. That way we can make more videos of this kind.

[@markarato8034]

One of the best channels out there, and the gentleman speaking is very charismatic!

[@BHHartman]

@4:47 - This also applies to laundering your pants and jacket! Whether it’s a suit or a tuxedo, you should ALWAYS have them dry cleaned together. If you wear your suit coat without the trousers, or vice versa, and only bring in one piece to be cleaned, over time the color will start to fade. Do this enough times and your expensive suit will be reduced to simply a sport coat and a pair of slacks that don’t match.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Make sure to download the comprehensive PDF pendant to this video here gentl.mn/black-tie-tuxedo-pocket-guide

[@BBoYSHaDoE]

You always put out the best content! I have a quick question. Will it work to wear stiff collar shirt and white tie vest with dark midnight blue tuxedo? or is black tuxedo better? Thank you again for all your knowledge. I've been following your channel for a long time.

[@MMASulu]

You can substitute suspenders for a shoulder holster just make sure the tuxedo is tailored to it or it will print. Don't go with anything parkerized or powder coated but rather a high polish blue or a semi-brushed stainless. You want to avoid anything nickel plated which is more suited for white tie. It should also have grips made from a dark wood like Walnut or Cocobolo. Shades like Birch or Maple are just too flashy.

[@bizarre_razor]

I thought I was the only one who would be interested in this. Good to know it's been tried and thanks for the tips!

[@garrycane1170]

One of your best videos Sven. IMHO if one never gets anything else perfect black tie is a must.

[@Willensimperium]

Perfect guide, love a lot of your videos and articles but this one has to be one of my favourites (although i only wore black tie 3 times in my short life), you got your talking speed up a bit in the first minutes, which is a good thing and all things are not just pointed out clearly but also historically contextualized.

[@gentlemansgazette]

Thanks! We put a lot of work into it :) and we always strive to provide the best content anywhere on the web when it comes to classic & quality men's clothing.

[@onedead7607]

The quality of your videos are amazing! I will not mind if I needed pay for these.

[@carltrotter7622]

You can always buy their guides.

[@walterfoyt5985]

You can also wear an opera cape instead of an overcoat when it cold.

[@walterfoyt5985]

I realize an opera coat is more formal and it’s more flamboyant but it suites me.

[@robertboone6504]

Sir Raphael, nice crisp presentation full of great care and detail. This one puts you in another stratosphere. Stay you. Thats all you need to do. Peace.

[@dvincentart2156]

Amazingly in-depth video. I'll be sure to remember all of this in the future. I have one question for anyone that wouldn't mind answering it. How would I go about an event that could be considered "Creative Black Tie"? I understand it's odd to ask, but I'll be attending a formal dinner with my fiancée soon. While it's hinted as Black Tie, I know the expectations are a bit relaxed to let everyone wear more colors. I want to remain true to the rules of the jacket and pants, but I'm unsure if I should wear a vest and bow tie that coordinate with her dress, or just stay black and let my Boutonniere and Pocket Square match her. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

[@cpickell1987]

Thanks for putting together some an incredibly comprehensive video - definitely feeling more informed about the subtleties of black tie attire. I'm curious, what sort of pocket square fold would you recommend for a pocket which is half concealed by the lapel?

[@Tassadar89]

Hello! I'm making my own tuxedo for my wedding, so I want it to be perfect. I've seen lots of your videos and I only have one question, can I wear a boutonniere with a shawl lapel? Should I have it done with a button hole just for that? Thanks a lot for all your help!

[@jrh11254]

Oliver Perry - I’m very curious how your homemade tuxedo turned out? Did you stay with the shawl-collar? What about the buttonhole for the boutonnière (I see you never got a response from Raphael)? And, lastly, on what fabric did you decide & where was it sourced? I’m assuming you have a serger machine? So cool. Much respect for you, Sir!

[@terranempire2]

@9:03 Red Bow tie and Red cummerbund are however a proper attire for wear Red Sea Rig. Which is a separate iteration of evening wear primarily in tropical climates. The American iteration is Gulf rig which is Black tie yet again without jacket.

[@Mr.Ciobanu]

Probably never gonna wear a Tux but I still watch this video cause all your videos are so detailed :)

[@fjahnhogler]

Great video as usual! Regarding regular, french cuffed white shirts to a tuxedo, the British royal family is often seen doing this. Wouldn't you say that they therefore have made that more "casual" look acceptable, like the Duke of Windsor made wearing turn-down collars to a tuxedo a standard? (As long as everything else is traditionally pitch perfect, that is!)

[@trevorstiles1008]

You sir have saved me from making a mistake thank you

[@BlackLight886]

Fantastic video! I hope the next one is on moves that will make you the best dancer at your next black tie event!!

[@mikeoxmaul45]

8:29 peak patrician dinner jacket. It's like wearing White and Black Tie at the same time. 👌 💯

[@TheOldHistorian1929]

I own two 1930s tuxedos in my opinion they are the pinnacle of tuxedos

[@sptownsend999]

When I was in high school I was determined to find a good black tie guide. I found a guide, and now a video as good as the guide! Are you going to do a video on White Tie? Also, could the homburg be substituted with a black bowler or a black derby?

[@dietrauringkursschmiede7160]

Both center vent and two vents come from riding (2:25). The center vent is for a long coat (see fox hunting coats) and two vents for a shorter coat (more of a sport coat, called hacking jacket). If you are posting during a trot your jacket will get caught on the back of the saddle unless it has vents. This will irritate your horse and you will be off balance.

[@TheJTMcDaniel]

In some cases, side vents give off a "police" vibe, as detectives tend to prefer them because it makes accessing a weapon in a concealed hip holster easier.

[@mr.berrani]

Very very useful detailed video 👍 I need a Tuxedo for my wedding soon

[@dzfz2100]

People should not underestimate the importance of a cummerbund if you aren’t using a waistcoat. When standing, your jacket should always be buttoned, and the cummerbund gives you a continuous black silhouette with no little white triangle between the trouser and the jacket button. All you have is the striking V of the shirt front. That is why the cummerbund is so critical, and should not be overlooked, as it so often is.

[@aurin_komak]

My tuxedo trousers are so high waisted, no such triangle appears. But I still wear a cummerbund

[@rebecacastaneda8677]

​@@aurin_komaka right tux trosuers is high waisted.

[@aurin_komak]

@@rebecacastaneda8677 yes

[@justinhansen1328]

10:21 I have never seen velvet slippers before. I love that look. Might pick me up a pair

[@beru58]

I've seen a picture of the Crown Prince of Denmark in a tuxedo wearing orders and medals. I heard that the tuxedo in part was meant to put all men on an equal footing so to say. Hmmm...

[@agenttux9398]

Agent Tux knew this at birth, for most mortals, good info!

[@dadidadidj8924]

my n1 Chanel for professional advices.

[@liammooney9067]

Double vented tuxedo jackets are increasing in popularity. I agree a no-vent jacket delivers a more traditional silhouette but double vent is comfortable

[@lucasdelacruz7263]

interesting. Can you do a video about white tie???

[@devianthamburgler1169]

Going to prom next week. Hopefully it's worth it without a date👌

[@classonbread5757]

Was it?

[@benjamindunnigan2157]

Completely agree with SRS on all but two points... Whereas he thinks formality has loosened up enough allow highly polished balmorals or coverall lace-ups, it is my view that patent leather shoes are a signature hallmark of the black tie ensemble. At the same time, I have the reverse opinion on jacket vents since it is almost impossible to find an off-the-rack tuxedo in 2018 (even with the other correct features I.e, slit pockets, peak or shawl lapels etc) made without them other than GA or RL Purple Label. Even if you are having it made, vents provide the function of comfort when sitting down.

[@christopherl-b1892]

Hey, should I wear a cummerbund, a vest/waist coat, or both?

[@DonkeyEMakesYouWiserNow]

If it weren’t for Raphael, I would be a peasant. Just kidding. Great channel by the way. I have watched basically every single one of your videos.

[@thelegendofdarius]

This is my favorite dress code of all time 🤵

[@coachvas27]

your video's are great I watch everyday

[@TheForKzz]

Now it's time for white tie pls!!

[@aaronspringborn34]

Excellent video! One of your best ones!!! ✅

[@madman1052]

Are you going to do a guide to white tie?

[@Moanapour2991]

I learn so much from you

[@RobertJonesWightpaint]

I've not needed my dinner suit for several years now - indeed, I've grown out of it, and my dress shirt too - still have a cummerbund and black tie, but the occasions to wear them just don't arise any more: Covid clobbered the annual dinner, the coporate dinner, all of the big collective occasions which I always enjoyed.... sad; we need a few occasions in life to break the dull routine... even the dinner party seems to be a thing of the past: or if it isn't no one is inviting me to them!

[@trevor3194]

This Friday will be the first meeting of the Millard North Gentleman's Society, it's a place where I (a Senior in High school) teach young men how to dress, act, and conduct themselves in a gentlemanly manner. I will use some of the teachings form the book called "A Gentleman gets Dressed Up", and "How to be a Gentleman."

[@JaySaysHey]

You come into my house on the day of my daughters wedding, and you are wearing notched lapel - Vito Corleone

[@petepompies6276]

Love these videos. Always educational (particularly your video on rings). What are your thoughts on wristwatches and pockets watches for black tie events?

[@danieljalel5701]

What about black patent dress shoes with open lacing system? Are they acceptable or not?

[@gentlemansgazette]

You can see them in Vienna. Personally, I prefer Oxfords as they are generally a bit more formal. However, it is possible to find very elegant Derbys as well.

[@peterexley4985]

🎩🧐🥾🌹thanks now I know also I wonder about funeral ie the queens would a morning suit be excepted?

[@alastoria_va]

I'm a girl but... OMGZ THIS IS SO GOOD

[@richardwebb2348]

In US, the height of sartorial elegance is to wear an evening tail coat with a black tie and button down shirt.

[@thecoldhardtruth1390]

Double buttoned tuxes are actually more preferable but triple is where the no go for black tie events end up at

[@jaykqwanlevy4746]

Very classy for this modern day age especially in New York City USA am going explode wearing thee gentlemen classy dress style in the ripped jeans era in New York City and surrounding areas i love all or this

[@gurmukhgurm3146]

can you do a video on table etiquette for gentlemen

[@afonsobelocastilho3121]

Is it possible to wear the black tie without the cubber band or the waistcoat? Love your channel! Big hug

[@ichabod0391]

How do you feel about a black Prince Charles jacket and waistcoat with a kilt ensemble?

[@Ijazaslam1998]

Where did you get the background music for your videos? It's quite calming haha

[@gentlemansgazette]

It was composed for us

[@fabianmedina7315]

Can patent leather boots be another option when it’s winter

[@Asimo44]

I recently bought a tuxedo. Everything was perfect on it except it had side vents and no stripes on the pants. I decided to purchase it anyway because the price was very reasonable and it fit me really well. I know the side vents probably wouldn't be able to be easily altered but would it be possible to have a tailor add galons to the pants?

[@samuelclaessens7699]

I hope I can one day find a good black tie tuxedo.

[@hongyiqian8616]

what brand do you recommend

[@baxtermaxtor]

Wonderful. I'm going to my first Black Tie event next week.

[@chs75]

How did it go?

[@baxtermaxtor]

A relief to be over, thanks. Mostly great. Pictures reveal a smaller bow tie, better shoes and waistcoat for the peak lapels will make the next one even better. Many were not dressed appropriately, but not terribly so.

[@chs75]

Congrats!

[@sergioriv3893]

Todo super, desacuerdo la solapa de muesca, si no eres muy alto beneficia, y lo que no lo hace diurno es la seda de la misma, classic no es necesariamente old fashioned! Saludos

[@JerryGarner-x7o]

Do you have a preference for turn down collar shirt vs wing collar for black tie?

[@misteroz]

Another very comprehensive and informative video! One question on the bow tie itself - would you be able to get away with midnight blue (and I mean genuine midnight blue, rather than navy) or must it always be black? Many thanks

[@elisez478]

Fantastic information! Thank you!

[@mandeepbaweja3021]

This is just the perfect guide that covers everything....Hats off!! Rapheal :) Also i want to ask that i am a young college student...can i slightly change the rules like i dont wear Patent oxfords instead Black Leather Tassel Loafers??

[@gentlemansgazette]

No.

[@vincent7584]

Would it be appropriate to wear bowler with tuxedo?

[@roberthoffhines5419]

A note on the carnation boutonniere: If your mother has passed, wear a white one, if she is still with us all, red. Cumberbun: we used to call them our "crumb catchers" so we'd be sure to remember: "pleats UP"

[@oscarwills7112]

Are dark grey trousers acceptable with a black dinner jacket?

[@JohnHelfgott]

THAT VIDEO IS AMAZING.. THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH.

[@DakkogiRauru23]

I’m curious. Is there any flexibility with this attire? What rules can I get away bending or breaking?

[@singhtalks2256]

What's different for cruise, wearing black tie? Thanks

[@leontt2592]

Do you have to wear the white waistcoat

[@henkdesteen1330]

Why can’t I find the classic 3 button waistcoat anymore? The other day I was customizing my 3 piece smoking suit on Suitsupply, but when I saw the waistcoat it didn’t look classic; No lapel option and a higher cut. You do have a horseshoe cut shape but that’s still cut too high. Can anyone help me out where I can buy a three piece Smoking suit, with a proper 3 button waistcoat with lapels? (à la Vito Corleone😉)

[@dotKevinWong]

Just in time for my prom today!

[@hewie2u]

Raphael , This is a staggering presentation ; perfect in so many ways . I am interested though with the pockets on the trousers . I personally go for side seem to elevate the formality . What do you think ?

[@justinhansen1328]

what is the appropriate use of scarves and overcoats in black tie for especially cold outings?

[@shanewright2772]

In cooler weather is it appropriate to wear a cape? Because that would be awesome.

[@shanewright2772]

@Pretty Boy No. I'm Dracula.

[@andrewjames9459]

No Notch lapels? Why?

[@jalenjohnson346]

I recently found a suit at a vintage store and the jacket meets all the requirements of a black tie ensemble but the pants however have belt loops but have a galon on the side. It was a suit from the 50s. I don’t necessarily know if it was a tux or just a suit

[@FIVESTARMAN93]

Thanks for the info man!!!

[@MauricXe]

What about color? Is midnight blue always an acceptable substitute or are there some instances in which we can only wear black?

[@zaxraven4755]

awesome. so informative. thanks

[@1andrewplatt]

Is AMF stitching not ideal for a Tuxedo? I assume this to be true given the added detail it would create. Thanks!

[@masonrudesheim9098]

Although uncommon, would it be correct to wear a bowler with black tie? Also, I thought that a boater with a black band is appropriate with black tie when worn in summer, am I mistaken?

[@bossfurniture]

could the tux be velvet?

[@elusana]

Yeah its just called a dinner jacket

[@captainnightblood627]

this is very helpful but do you have one for sports coats

[@Christien64]

Great video....One Question, is it a complete faux pas to where a bowler with black tie or should that be left to business/day wear?

[@justinhansen1328]

I have always had extremely curly red hair I feel it would be best to apply some creme on it to hold it down and darken to match the tux. For someone who wears predominantly brown what pattern would you suggest?

[@GenuineGents]

What kind of events will you ever see a black tie dress code? I feel like in North America this is very rare, thus why I've refrained from ever purchasing this outfit

[@GenuineGents]

Hahaha exactly my point! Its very unlikely that most everyday people will have to worry about this one! Maybe one day once I get high up 😉😂

[@donaldperez7981]

Dean Martin was the only celebrity that I could ever think of who wore a tuxedo each and every day of the week in the sixties, and seventies.

[@kkupsky6321]

I love it.

[@lauriemorrison5609]

may suspenders be of a color other than white or black? May white or black suspenders have a pattern such as paisley?

[@MrRazz523]

If a groom wants his wedding to be a black tie event, but he wants to wear a white bowtie with white vest and tuxedo to stand out, would this be ridiculous or okay? Asking for a friend :)

[@prashantrai11]

you are the best

[@ThaFashionAssassin]

Rafael, I always thought a shawl lapel was the official lapel for formal wear.

[@maximtuboltsev6046]

Can I wear a continental tie with tuxedo?

[@Hondo0101]

Two quick questions. Why in the 1940 something movie on razor's edge did some wear a dinner suit with white pants? It takes place after WW1. 2nd question if one goes out to dinner every night does one need a different tuxs?

[@SeanCLewis-qp6xn]

Raphael, thank you again for such well delivered guidance. May you please provide information on a manufacturer of quality cap less patent oxfords? Thank you

[@jboyhanny5734]

2:10 I have my eyes on a double breasted peaked lapel coat with 4 buttons but it is velvet. Would that be proper for black tie?