Whole-Cuts Vs Oxfords | Which Dress Shoe Is More Formal? Balmoral Oxford or Wholecuts

Which dress shoe is more formal? The Balmoral Oxford or the Wholecut? In today's video, I answer this age-old question. Each shoe has interesting history behind it, each has its place in a man's wardrobe. Which do you wear with a tuxedo? Which is easier to dress down? Which is more expensive to make, and why? For answers to these questions, plus some awesome style tips on upping YOUR shoe game, check out the video. Remember gentlemen, shoes matter. Make sure you're wearing the right one.
www.realmenrea... - Click here to read the article: Whole Cut vs. Oxford Dress Shoes
Love men's shoes as much as I do? Want to learn how to up your shoe game even more? Well then I've got a whole playlist for YOU. Check it out!
• Tying YOUR Dress Shoes...
Got an idea for an article or video? Think I'm doing something right? Something wrong? I'd love to hear from you. Let's talk!
www.realmenrea...
/ rmrscommunity - Click HERE To Join our online Facebook Community
/ rmrstyle - Follow Us On Instagram
/ realmenrealstyle -Like Us On Facebook

[@RealMenRealStyle]

Which dress shoe is more formal? The Balmoral Oxford or the Wholecut? Comment below! www.realmenrealstyle.com/wholecut-oxford-dress-shoes/. - Click here to read the article: Whole Cut vs. Oxford Dress Shoes

[@SteamHunterKostas]

Real Men Real Style hi Antonio, I do not think there is anything more elegant than a wholecut. Have you heard or tried Carlos santos from Portugal? I have seen their products and are amazing. See you on the group and the next video.

[@acidofil87]

Real Men Real Style Antonio, please do not confuse Balmorals with Oxfords. The shoes that you showcase are not Balmorals, but just straight Oxfords.

[@krishmaheshwari7531]

Sir can I wear a single monk strap with a dark and light navy blue suit

[@josecorrea1874]

Hello Mr. Antonio, I feel that the wholecut would be more business like shoes over the Balmoral Oxford. Thank you for the video.

[@davidrakes3618]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@ravipeiris4388]

I find the Wholecut more refined and with it's understated elegance, the more formal of the two types of shoes.

[@agbook2007]

I like the whole cuts better. I think the simplicity gives it the edge of formality over simply the “traditional” element of the Balmoral. Though the reasoning you give, Antonio, is sound. 👍

[@MrTtaakk]

I agree with you RMRS, the Balmoral Oxford is more formal. However, personally prefer wearing Wholecut it's stylish, slick & cool. The Wholecut is me all day & night.

[@IkennaOyenta]

I think I prefer the Wholecut 😎 the simplicity is gorgeous

[@nutyyyy]

The wholecut in my opinion can work with black or white tie as well as the office. Whereas the cap toe is best for business.

[@FaronPharo]

The most formal shoe is the Sandle Boot. It has thousands of years of tradition and can worn with a toga.

[@arkkhan5201]

I love brown captoe oxford with quarter brogue.

[@eyesoulyou2086]

Possible to use whole cut ( light brown ) with casual business outfit ? Even some dark jeans ? I love them

[@RhythmnOfThought]

As always, a higly educational and interesting video. It seems like you have integrated my idea of switching up backgrounds - that's great!

[@kolinmartz]

I think whole cuts are on the same level as cap toes. It’s not there to supplant it but both should be acceptable at the same level of formality. I’d like to have a little more variety on each level of formality.

[@KuyaChrisFOfficial]

I like the book background!! The books help the info video. Keep it up!

[@RealMenRealStyle]

Finally, someone noticed :)

[@skyyvodca]

I've seen a wholecut shoes last week in a mall and love at first sight but never knew what it's called until today.

[@telecasterbear]

The whole cuts look like the shoes that new wave band members used to wear forty years ago. I like our hosts choice.

[@Versiego]

Whole cut all the way !!!!!!!!

[@spectre5x5]

I agree that the oxford is classic and my go to shoe with a dark suit. But what about a very formal white tie event?

[@timcorrell9863]

Court shoes (also known as opera pumps) with a black solid grosgrain flat or pinched bow. If you don’t like court shoes, then plain toe or whole cut oxfords with black solid grosgrain laces. The black solid grosgrain should be 75-100% silk and 0-25% synthetic on both shoe styles. And no brogues on either shoe style.

[@pitiedvod]

I'll have to go for balmoral oxfords. It all personal preference, but I prefer the look of them over whole cuts. I just not keen on the whole cut look, even if they can make the wholecut with some fine looking leather.

[@RealMenRealStyle]

Agreed

[@paarthkaushal2395]

Good video and amazing library Antonio 👌👌

[@austinkim9402]

It might just be but a whole cut seems a lot of rounded. The seams of the balmoral from the top points towards the toe and closes in kinda like a trapezoidal making the feet look slimmer. Despite having the same last, I just dont like how rounded a whole cut makes your feet look and just something I think others should consider.

[@DavidSaintloth]

depends on the manufacturer most Italian cold cuts are just as Slim as any Oxford because they use a Blake Stitch instead of a Goodyear Stitch which allows them to really tighten up the toe box a good example of this would be a whole cut from acemarks

[@austinkim9402]

My issue isn't the actual shape but just the illusion. I understand that it can be pretty much identical to the oxford, but my issue lies in the stitching. Imagine looking at both shoes from above. The seams on the Oxford all "taper" towards the toe creating an illusion of a slimmer shape while the wholcut has no such seams to provide this illusion. It can just be me but that's my little gripe on it. Who knows maybe I'll like it in the future.

[@Juantoonice]

I agree

[@sdwayne10]

I like wholecut with a casual look.

[@calihasan199]

Thanks .always we beleave you for ever

[@pgplaysvidya]

I dislike cap toe shoes. Just for that, I don't care if whole-cut is less formal - I'll wear it over anything with cap toes, broguing, etc.

[@thomaspappas5267]

Haha just for fun you should compare the styles of a couple other influencers on KZbin. You could compare José from TMF to Aaron from alfam.

[@Axrover]

Traditions smaditions...wholecut all the way

[@leroy592]

Good stuff!!

[@art.by.bloodwing]

Hey antonio, i want your opinion on street war

[@tomfaranda]

Flip flops, but only in black. No two tone.

[@Juantoonice]

I like the whole cut but I think the Oxford is just more formal

[@zanquinoe.s.7131]

Greetings Mr. Centeno, I want to change all my closet hangers. Could you recommend any of the hangers sold on Amazon? I need to purchase around 90 so I want to make a good investment that will last. Appreciate your help and shared knowledge.

[@PracticalInspiration]

Go for wooden hangers, they generally hold up well, are pretty versatile and the material naturally absorbs odours and moisture, meaning they help maintain clothes

[@zanquinoe.s.7131]

Thank you!

[@PracticalInspiration]

Zanquino E.S. my pleasure

[@meekrodriguez6438]

Nice shoes

[@Dankyjrthethird]

Imo whole cuts are kind of extravagant, a very stand-outish look, not an appropriate pick for the more conservative man

[@Qongrat]

Whole-cut is my go to. Dislikes cap style shoes.

[@karthikeyankannan69]

Whole cut is preffarable

[@Sibu_original]

Almost 2.m

[@ann_teator]

Graphics in the videos are keeps involving over time

[@YasirKhan-ez6qo]

Whole Cuts look more formal to me... It's just my opinion.

[@cajanir]

Agreed. I think that's what Antonio was saying too... The Oxford only wins out because it's much older and has traditionally been the most formal dress shoe.

[@keithbussanich]

Both fit in to a formal setting. It comes down to a matter of opinion and what looks good on you. Similar to suit style preference. Some like English cut some like Italian cut

[@danielquintero2339]

Antonio I disagree and here is why. Historically the oxfords was the perfect business shoe and the most formal shoe to wear during the day. But even 100 years ago wholecuts were a thing you just only saw them in evening attire like white tie and black tie. Not to mention you could always wear a whole cut to a black tie event at any point in history but it has only been in the last 50 or so years that you could even think of wearing a captoe to a black tie event. But even today it is still unacceptable to wear a captoe for a white tie event you can only wear a plain oxford, a whole cut or opera pumps. So since the whole cut can be worn for white tie but the captoe can’t the whole cut is the most formal. But of course you can’t forget that the most formal shoe is the opera pump,

[@alan2a1l]

I agree about the opera pump. In fact, though, the lace-up opera pumps, in patent leather, are essentially closed-lace-system (Balmoral, vs Blucher) whole cuts with an all-over polish that would likely hide any imperfections in the leather under that glossy finish. So history is _actually_ on YOUR side, in this case, if you define an opera pump as a glossy version of the whole cut.

[@Sc0rpion68]

🎯

[@axiomaddict]

Agreed.

[@tangchiprathomo819]

Balmoral for office environment, Wholecut for wedding/funeral/gala dinner.

[@RevJamesCostello]

The whole cut is more ostentatious. The cap-toe says ‘I mean business’.

[@bjornronaldson6017]

The Oxford brings the weight of tradition to the table certainly and for that reason, I agree with you. I feel that whole-cut is more of a subtle indicator of personal style and wealth. The whole-cut is not something I would choose for a board meeting or a black tie dinner, but would top my list for social gatherings, weddings or parties.

[@bryankc9644]

Yep, a whole cut with painted patina is definitely a flex, like blue suede was in Elvis day

[@morgancarnes7686]

I understand that just because of tradition, as you said, the Balmoral is your pick. But I do not believe it will remain that way. The whole cut is much more aesthetically pleasing and by the time we are old men, the whole cut will be the go-to formal shoe.

[@radekkubica6089]

@@morgancarnes7686 that's highly subjective opinion. I find the Balmoral to be much more aesthetically pleasing, whole cuts are too simple for me.

[@pranavsambamurti7746]

Thanks Antonio! I just love the look of the whole-cut, and it seems to have a unique feel having a single piece of super quality leather wrapped around your foot. Great review as always.....

[@dwampss]

A wholecut is more formal because it has fewer seams. A cap toe is more traditional and can be worn in a larger variety of settings

[@DemetriosLevi]

I definitely agree with you on this one. Much of formality seems to stem from lengthy tradition. Being over 100 years, I feel it would take a long time for the wholecut to possibly be the most formal. Great thoughts as always, sir!

[@MrMonk-zr7uc]

I think, that the wholecut could also be worn with more casual combinations, because it is simplistic and modern.

[@wajahatimam5624]

Leaving the historical background aside, to me whole cut shoes are more formal and elegant than oxford shoes.

[@arepj6108]

@@louiscyfer6944 lol

[@Mowuniverse]

I want to see Boots some casual and formal ones.

[@RealMenRealStyle]

I thought I filmed it already? Here you go: www.realmenrealstyle.com/match-dress-shoes-formal-casual/

[@Mowuniverse]

Real Men Real Style awesome thanks

[@DavidSaintloth]

Your conclusion demonstrates a slight inconsistency in the rational you used to define the difference between more formal and more casual shoes. You were consistent in stating that broguing or an open lacing system automatically decline a shoe from formality. Since broguing and lacing systems are specifically types of cuts to the continuity of the leather it makes sense that you are saying that "the more you cut the leather the less formal it is" Which then necessitates that a shoe with minimal cutting (a whole cut) is going to be the pinnacle of "formality" using your own rubric taken to consistent application. That's the logical answer. Another possible variation in the range from formal to casual is the shoes color....I would assert that a flaming red wholecut is way less formal than a black oxford or even derby with broguing. So its important to factor in color as a modulating factor independent of the cut of the shoe. That said the standard colors (black, brown, sienna, burgondie ) are sufficiently muted that I would put a whole cut with either of those colors above ANY style or color of shoe that is not a whole cut....its only when BOLD color territory is crossed that a whole cut would descend possibly below say a clean unbrogued balmoral oxford, or wingtip or derby etc. The main variable criteria here is that "formality" is defined within the social context of where one will wear the shoes....if the environments in which the shoe can be worn with a minimal amount of "peacocking" happening inadvertently or not then it descends from formality as a hallmark of formal events is not peacocking but rather conformity....hence why the standard colors on a whole cut still put them above any other cut but BOLD colors on them do not.

[@kurtfrancis6638]

Thank you for your video, I always look forward to your insights however you have this one incorrect. None are the most formal in my opinion, there are so many contenders to the crown, eg Church's Westbury shoes, worn by James bond, heads of states etc. Carmina 187 comes in various types of leather which is also beautiful. Moreschi shoes are beautiful as well. It would be better to dress up wearing the pair of shoes you are show casing giving your viewers an idea as to why you think the toe cap or whole cut is better. Seeing the shoes in your hands does not do justice to your choice. I collect shoes and have been collecting for 35 years. I think a toe cap shoes is over rated in my opinion.

[@markcovka6549]

Oxford all day

[@rienie13]

3 days ago I had a dream about you buying a pair of shoes from the store I work in. A little creepy but If you ever happen to be in the Netherlands some day, give us a visit!

[@faridmahnad4985]

thanks antonio, before watching this video i think balmoral is more formal but i prefer the wholecut.

[@slyarsenal]

The wholecut is much more sleek, elegant and minimalistic. It oozes with class over the other designs. Wingtips are old-fashioned imo. Always makes me feel people belong on a Western set of a movie with such tacky patterns.

[@felixniederhauser7799]

prefer the wholecut NB:However it is good to have them all. :D

[@axiomaddict]

I’m interested finding a black pair of used, well cared-for wholecuts. I have never cared for the captoe. It has always looked a bit like a frankenshoe to me, like a compromise of some sort. I have no need to wear a strictly conventional dress shoe for business. For my work I have three pairs of wingtips, and a pair of saddleshoes. I want the black wholecuts for shows (I’m a musician in a jazz big band), funerals, weddings, and more formal dates. And I always prefer a “less is more” look in builds and designs.

[@wanedaordonez8174]

Where would Allen Edmonds whole cut Fairfax in black stand as far as versatility ? Jeans?business casual ? Wedding? It is also a semi-brogue-ish

[@jamxtube]

I’d have to disagree with your opinion and most especially the reason you give in support of your opinion. Formality has always been defined by the upper socioeconomic class and by tradition. In effect, formality has always been an expression of the rich forever trying to distinguish themselves from the not so rich. And traditionally, most people would either like to be rich or, at least, fit in with the rich. Therefore, most of us give deference to tradition when dressing formal because, simply put, it’s not our game nor our rules. So we follow tradition because we don’t want to be the nail that’s sticking out. The only formal dress tradition I have ever respected is military formal dress which, in my opinion, is something all together different. Though it’s beginnings were also steeped in the upper socioeconomic class, over time it has evolved into something different and egalitarian. Formal dress among civilians has also begun to evolve over time. It seems now to be this more socially collaborative effort to achieve simple elegance. I support this effort and it’s fun participating. Let’s not forget that the tuxedo, standard issue formal men’s dress, is sometimes also referred to as a monkey suit. Elegance has life while conformity does not. This can be a very fine line. To the issue at hand. The cap toe oxford, in my opinion, is a man’s most versatile shoe. The traditional English oxford is constructed using a Goodyear welt. This makes for a stronger shoe that requires more break in but also which can more easily weather rain. The whole cut oxford is a finer shoe which is constructed using a Blake stitch. This is especially true when they are made by French and Italian cobblers. The cap toe oxford is part of the English gentleman’s business uniform. Despite tradition, the cap toe oxford is too mundane to be considered the more formal. Yes, it is the height of men’s business wear but not, in my opinion, formal dress. The whole cut oxford is simply more elegant.

[@joetadlas9375]

Another nice and informative video. Thanks. You deserve more subs and viewers!

[@MindbodyMedic]

Wholecut for me, with the provisio its bespoke or high end hand made. The cheaper wholecuts do not look right and the shape /leather will become very poor over time. On a budget its easier to find quality oxford.

[@godra051]

Can you please check the video on Sartorial talks how he did list of shoes. Producer with price range etc. I see you get sponsorships and some are having great designs. Can you make your top 20 shoemaker as well? I forgot the brand you recomended in one video and can't find it😐

[@legaspiaudio9830]

Mr. Centeno, will the Whole Cut work for a tuxedo? great channel and info... blessings 🙏🏻

[@archipelago93]

Cap toe oxford for business. Plain toe oxford for black tie. Whole-cut = less formal than both (and imho it's fine but the least appealing).

[@bm9074]

I agree as well nice job

[@TingTingalingy]

I'm a woman and I appreciate your videos. It applies to women more than I expected. Stay sharp

[@juansantiago3858]

My understanding is that the cap toe is a business shoe for the day, and the whole cut is a slight bit more formal for evening wear and such. At least that is what I have learned over the years.

[@humusiclab8974]

Cap toe is not more formal than a plain toe whole cut, Here's the test, you would NEVER wear any cap toe with white tie and tails. Yet a polished whole cut is second only to a plain toe patent leather, not a cap toe patent leather. Tradition, as you put it, says the plain toe (high shine) shoe is preferred for more formal wear.

[@RedMartyr]

this is so confusing bro..... Its like a teenage girl trying to explain which boy-band member is the cutest lol

[@johngriffin2911]

The whole cut is a better shoe, because of it's simplicity and it is unblemished by stitching and it's pleasant to the eyes..

[@hemigod2]

In the vein that less is more I will have to go with the whole cook being the most formal. The cap toe has that and the vamp marker. Whereas a whole cut has nothing at all.

[@aaronarguelles8322]

Antonio my brother, where do you get those awesome sport coats from. They are always on point! Love your videos.

[@MOHAMEDNASEKA]

Hello. Am from India. And named Mohammed Ali. Your English is so good and so easy to understand.

[@miamiman196]

Whole cut is most elegant and this is not a matter of opinion, it is a fact. Certain things are the way they are regardless of opinions.

[@alphadelta12121979]

That is the spot on difference between scotch and single malt :) I do wear capped toes but I'd prefer wholecut over Balmoral anyday.

[@Woodshadow]

I think there are too many factors. I wear oxfords daily at work. They are not fancy looking to me at all.

[@caneman1158]

Disagree. Whole cut is much more dressy and formal. Simplistic is best.

[@PracticalInspiration]

I think his point was that tradition and history is generally why the Balmoral would be more formal. That said, I personally liked both shoes 😀

[@declanbartlette3074]

I would go with both balmorals and wholecuts: the balmoral for a more traditional, conservative look; and the wholecut to add a contemporary flare (especially with a suit).

[@changsangchingmak735]

I agree Mr.Antonio.

[@alijan-np7tz]

I like captoe but if I could buy only one dress shoe whole cut will always be my choice

[@jf56msk]

I don't like toe cap shoes so I'm going with the wholecut and when I wear mine I always get great feedback.

[@betadevlin45]

History is history, I still think the wholecut is better for formalities.

[@singingcowboy674]

Agree. I have appreciation for BOTH. I really like how the whole cut has that clean look and is actually more difficult to make due to having to find the perfect leather. The streamline with them. I would consider the whole cap maybe a BETTER shoe but definitely the Balmoral is the dressier. The breaking up and the lines around it act much like medals on a military dress uniform. It highlights.

[@SukrutHassamanis]

Can you please share your opinions about shoes for jeans and what to check in before buying.

[@aaronspringborn34]

Also can you do a video with oneblade vs Dollar shave club please?

[@L-mo]

I am not going to debate this - there are more urgent issues to worry about.

[@krollic]

I have a pair of whole-cut dress boots. They are just like oxfords but with the ankle. Pretty unusual but I think you'd like them

[@RealMenRealStyle]

That's for ANOTHER video.

[@modernmabuse]

I wanna see your shoes and socks after work...

[@BestYear2016]

Obviously balmoral Oxford looks better

[@tejaskondgekar5509]

I like your video but wholecut is my fevrate

[@terrykim2743]

Wholecuts. The future is now old man.

[@adarshshrivastav7552]

Is it Necessary that the dress shoes should be black...???

[@RealMenRealStyle]

Yes. Black has always been the formal color for shoes.

[@nonesta13]

Recently I’ve taken more casual steps in my attire and I’ve seen some brands make their whole cuts look extremely casual with tumbled leather, also I think dark brown balmore oxfords go well with dark blue jeans

[@enzofudo7872]

Is do get your point about history, but respectfully i find the wholecut to be more formal indeed deu to it's simplicity and elegance Excuus my english, i'm dutch

[@RebelFan]

Wholecuts are all I wear for suits

[@elsentai100]

When i wear tuxedo always going with Black wholecut. If i wanna wear a twobutton suit i go with Black oxford. Great video Antonio as always

[@keithbussanich]

Antonio what is your take on Smartwatches? Can they be worn in a semi formal setting? Do you have any recommendations?

[@RealMenRealStyle]

Keith - Here you go: www.realmenrealstyle.com/guide-to-smart-watches/

[@gemtoothagr]

I don’t disagree but if I were to pick one I would pick the wholecut just personal preference. Thank you again for the advice and i am still waiting for an episode on kilts it’s been well over a year where is it.

[@nishitkumar7059]

Can I wear black whole cut with black bow

[@donlozon1538]

Antonio, what’s your opinion on Beckett Simonons Grant Adelaides? They are constructed like a wholecut but they have some brouging. Would this make it more casual and could they be worn with a great pair of slim fit indigo jeans?

[@nicolasmogollon9253]

What about boots to use with a business dress.