The Anatomy of a Tuxedo

Tuxedos

Tuxedos are reserved primarily for the dressiest events on the calendar– from weddings, proms, galas, balls, to formal dinners or receptions. Every time an invitation indicates black tie, black tie optional, or formal, a tuxedo is the ideal attire for men. The tux allows you to personalize your look according to your taste and style even when attending these dress-code dictating events.

What makes a tux a tux?

A tuxedo isn’t just a black suit worn with a bow tie. While suits are virtually made with a consistent fabric on both the pants and jackets, tuxes have much more finer details. The design of tuxes uses silk satin, which is most prominent on the lapels as well as on the pants leg stripes. Most tuxes have silk-covered jacket buttons. Moreover, they come in various colors including black, white, midnight blue, and grey among others.

The History of Tuxedo

The name tuxedo is derived from Tuxedo Park—a residential club of mansions in the outer parts of New York. The club annual autumn ball was a crucial social event in New York, and it dress code would usually be white-tie and tails. In 1885, James Brown Potter, a charter member of the club was introduced to the idea of a dinner jacket by the Prince of Wales, who would later become Edward VII. The Prince had recently designed a new evening jacket that was worn at his country estate Sandringham. Brown Potter wore the dinner jacket, which was black but without the tails during the annual club ball. A year later (1886) Pierre Lorillard and his son Griswold designed similar jackets with satin lapels and a cut similar to the equestrian jackets. These Tuxedos soon became the customary attire for semiformal evening events in the society. Over the years, Tux has evolved and various designs, colors, and trimmings have emerged to create a new contemporary line of tuxedos.

Different Types of Tuxedos
Typically, the design of the jacket is what mostly defines the type of tux. Here are the most common types of men’s tuxedos:

Notch lapels tuxedos

notch lapel tuxedo

Shop now for this Notch lapel tuxedo range at Tom Murphys as worn by our model nicholas

Standard in men’s tuxedo suiting today, notch lapels are considered more casual than other lapel types. They have a notch where the jacket collar meets the lapel. It is versatile and if possible should be avoided on the most formal black-tie events. To add an elegant touch, wear it with patterned bow tie, dress shirts with fold down collars, loafers, and unique cufflinks.

Burgundy Mohair Tuxedo

Shop now for this Peak lapel tuxes in different black and colored options at Tom Murphys of Patrick street

Peak lapels tuxedos
Slightly wider, peak lapels are viewed more formal than the notch lapel. It features edges that peak upwards towards your face and they have the effect of making you appear taller and slimmer. They are suitable for the most formal events such as a black tie occasion. Typically, they can be accessorized with a pleated shirt with French cuffs, patent leather shoes, black bow tie, button studs, and silk knot cufflinks.

tuxedo-slim-line-smoking-jacket-silver-trim-401600_10_7050_1

Shop now for this Shawl collar in 20 different black fabrics by Tom Murphy

 

Shawl Collar Tuxedo

Shawl collars tuxes are characterized by a rounded, modern shape collar jackets. Although the shawl lapel is mostly found on black-tie appropriate garments, it is deemed less formal than a peak lapel. It is more panache and can be accessorized with black or patterned bow tie, metal cufflinks, cap or patent toe shoes, and shirt with fold down collars.

Double breasted tuxedos
For the double breast tuxedos, the jackets have two sets of buttons and overlapping front flaps. They are associated with everything from the 1930s gangsters to the 1980s Wall Street brokers. Today, double breasted tuxes have a slimmer cut that makes them much more flattering and creates a broadened shoulder appearance. Since they feature wider lapels, they look excellent with formal un-pleated dress shirts, cummerbund, white pocket square, and larger butterfly bow tie.

The white dinner tuxedo
Also called the “warm weather black tie”, the white dinner tux is worn mostly in a formal black tie event taking place in warmer climates during the day. It is also worn for creative black tie occasion since it is attention-grabbing and very dashing. Nonetheless, it can be a faux pas to wear it with a waistcoat and hence you can pair it with white formal shirt with onyx studs, black pleated cummerbund, patent leather dress shoes, and black tuxedo pants.

Dinner jacket white slim line

Shop now for White tuxes which can come in plain options or black satin combinations

The takeaway
Tuxes are designed to elevate your appearance above day-to-day attire. With the different types of tuxedos available, you can now dress a notch higher while going to formal and semi formal events. Tom Murphy Menswear specializes in tuxedos that are tailored from the very best fabrics and come in different and classy designs as well as colors. We have been selling unparalleled men’s tuxedos since 1938 in Cork and surrounding areas. Besides, we offer tuxedo hire services at a very affordable rate.

Tom Murphy's Formal and Menswear