The classic tuxedo is one of the most iconic clothing items that anyone can be proud of. Although originally only worn by men at formal dinners, it has grown into an iconic wardrobe staple for both genders. The first formal use of the tuxedo was during the 19th century in England, where it was originally called a ‘capper’ because it was worn by men who were attending church services. From there the name has taken on a negative connotation, with the tuxedo being associated with the pompous upper class who wore it to the opera, and other less formal affairs. Today the tuxedo is a more humble style of dress which is appropriate for just about any kind of social event.
Black tie is generally a semi-formal Western style dress code for night-time events, originated mostly in British and American formal gatherings for formal dress on the 19th century. In British English, however, the term for this dress code is usually referred to as dinner jacket or dinner finery, for men’s formal wear. This particular style of tuxedo has its origins in the tailcoat, which was a type of long coat worn by wealthy men to display their superiority to other members of the male social class. Since the tailcoat was unable to always keep its folds open, this method was used to create tuxedos, which always featured button front trousers and jackets, or sometimes even a vest or cravat to match the trousers.
Tuxedos are most commonly worn in black pants and jackets, but a variation can be seen in which the jacket is entirely white with the pants being darker or equal. This white jacket can have either buttons or suspenders, and will always match a tuxedo perfectly. There are also different variations on the pattern for these two clothing parts, ranging from the double-breasted, with two upper buttons and two lower ones, to the single-breasted, which only features one upper button. Whatever the pattern or style that you choose, remember that a tuxedo always requires a top.