Types of Tuxedos

The tailcoat should be matched with formal trousers, and a tuxedo shirt like white wing tip pique formal shirt, white pique backless vest & bow tie, and formal shoes. Full dress tails should not be worn with a cummerbund and bow tie, as this would not be considered proper protocol.

Match your style with these 36s Suit, Band Collar Dress Shirt, Mandarin Collar Suit Jacket, Suit Jacket Without Collar, Tuxedo Suits, Long Suits, White Tuxedo.

The Mao suit. Some also refer to the Nehru jacket as the Mao jacket of Mao suit but unlike the Nehru jacket, it features a turndown collar and four flapped patch pockets yielding a different look.

Notch Lapel (also called the “stepped lapel”) – The “notch” is the opening where the bottom of the collar meets the top of the lapel, usually at a 75 – 90 degree angle. The notch lapel is the most common lapel for a reason – it’s the most versatile of the bunch. It is most often found in single-breasted suit jackets, blazers and sports coats. If you only own one suit, this is the lapel type to go with.

What is a Peak Lapel? Peak Lapel (also called “pointed lapel”) – Peak lapels are traditionally the most formal of the lapels and were originally common in formal wear garments such as tailcoats and morning coats. Peak lapels will tend to look a little more fashion-forward (especially if you decide to go the Lapo Elkann route). In actuality, peak lapels have been around for over 100 years. It is also the most expensive lapel to manufacture (requires the most amount of skill).

Shawl Lapel – Characterized by a rounded edge, the shawl lapel is most common on dinner jackets / tuxedos (for those nights you plan on taking down a couple of Oscars or upstaging the groomsmen at a friend’s wedding).

For most modern tuxedo functions like proms and weddings, the lines between what is appropriate to wear with a tuxedo vs. suit have been blurred. It’s common, though increasingly less so, to wear long ties and high stance vests with tuxedos. However, this is traditionally a look only appropriate with suits.

The winged collar dress shirt is a very dressy option for the most formal of occasions. The winged collar is comparable to the Gladstone collar and often the Gladstone collar (coined after William Gladstone the historical prime minister of England) is given credit as the predecessor to the winged collar.