Tuxedo Styles for 2025: The Complete Guide | The Black Tux Blog

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Style Tuxedo Styles for 2025: The Complete Guide

With the wide variety of tuxedo styles available, shopping for formal wear can feel overwhelming. Let's change that.

Last updated: June 10, 2025Copy Link

This comprehensive guide is… lengthy. But we're confident you’ll still save countless hours and land on a more personal outfit versus the alternatives—Reddit, TikTok, or whatever flavor of AI you subscribe to.

Within, we’ll show you a more thoughtful, human way to approach men’s formal wear, whether you’re a modern groom looking for wedding tuxedo styles, or just interested in understanding the basics. This guide will answer every question you never knew you had about the pinnacle of men’s clothing: the tuxedo.

[Browse Premium Tuxedo Rentals](/content/collections/tuxedo-rentals "Premium Tuxedo Rentals by The Black Tux"/index.html) [_→_](/content/collections/tuxedo-rentals "Premium Tuxedo Rentals by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Popular Tuxedo Styles

Renting vs. Buying

Tuxedo Basics

What makes a tuxedo a tuxedo?

Before we establish what a tuxedo is, let’s talk about what a tux is not. A tuxedo is not just a black suit worn with a bow tie (learn more about a [black suit vs a tuxedo](/content/blogs/style/black-suit-vs-tuxedo "Black Suit vs Tuxedo Differences on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html)). While that description misses some of the finer details of the tux, it also assumes that all tuxedos are black and white (they’re not). And while bow ties are the traditional neckwear match for a tux, they’re not your only option.

The biggest [difference between suits and tuxedos](/content/blogs/style/tuxedo-vs-suit-details-make-the-difference "Tuxedo vs. Suit on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html) is the use of silk satin in the design of the tuxedo, most prominently on the lapels. Suits are almost always made with a consistent fabric on both the jacket and pants—no special lapels, no satin leg stripes. And most tuxedos have silk-covered jacket buttons while suits have normal buttons.

The tuxedo is designed to elevate your appearance above the day-to-day suit, so should you wear one? Only you can decide whether a tuxedo is the garment you need, but if one is expected, there will be clues or a very clear request. If the event in question is a gala, or if the [dress code](/content/blogs/style/mens-dress-code-types-definitions "Men's Dress Code Guide on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html) includes words like "black tie" or "formal attire," you'll need a tuxedo.

Tuxedo Colors

When you think of the iconic tux, you probably think in grayscale. While we respect tradition, neither the modern nor the traditional tuxedo is always black and white.

[Midnight Blue Shawl Collar Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collections/tuxedo-rentals/products/midnight-shawl-tuxedo "Rent or Buy the Midnight Blue Shawl Collar Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Midnight blue tuxedos have always been an acceptable alternative to black tuxedos because their dark blue fabric would appear blacker than true black under the glow of early electric lighting. Later, tropical climates necessitated the white dinner jacket—a warm-weather take on the tux. These tuxedo color ways have turned into formal wear staples and are often worn year-round.

Unique colors are another option. Colorful tuxedo fabrics and patterns make a bold, celebratory statement at less formal affairs, like holiday parties. The key to pulling off these tuxedos is knowing the dress code, and a traditional black tie event requires a black tuxedo.

Tuxedo Fabrics

For many reasons, [wool fabrics](/content/blogs/style/wool-suits-vs-polyester "Learn More About Wool vs. Polyester for Suits and Tuxedos on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html) are the gold standard for suits and tuxedos. Wool drapes beautifully and has a sleek finish that makes for a polished look. It’s also known to be insulating, breathable, and durable—basically making it the do-it-all renaissance man of the suiting world. It’s hard to go wrong with wool.

[Fabric Close-Up: Black Velvet Jacket Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collections/tuxedo-rentals/products/velvet-jacket "Rent the Black Velvet Jacket Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Plush velvet adds rich texture to your look and keeps you feeling warm and looking cozy in the autumn and winter, but would be out of place in warmer months. Velvet has a heavier hand feel, but a velvet dinner jacket will only feel slightly more robust when compared with a wool jacket (rather than heavy or bulky).

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Tuxedo Jacket Styles

When you’re choosing a tux jacket, the details make all the difference. Your tuxedo style is largely defined by the jacket, and while picking one might sound simple enough (um, black?), there’s a lot you need to pay attention to—like lapels, buttons, and even fabric—when putting together your look.

Tuxedo Lapel Styles

Notch Lapel Tuxedos

The standard in men’s suiting today, notch lapels are found on everything from sport coats to business suits—which also means they’re considered more casual than other lapel types. They have a “notch” where the jacket collar meets the lapel. Despite being a casual lapel type, notch lapels are versatile—you’ll find them on both suit and tuxedo jackets. Just avoid wearing them at the most formal black tie events.

Pro-tip: Elevate the notch with our [tuxedo with grosgrain ribbon accents](/content/collections/tuxedo-rentals/products/grosgrain-bound-tuxedo "Grosgrain Bound Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html).

[Notch Lapel Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collection/tuxedos/notch-lapel "Buy or Rent the Notch Lapel Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Shawl Collar Tuxedos

Shawls aren’t just for little old ladies. Shawl collars are characterized by a modern, rounded shape, and are primarily seen on tuxedos and dinner jackets. While shawl lapels are pretty much only found on black tie-appropriate garments, some would argue that they are less formal than a peak lapel. You could also argue they have more panache. Use your judgment based on the event and your personal style.

[Midnight Blue Shawl Collar Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collection/tuxedos/shawl-collar-tuxedo "Buy or Rent the Midnight Blue Shawl Collar Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Peak Lapel Tuxedos

Peak lapels are slightly wider than notch lapels, with edges that “peak” upward toward your face. Originally seen in highly formal, highly traditional garments like tailcoats, the peak lapel has since made its way into tuxedo and suit jackets alike. It’s generally viewed as more formal than the notch lapel, and, because it’s less common, more of a statement. But don’t shy away—because they point upward, peak lapels have the effect of making you look taller and slimmer. Win, win.

Shadow Black Peak Lapel Linen Tuxedo by The Black Tux ➝

Double Breasted Tuxedo Jackets

Double-breasted jackets have overlapping front flaps and two to three sets of buttons. Traditionally associated with everything from ’30s gangsters to ’80s Wall Street brokers, today’s double-breasted suits feature slimmer proportions. As a suit, this look is more formal, but as a tuxedo style, the double-breasted closure leans casual and creative relative to the single-breasted alternative.

Frankly, you can wear one wherever you want: office, burger joint, wedding. We love this look, which is why we made our own [double-breasted tuxedo](/content/collections/tuxedos/products/double-breasted-tuxedo "Double-Breasted Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html).

[Double-Breasted Tuxedo by The Black Tux ➝](/content/collections/tuxedos/products/double-breasted-tuxedo "Buy or Rent the Double-Breasted Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Tuxedo Button Styles

Generally, the fewer the buttons on the closure, the more formal the jacket. Think of ultra-formal tailcoats: the jacket doesn’t even close! Tailcoats usually have some buttons, but none of them are functional.

Single-button jackets are the most formal in modern menswear, and not coincidentally, most single-button jackets are tuxedos or dinner jackets.
Two-button jackets are more versatile but a little more casual, too. They can be dressed up or dressed down, from a cocktail party to a black tie optional wedding. You can find modern tuxedos with two-button closures, but they’re most often used in suiting.
Three-button suit jackets are less common, and you rarely see three buttons on a tuxedo—they’re too casual. The outlier here is the double-breasted jacket. Despite having 4+ buttons, they’re generally considered more formal than a two-button jacket (and again, not all of the buttons are functional).

Now that you know the design intent behind button counts, forget it—really. Choose a jacket that appeals to you and compliments your body type. The only reason you might consider choosing a one-button over a two-button is if you’re attending a very formal event or wedding. Even then, the odds are low anyone would find your choice problematic.

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Tuxedo Shirts

The tuxedo shirt does't get the credit it deserves. It's a blank canvas, and a carefully chosen tux shirt can connect your style with the vibe of the event you're attending. Like every other part of your tuxedo, it’s important to be intentional about the shirt you wear.

While there are endless tuxedo shirt styles, we'll keep this section light with just two aspects of tuxedo shirts you should keep in mind when putting together your full tuxedo: collars and bibs.

[Shop Tuxedo Shirts](/content/collections/tuxedo-shirts "Buy or Rent Tuxedo Shirts by The Black Tux"/index.html) [_→_](/content/collections/tuxedo-shirts "Buy or Rent Tuxedo Shirts by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Tuxedo Shirt Collars

Wing Tip Collars

The wing tip gets its name from the points of the fold-out that look like wings, and it’s designed to be worn with a bow tie and tuxedo. Wing tip collars look a little strange with neckties, and completely wrong with suits. This is the shirt for you if you need a traditional tuxedo style.

Spread Collars & Fold-Down Collars

Spread collars (or fold-down collars) are the most common type of collar worn today, and the most versatile. They work with suits and tuxedos alike, and both bow ties and neckties. This shirt style is what we'd recommend for a modern look. Find a semi-spread or "regular" spread shirt collar for a timeless look.

Tuxedo Shirt Bibs

Some dress shirts have a rectangular panel that runs up the front of the shirt called a “bib,” which doubles your shirt’s chest fabric. This bib ensures that anything visible under your tuxedo jacket is bright white, not your skin color. Not all tuxedo shirts have bibs, but all dress shirts that have bibs are tuxedo shirts.

There are actually multiple types of bibs (of course there are), but the important thing to understand is these bibbed shirts are a more formal, traditional style. Shirts without bibs can be worn with tuxedos, and if you're worried about the x-ray effect of fine white cotton, get yourself an undershirt.

More to Consider

We could really go on about shirt plackets and cuffs—and we have, in a separate [guide to tuxedo shirt styles](/content/blogs/style/tuxedo-styles "Guide to Tuxedo Shirt Styles from The Black Tux Blog"/index.html).

It's a good read, but if you just need to know the basics, be sure you [buy or rent a tuxedo shirt](/content/collections/tuxedo-shirts "Buy or Rent a Tuxedo Shirt by The Black Tux"/index.html) that works with button studs and cufflinks if you'd like to wear them with your tuxedo.

[Learn More About Tuxedo Shirt Styles _→_](/content/blogs/style/tuxedo-shirt-styles "Learn More About Tuxedo Shirt Styles on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html)

Go back to Table of Contents

Tuxedo Neckwear

Bow Tie vs. Necktie

We’ve established that a traditional tuxedo is paired with a bow tie, so if you’re attending a really formal or strict black tie event, it's an easy call. But not every event has a strict of a dress code, and modern style means a lot more wiggle room for personal expression.

So, if your event isn't strictly formal, should you wear a necktie? This isn't a question we can answer for you, but a bow tie will never look out of place or too stuffy with a tuxedo.

Colors and Fabrics

Choosing a tie based on its fabric can add texture to your look in unexpected ways and firmly place your outfit in the right season and formality level.

[Navy Silk Butterfly Bow Tie by The Black Tux](/content/collections/neckwear-for-rent/products/navy-pin-dot-silk-bow-tie "Buy or Rent the Navy Pin Dot Silk Bow Tie by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Silk, Satin, or Twill Ties

This is the go-to neckwear fabric for most tuxedo styles or dinner jackets. Silk’s light sheen works well with the (usually) silk satin lapels of your tuxedo or dinner jacket, further elevating your look. If you decide to dress your tux down with a necktie, this silk is the best choice.

[Merlot Velvet Bow Tie by The Black Tux](/content/collections/neckwear-for-rent/products/merlot-velvet-bow-tie "Rent the Merlot Velvet Bow Tie by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Wool or Velvet Neckwear

In the fall and winter, we bundle up. That’s not to say a velvet or wool tie is going to actually keep you warmer than some other fabric, but visually, these rich materials lend themselves to cooler weather. If you want to try this cozier neckwear material with your tux, stick with a bow tie.

[Shop All Bow Ties _→_](/content/collections/bow-ties "Rent or Buy Bow Ties by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Go back to Table of Contents

Cummerbund or Vest

One of the traditional guiding principles of a formal dress code is that all the working parts of your ensemble must be covered or dressed. While the rule has become more of a guideline, we still find the rule’s offspring in formal wear: vests and cummerbunds.

Bare (No Covering)

If you want a more modern, effortless look, consider [wearing a tuxedo without a cummerbund](/content/blogs/style/tuxedo-without-cummerbund "Learn More About Wearing a Tuxedo Without a Cummerbund on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html) or vest. Skipping the vest is an increasingly popular choice, and acceptable with either a tuxedo or a suit.

Cummerbund

[The cummerbund](/content/collections/accessories-for-rent/products/cummerbund "Black Satin Cummerbund by The Black Tux"/index.html) was invented to cover up your waistband (and the awkward shirt bunching that tends to happen in that area). Cummerbunds have experienced a revival in recent years—they're not something you see everywhere yet, which only adds to the mystique. If you decide to wear one, do so only with a tuxedo, and match the material of your cummerbund with the material of your lapels.

Tuxedo Vest

Like a cummerbund, you’ll usually only wear a tuxedo vest—occasionally called a waistcoat—at black tie events. Low-cut vests are viewed as more formal than full-back, 5- and 6-button vest options, and they're cut lower in the front than a typical suit vest (hence the name) to show more of your tuxedo shirt placket. Unlike the full-back vest, it is appropriate to button all buttons.

This only scrapes the surface of [considerations for wearing a vest with a tuxedo](/content/blogs/style/tuxedo-with-vest-guide "Learn How to Think About Wearing a Vest With a Tuxedo on The Black Tux Blog"/index.html), but it's enough to help you decide for now.

[Shop Tuxedo Vests →](/content/collections/vests-for-rent "Rent Tuxedo Vests by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Go back to Table of Contents

Tuxedo Pants

In the same way satin differentiates a tuxedo jacket from a suit jacket, the tuxedo pant rises above mere suit pants with two vertical satin stripes—one on either side of the leg—and a matching satin waistband. The stripes, a detail often seen on military uniforms, and the waistband cover the pant seams for an uninterrupted look that appears to elongate your legs, making you look taller. And obviously, A.B.T. (always be taller).

Black vs. Color

The minimalist design of the tuxedo pant makes it undeniably versatile. You can match them with just about any tuxedo or dinner jacket—tartan, gingham, pin dot, velvet, wool, black, white—and you wouldn’t have a losing look in the bunch. Nobody should ever compare formal wear to french fries, but the way they work with anything, they’re like french fries. Except instead of making you unhealthy, they make you look better.

Pro-tip: If you’re going for a modern look, show a little ankle. Your tux pants should be hemmed for “no break”—that’s just above the shoe.

[Shop Dress Pants & Tuxedo Pants →](/content/collections/pants "Rent Dress Pants & Tuxedo Pants by The Black Tux"/index.html)

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Tuxedo Shoes

When it comes to pairing shoes with your tux, less is usually more. The tuxedo is designed to draw the eye up to your face, but nobody’s going to make eye contact if you’re sporting some over-the-top high-tops. But even if you’re keeping it simple, you have some decisions to make.

[Black Patent Leather Shoes by The Black Tux](/content/collections/shoes/products/black-patent-leather-shoes "Rent or Buy Black Patent Leather Shoes by The Black Tux"/index.html)

PatentLeather

When it comes to wearing a tux, patent leather is an easy, go-to choice. The patent shine works in harmony with the shine of a tuxedo’s lapels and pant stripes, making it an ideal match. Simple equals elegant.

[Cap Toe Tuxedo Shoes by The Black Tux](/content/collections/shoes-for-rent/products/cap-toe-shoes "Rent or Buy Cap Toe Tuxedo Shoes by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Cap Toe Shoes

Wingtip shoes are a little too ornate, but a sleek cap toe shoe demands just enough attention. The matte leather combined with a patent leather accent on [our pair](/content/collections/shoes-for-rent/products/cap-toe-shoes "Cap Toe Shoes by The Black Tux"/index.html) adds subtle variety to your look while keeping the focus of your tux above the waist.

[Velvet Slip-On Loafers by The Black Tux](/content/collections/shoes-for-rent/products/velvet-slip-on-shoes "Buy or Rent the Velvet Slip-On Loafers by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Loafers

There’s more than one way to add texture to a tux, but none of them have been proven to improve your dance moves like a loafer. Okay, so wandering eyes are more likely to pause on a pair of [velvet slip-ons](/content/collections/shoes-for-rent/products/velvet-slip-on-shoes "Velvet Slip-On Loafers by The Black Tux"/index.html), but hey—maybe the groom should have worn better shoes? (Attention Grooms: Loaf it or someone else will.)

Go back to Table of Contents

Tuxedo Accessories

Wearing a tuxedo should be fun, which is probably why cufflinks, pocket squares, and suspenders were invented. While the rest of your tux communicates effortless sophistication, your accessories tell the world you still know how to breakdance or throw a bullseye blindfolded. It’s you in microcosm.

Cufflinks and Studs

Cufflinks allow your personality to shine through in a formal outfit. It’s okay to have some fun with your cufflinks, but if you’re trying to show your serious side, stick to a metallic style. Or keep your look minimal with silk knots, like the ones in [this shirt](/content/collections/dress-shirts/products/wing-collar-fly-front-shirt_classic "Wing Collar Fly Front Tuxedo Shirt by The Black Tux"/index.html).

Button studs lend your outfit a more formal feel. They’re only for tuxedo shirts, and are designed to fit into the buttonholes of the shirt placket. If you’re also wearing a metallic cufflink, it’s best to match metals with your button studs—gold with gold, silver with silver.

[Gold Pearl Button Studs by The Black Tux](/content/collections/cufflinks-and-studs/products/gold-pearl-button-studs "Buy or Rent Gold Pearl Button Studs by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Pocket Squares

Nothing says sophistication like a pocket square. It ties together your look, adds personality and style, and demonstrates that you’re really, really good at folding things. A man wearing a pocket square has practical skills, and that is attractive.

[Ruby Polka Dot Pocket Square by The Black Tux](/content/collections/pocket-squares-rental/products/ruby-polka-dot-pocket-square "Rent the Ruby Polka Dot Pocket Square by The Black Tux"/index.html)

You'll get a lot of mileage out of a white pocket square when paired with black tuxedo styles or a ivory dinner jacket (and really any suit, too). Plain white just pops. A little color in your breast pocket can be a good move, too, especially for a festive or black tie optional dress code.

For a formal event, try to mix it up with a timeless [pattern](/content/collections/pocket-squares-rental/products/black-pin-dot-silk-pocket-square "Black Pin Dot Silk Pocket Square by The Black Tux"/index.html), a unique [design](/content/collections/pocket-squares-rental/products/leopard-pattern-pocket-square "Leopard Pattern Pocket Square by The Black Tux"/index.html), or even a simple [shoestring detail](/content/collections/pocket-squares-rental/products/linen-shoestring-pocket-square "Linen Shoestring Pocket Square by The Black Tux"/index.html) all in black and white. Also, stick to silk, linen, cotton, or wool (anything but polyester).

Belts or Suspenders (or None)

A belt should never be worn with a tuxedo. If your tuxedo pants have belt loops on them, then they are not tuxedo pants. If you’re looking for some assistance in holding up your tuxedo pants on the dance floor, then your only option is to wear suspenders—and preferably the [traditional button style](/content/collections/belts-suspenders-rental/products/button-suspenders "Button Suspenders by The Black Tux"/index.html) (also known as braces) over clip-ons.

[Button Suspenders by The Black Tux](/content/collections/belts-suspenders/products/button-suspenders "Rent or Buy Button Suspenders by The Black Tux"/index.html)

A belt should never be worn with a tuxedo. In fact, if your tuxedo pants have belt loops on them, they are not tuxedo pants. If you’re looking for assistance holding up your tuxedo pants—beyond using waist adjusters, if your pants have them—then your only option is to wear suspenders (also known as "braces"), and preferably the [traditional button style](/content/collections/belts-suspenders-rental/products/button-suspenders "Button Suspenders by The Black Tux"/index.html).

Popular Tuxedo Styles and When to Wear Them

[Peak Lapel Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collections/tuxedos/products/peak-lapel "Buy or Rent the Peak Lapel Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Peak Lapel Tuxedo

How to style it: A classic tuxedo shirt with french cuffs, black bow tie, and patent leather shoes, silk knot cufflinks and button studs.
When to wear it: The most formal events or dress codes, like a black tie wedding.

[Shawl Collar Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collections/suit-and-tuxedo-rentals/products/shawl-collar-tuxedo "Rent or Buy the Shawl Collar Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Shawl Collar Tuxedo

How to style it: Shirts with fold down collars and french cuffs, a solid black or patterned bow tie, patent leather or cap toe shoes, and silver cufflinks and button studs.
When to wear it: Formal events and black tie dress codes.

[Notch Lapel Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collections/tuxedos/products/notch-lapel "Rent or Buy the Notch Lapel Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Notch Lapel Tuxedo

How to style it: Dress shirts with fold down collars, patterned bow tie or black satin necktie, loafers, and unique cufflinks.
When to wear it: Creative black tie or black tie optional events that are less formal.

[White Dinner Jacket Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collections/all-tailoring/products/white-dinner-jacket "White Dinner Jacket Tuxedo"/index.html)

White Dinner Jacket Tuxedo

How to style it: Dress or pleated shirts with fold down collars, french cuffs are a plus. Black or patterned bow tie, cap toe shoes or loafers.
When to wear it: Warm weather, formal events, black tie optional and creative black tie dress codes.

[Midnight Shawl Jacket Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collections/tuxedos/products/midnight-shawl-tuxedo-copy "Buy or Rent the Midnight Shawl Jacket Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Midnight Blue Tuxedo

How to style it: A wing tip or pleated shirt with french cuffs, black bow tie, and patent leather shoes, silk knot cufflinks and button studs. Pair with black or matching midnight blue tuxedo pants
When to wear it: The most formal events or dress codes, like a black tie wedding, or for creative black tie.

[Plum Shawl Tuxedo by The Black Tux](/content/collections/tuxedos/products/plum-shawl-tuxedo "Plum Shawl Tuxedo by The Black Tux"/index.html)

Solid Colorful Tuxedo

How to style it: Dress shirts with fold down collars, patterned bow tie or black satin necktie, loafers, and unique cufflinks.
When to wear it: Creative black tie or festive dress code events that are less formal.

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Renting vs. Buying

Owning a tuxedo sounds like a crowning achievement—right up there with riding a prize stallion bareback or filling your personal library exclusively with leather-bound first editions. But renting a tuxedo has its benefits, too, provided the tuxedo fits.

Alterations & Tailoring

Purchasing a tux means you can tailor it to fit your body perfectly, but if your body changes, you may push your tuxedo beyond its sizing. Then there are the tailoring costs. While simple alterations like a pant hem or a sleeve adjustment are relatively minor investments, having the waist of your tuxedo jacket or pants taken in or let out can be costly.

Quality Construction

A fully-canvassed, merino wool tuxedo often costs upward of $1,200. Add in the expense of alterations, and you might have rented a lot of tuxedos for less. And if you don’t wear a tux more than once a year, your purchased tux may not get enough use to justify the expense—to say nothing of changing style trends and your own evolving taste.

Versatility & Optionality

Purchasing a tux means one lapel shape, one color, one button closure style for a lot of different events. This isn’t to say you should never buy a tuxedo, but too often, renting gets a bad reputation because of cheap, poorly made rental suits.

We considered each of these aspects as we reinvented the experience of renting a tuxedo. If the tux actually fits, is made well and feels comfortable, and you can find the right tuxedo styles for every event, renting can look pretty good. Plus, whether you shop online or visit our showroom, we always deliver.