The Tuxedo shirt
The following is a tale of two ways to wear the same thing: the tuxedo. One is utterly informal, the latter the true article. Both have historic origins, but they each satisfy a different aspect of social life.
The tuxedo t shirt is probably one of the most common t shirt designs in fashion history. It seems ridiculous, but you see these t shirts everywhere: on the beach, at parties (especially bachelor parties), in clubs, out shopping, given as a funny gift. They are extremely numerous. Ironically, for an item of clothing that seems a bit silly to be honest, there is a history to the design.
During the 60’s the ‘Love and Peace’ movement gave rise to the tie-die and custom t shirt crazes. At the same time, tuxedo t shirts also came to be. They were seen as funny to those wearing them, anti-establishment to those that did not like them. To many, they were seen as a snub to tuxedo suit wearing socialites, or those that have, by those that have not.
Whatever the base reason for the creation of a tuxedo tshirt, they are in the mainstream now, and always will be.
For the discerning tuxedo wearer, however, only the genuine article will do. A tuxedo suit can be a quite stressful item of clothing to select. It is an extremely formal mode of dress worn only during special occasions. Clearly the pressure is on to get it right.
The correct tuxedo shirt and a bow tie to fit the image, as well as the jacket and trousers all need to be selected so as to complement each other and the build of the wearer.
There are countless styles to be considered. Most people opt for the traditional ‘penguin suit’ style, in black. However, there are many subtle variations you could use to separate your suit from the crowd. Try a thinner lapel, for example. It will stand out from all the other suits, and is guaranteed to get you noticed.
If it’s turning heads and influencing people you are after, you could always go for a totally different look with a white tuxedo jacket. Try to avoid matching white trousers as that just won’t do, but a white jacket could work. It’s all about setting off your natural charm, confidence and something as basic as your natural skin tones and color.
Lighter colors are actually more common between Memorial Day and Labor Day, also known as the traditional season. Most believe it is after Labor Day that white tuxedo suits should not be worn. During the traditional season tan suits are also quite a common occurrence.
Really, the last trick a tailor can employ to help you stand out from the rest in your tuxedo suit is to make it from a more unique material. Or they could mix and match. A satin or silk collar, for example, is seen as a traditional way to differentiate. It gives a very stylish look.
A velvet jacket, on the other hand, will really get everybody talking. Again, it would take a confident and dashing personality to get away with this particular style statement. If you were to mix it up with a traditional black tie and tuxedo shirt it would become more acceptable to traditionalists.
Tuxedo shirts, themselves, can be used to change your look. Try another color but try to ensure it complements the overall appearance. Lighter shades are generally more acceptable and tend to fit better.
The bow tie is your last consideration, and usually where individuality is easiest expressed. Try a flamboyant look, or more traditional, the choice is yours.
See also:
exemplary work. You have gained a new fan. Please keep up the good work and I eagerly await more of these excellent posts.
Very interesting article. I had no idea that how big the tuxedo T shirts are – I don’t think they are as big over in the UK, certainly not main stream. Fluxedo Shirts (regular tuxedo shirt with designs on the back) comes in some where in the middle of the tuxedo t shirts and the conventional tuxedo shirts- allows people to stand out/have a laugh but only when they take their jacket off. Not suited the the most formal of occasion but still an exciting option for lots of people.