Tuxedo vs Suit: What is the Difference?

The structure might be the same and sometimes you may hear the words tuxedo and suit being used indistinctly to refer to a suit jacket and suit pants. The main difference between a suit and a tux is satin. But let's clearly go through the main differences between a tuxedo and a suit:

WHAT MAKES A TUXEDO A TUXEDO?

1. Tuxedos are worn with bow ties and suits either with or without a tie.
2. Tuxedos have satin lapels, which can even be from a different shade while suits lapels are made of the same fabric.
3. Tuxedos have also satin buttons while suits have the usual suit buttons, not covered by a piece of satin fabric.
4. Tuxedo pants include a satin stripe, while suit pants don't.

If you already have the information you needed - great! We wanted to make it straightforward. You are ready to purchase your tux. But if you want to learn more, such as:

• What to wear to a wedding

• When to wear a tuxedo

• What exceptions there are

We will cover that in the following sections. Feel free to share this blog post so everyone knows the differences between these two products and knows how to use the correct word to define each of them:

TUXEDO vs SUIT FOR WEDDING

What should you wear to a wedding: a wedding tuxedo or a wedding suit? Both are good options. It depends on what it says on the invitation and if doesn't, ask the groom. If the groom doesn't know what to tell you, just follow some of these recommendations:

• For daytime weddings: if in doubt, better wear a suit. A tuxedo is mostly seen as night attire.
• For evening weddings: suit and tuxedo. Both are great options.
• If the invitation says black tie attire is required: you can never go wrong with a tuxedo.
• If the invitation says black tie attire optional: feel free to choose whatever you prefer. But make sure that if you choose a suit it has to be in a dark shade or you get a little bit more creative and choose a burgundy tuxedo.
• If it is a destination or beach wedding: probably the wedding guest attire will be more relaxed so you can wear a light-shade suit, and even consider linen if the temperature can be a problem. In this kind of event, you can wear a business suit but you will be sure much more comfortable in a linen-cotton suit. The groom might wear a tuxedo anyway. Come on, it is his day, he can wear whatever he wants.
• You can wear a waistcoat with both but please check our tuxedo vests if you are wearing a tuxedo.

SCHOOL FORMAL TUXEDO vs SCHOOL FORMAL SUIT

Going to your formal is a very exciting occasion for every high school student.  Show some self-confidence and wear whatever you feel glamorous in. Just follow these simple rules:

• If you want to wear a bow tie, choose a tuxedo
• If you just want to wear a tie,  wear a suit. You can combine your suit with a tie but don't wear a bow tie.

Our advice: Don't match your tie or your bow tie with the color of your partner's attire. Be an individual and take pride in your M.O. 

DINNER SUIT vs TUXEDO 

A dinner suit is the same as a tuxedo.  "Dinner suit" is a term that helps you understand when to use a tuxedo. As we said previously in this post: it is an evening attire which can even be called an evening suit or evening dress (for men). 

WHEN TO WEAR A TUXEDO vs A SUIT?

Tuxedo or Suit. What should I choose? Let's make it easy:

• Business → Suit
• Casual→ Suit
• Formal → Tuxedo or dark suit
• Black tie event → Tuxedo
• Daytime wedding → Suit
• Beach wedding → Suit
• Night wedding → Tuxedo or dark suit
• Prom → Tuxedo or suit

TUXEDO JACKET vs SUIT JACKET

Both tuxedo jackets and suit jackets have a similar structure but in terms of satin, button, fabrics, color and accessories you can see these differences:

• Satin. Tuxedo has a satin lapel (even with a contrasting color, usually black), satin buttons, and even an optional satin stripe over the pocket.
• Buttons. While tuxedos use to have only 1 button, suits are usually 2 buttons but you can also see them with 1 or 3 buttons in single-breasted jackets.
• Fabrics. Suit fabrics are more versatile including all kinds of wool but also linen and cotton blends. You can find wool tuxedos and velvet tuxedos.
• Color. Tuxedos are usually black, blue, or white. But it is not unusual to see red or green shades. For suits, the usual shades are grey and blue but then it is becoming common to see beige shades, especially while wearing linen.
• Accessories. Suits can be combined with a belt, pocket square, and tie. Tuxedos can be worn with a tuxedo sash (try to avoid belts if possible), bow tie and also pocket square.

TUXEDO PANTS vs SUIT PANTS

Maybe you haven't noticed it, but tuxedo pants have satin stripes on each external side of them. Suit pants don't. That would be the main difference. In addition,  suit pants should be combined with a belt, and tuxedos should be combined with a sash.

Black tuxedo pants are often worn with a blue or white tuxedo jacket. A white tuxedo jacket can be paired with black, red, and white accents for a formal outfit. Mismatched jackets and suits can also be fashionable. 

Tuxedo Pants

• Have satin stripes
• Combined with a sash

Suit Pants

• Don't have satin stripes
• Combined with a belt

TUXEDO SHIRTS vs SUIT SHIRTS

You already have an idea what suit shirts look like. When it comes to patterned shirts, it can be difficult to find the right combination, but we'll discuss that in a different blog post.  A white collared shirt will always work with any suit.

Tuxedo shirts are a bit different:

• A tuxedo shirt has to be white (only in some cases could black tuxedo shirts be accepted). 
• Tuxedo shirts usually come with  wingtip collars. This is perfect for displaying your bow tie.
• Tux shirts always have french cuffs because they have to be worn with cufflinks.
• They can have pleats (OPTIONAL). Here is an example of a  pleated shirt:

If you have read till here, you now know all the secrets between a tuxedo and a suit. You are ready to see who wears a tuxedo, based on the standard rules and who doesn't and to decide what to choose for your next event.

TUXEDO SHOES vs SUIT SHOES

As you can imagine, tuxedos require a more formal pair of shoes than a suit would. To be on the safe side, we recommend taking the traditional path and pairing a tux with the classic tuxedo shoes:  Black oxfords - the shinier the better. If your aim is to dress down your tuxedo, then a pair of black leather loafers would also be acceptable. Avoid broguing or any other decorative details, and if you can,  go for a wholecut shoe instead of a cap-toe shoe.

Suits, on the other hand, do not require the classic formal oxfords, nevertheless, they must still maintain a business casual style. Keep your options between derby shoes, oxfords, monk shoes or loafers. As for the color, keep it between shades of dark brown to black. Brown goes well with navy blue and could be a nicer option if your usual choice is a blue suit. Brogues or wingtip shoes are also welcome for a suit outfit.

HOW TO COMBINE A TUXEDO

Here is the basic combination of a tuxedo. Boring? Well, yes, but also safe. Black Tuxedo with white handkerchief and white tuxedo shirt with black bowtie and cufflinks. Do you want something different? Try applying different bowties, lapel shapes and even satin color while customising your tuxedo.

1. Choose the Right Outfit: Begin by selecting a tuxedo that is properly tailored and complements your body shape.
2. Shirt Selection: Opt for a white dress shirt with a wing-tip collar for a traditional and sophisticated look.
3. Accessorizing: Select a black bow tie and a white pocket square. Adding a cummerbund or a vest can further elevate your look.
4. Shoes and Socks: Polished black patent leather shoes and black socks are the classic choice for tuxedos.
5. Final Touches: Your tuxedo should be neat and wrinkle-free. Also, pay attention to your grooming.

HOW TO COMBINE A SUIT 

Take a look at the "How to combine a suit" starting pack. Handkerchief + tie + belt. What about the shirt? No need to be a french cuff shirt, but you also can. Try different combinations and find what suits your M.O.

1. Choose the Right Outfit: Choose a suit that fits you perfectly. The color should be appropriate for the occasion and your body type.
2. Shirt Selection: Stick to neutral-toned shirts like white or light blue. Patterns like stripes and checks can add depth.
3. Accessorising: Pair your suit with a tie that complements the color of your suit. Pocket squares and cufflinks can add personality.
4. Shoes and Socks: A suit can be paired with leather oxfords, loafers, or brogues. Match your sock color with your suit.
5. Final Touches: Ensure your suit is well-pressed and your overall grooming is impeccable.

HOW TO COMBINE A TUXEDO vs HOW TO COMBINE A SUIT 

TUXEDO vs. SUIT FOR WEDDINGS

These days, what to wear to a wedding is not as straight forward as it once may have been. One of the things that men need to bear in mind is that weddings come in many forms – religious or civil affair, day time or night time ceremony, formal or casual celebration, themed or no theme? These are just a few of the factors that one needs to consider and bear in mind, whether you’re the groom or a guest. Ultimately, one of the big questions becomes, what then should one wear?

If you’re the groom, you and your bride can, of course, set the tone for your wedding, including the dress code that you and everyone else should abide by. If you’re sticking to tradition and celebrating your big day with a formal, evening affair, it’s best for the groom to meet his bride in front of the alter in a classic black or white tuxedo jacket with black tuxedo pants. Depending on your preference, you can opt for a three piece tuxedo, and complete the outfit with a white or black bowtie, and a chic boutonniere. Of course, formal leather evening shoes are a must to complete the polished look. 

Now, if your wedding is still an evening affair yet slightly less formal, a suit and tie will certainly do. To keep with the solemnity of the affair, you’ll want to stick to classic colors, including black, charcoal grey or navy. Finish off your wedding attire with a solid colored necktie in a coordinating color, including black or white, and an optional pocket square or a traditional boutonniere instead.

Of course we all know that weddings are not always evening celebrations. If your wedding is a traditional ceremony set in the morning, then a traditional, and aptly named morning suit will work best. Cut a striking figure in a black, grey or blue morning coat with a complimentary waistcoat and trousers. Complete your wedding attire with a solid necktie and polished leather shoes.

These days, it’s not uncommon for weddings to take on a modern or more casual form – whether that means a simple civil ceremony in city hall, a casual beachside ceremony, or a lowkey lunch celebration. Depending on how informal you’ve designed your wedding day to be, a suit in an appropriate color and fabric will, more often than not, be your best option. For instance, if you’ve decided on a beach ceremony, a cream colored linen suit sans necktie will work exceedingly well. On the other hand, if you’re celebrating with a chic and simple luncheon, you’ll perhaps want to go for a steel blue or grey wool suit with a necktie.

Now, if you’re a guest, you also have to carefully select what to wear. Make sure to double check the dress code indicated in the invitation and respectfully follow the bride and groom’s wishes. Remember, it’s their day and not yours. You don’t want to distract anyone from it. Don’t upstage the happy couple or draw too much attention to yourself, and that includes your wardrobe. And yes, this applies to male guests as well, and not just female guests who should remember not to wear white (unless explicitly allowed or requested to.) That said, what should a guest wear?

The good thing about being a guest is that while you have to follow the specified dress code, you can take a more laidback approach and have fun with your outfit. If you’re attending a formal ceremony, you can take the liberty of wearing a tuxedo in a less traditional fabric or color. Try a blue velvet tuxedo jacket or perhaps a navy paisley printed tuxedo instead. The colors are muted but it’s still a fun and fashion forward choice.

The same applies when it comes to wearing a suit to a wedding. Stick to a classic single or double breasted suit but feel free to have fun with a patterned or printed necktie and pocket square. The goal is to be mindful of the couple’s desired dress code while making the look your own.

Regardless of what you decide to wear on your wedding day or to a wedding you’re attending, the most important thing is to feel good and be confident in your outfit. After that, forget about what you’re wearing. Focus on the significance of the occasion and enjoy the moment.