The Difference Between a Tux and a Suit
Many couples immediately think of a tuxedo rental when it comes to groom and groomsmen attire, but suits are a much more realistic (and fashion-forward) option for wedding attire. We’re here to say there’s always a place for a classic tuxedo, but if you’re wondering if you should go suit or tuxedo for your dress code, we’re here to help!
While tuxedos and suits both have a classic, formal appeal when it comes to weddings, there are also key differences between these two fashion choices. Tuxes tend to be more embellished and are for formal black-tie occasions in the evening. If an invitation says “black tie preferred,” that indicates that a tuxedo is typically worn for the events planned.
On the other hand, suits are typically more streamlined in their appearance and can be personalized more with accessories. You can wear a suit for a formal event like a wedding, or at more casual events like a business dinner.
Is A Suit or a Tuxedo More Formal?
Another difference between tuxedos and suits has to do with color options. Tuxes usually come in black, midnight blue, or white, while suits can be almost any color under the sun, such as taupe, gray, and navy. The most popular choices for our own wedding suits is a classic black or gray.
The tuxedo is considered formal wear worn for evening weddings. A suit can be worn for a wedding, a business conference, a special occasion like an anniversary or holiday party, or any occasion that calls for white tie dress codes.
If your wedding is a more formal affair but isn’t necessarily black-tie, then a black suit with a black bow tie will give you a similar formal look at a fraction of the price.
Unless you attend a lot of formal events like black tie dinners on a cruise or if you are a concert pianist, you and your groomsmen will find that a well-fitted suit will be much more versatile for your lifestyle, and with The Modern Groom, you own the suit!
Characteristics of Tuxedos
A tuxedo is always black and white, while a suit can come in any color or pattern. The most prominent characteristic is satin throughout the tuxedo: satin lapels, satin pocket trim, satin buttons, satin stripes down the leg of the suit pants. Satin is a beautiful material, but it’s very hard to see in photos, so you may not even be able to tell it’s there in your wedding photos.
A tuxedo will have either a single button or double-breasted, while a suit typically has two buttons. The tuxedo is worn with a white shirt, bow tie, and cummerbund, while the suit can be worn with any color or pattern of a dress shirt.
Classic tuxedos are traditionally worn paired with bow ties, black patent leather shoes and are considered formal evening attire.
Tuxedos Cannot Be Altered as much as Suits
You can only slim out tuxedo pants so much because it has to be taken in from the inside. With a suit, you can taper the leg, make it more narrow, and even take it in at the waist because it doesn’t have all of those extra satin details.
A Tuxedo Jacket is Shorter
The tuxedo jacket is purposely made shorter so that when you sit down, the fabric doesn’t pull and tuck under the seat of the tux. A tuxedo jacket is also shorter to display the tuxedo shirt and cummerbund, which are more noticeable than a suit’s dress shirt and tie.
If you’re not used to wearing a suit, a tuxedo can feel very restraining because they are a stiffer fabric and have a lot more pieces to wear.
You Can Personalize a Suit Much More Than a Tuxedo
The variety of accessories you can have with a suit allows you to show off a little bit of flair at your wedding! These small touches show off your personality and make the right statement on your wedding day. So go ahead and get those crazy socks, dapper pocket square, or a tropical black tie look for the groomsmen. The sky is the limit!
Tuxedo vs. Suit for Your Wedding
We have so many suit styles to choose from that most grooms agree; a suit is a much more practical and affordable option for wedding day attire for you and your groomsmen!
You may not know which button you’re supposed to button when, and that’s what we are here for. You’ll work with a dedicated virtual stylist who is there to make sure you look sharp and love the suit you choose.
Quality Suits for your Wedding- Shipped Right to Your Door
The thing our grooms love is the convenience of The Modern Groom. Schedule your virtual appointment, and your virtual stylist will give you style advice and help you find exactly what you need for your wedding. When you are sure you love the look, we’ll ship it right to your door.
When your suit is looking great, we’ll turn our attention to the guys in your wedding party and give them the same excellent customer service!
And bonus: no need to be bothered with returning a rental! Your expertly fitted suit is yours to wear for many years to come- and you’re not going to believe how affordable it is.
Are you ready to find the perfect suit for your wedding day? Your virtual stylist is ready for you!
