Dinner jackets, also known as tuxedos, are the go-to attire for formal events. They are a timeless classic that exudes elegance and sophistication. Whether you're attending a black-tie wedding, a gala, or a charity event, a dinner jacket is a must-have in your wardrobe. In this article, we'll delve into the history, style, and how to wear a dinner jacket.
The dinner jacket has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The jacket was created as an alternative to the tailcoat, which was the standard formal attire at the time. The tailcoat was long, cumbersome, and not suitable for the modern man's lifestyle. The dinner jacket was designed to be more practical, less formal, and more comfortable.
The first dinner jackets were made from black or dark blue wool, with satin lapels and covered buttons. They were worn with a starched white shirt, black bow tie, and black patent leather shoes. The style remained relatively unchanged for many years, with minor variations in the lapel style and the width of the bow tie.
In the 1930s, the dinner jacket underwent a significant change with the introduction of the shawl collar. The shawl collar was wider and had a rounded shape, which added a touch of elegance to the already stylish attire. The new style gained popularity and is still commonly worn today.
Dinner jackets come in various styles, including single-breasted, double-breasted, and the classic shawl collar. Single-breasted jackets are the most common and have a single row of buttons, while double-breasted jackets have two rows of buttons. The classic shawl collar jacket is the most traditional and features a rounded collar made of the same fabric as the jacket's body.
When it comes to fabrics, wool is the most common and is suitable for most occasions. Wool is durable, easy to care for, and suitable for all seasons. Velvet jackets are a popular choice for winter events and add a touch of luxury to any outfit. Silk jackets are less common and are typically reserved for the most formal events.
The color of the dinner jacket is also an essential consideration. Black is the most traditional and is the go-to color for formal events. It's a classic color that never goes out of style and is suitable for any occasion. Navy is a popular alternative and is suitable for less formal occasions. Other colors, such as white and ivory, can be worn during the summer months, but they are not as common.
When it comes to wearing a dinner jacket, it's important to get the fit right. The jacket should fit snugly, but not be too tight, with the sleeves ending at the wrist bone. The shoulders should fit perfectly, and the jacket should be long enough to cover your backside. The trousers should be high-waisted, with a straight leg and no cuffs. The waistband should sit at the natural waist, and the trousers should be long enough to cover the top of the shoe.
The shirt should be white, with a starched front and a wing or turndown collar. The shirt cuffs should be visible, and the shirt should fit well. The bow tie should be black and made of silk. It should be tied in a classic bow, not a clip-on. Black patent leather shoes are the traditional choice, but black dress shoes or loafers are also acceptable.
When it comes to accessories, less is more. A pocket square in a coordinating color is a nice touch, but keep jewelry to a minimum. A simple watch and cufflinks are all that's needed.
Dinner jackets can be worn with or without a vest, depending on the occasion. If you're attending a more formal event, a vest can add an extra layer of elegance and sophistication. The vest should be the same color and fabric as the jacket and should fit snugly. It should have a V-neckline that sits below the collar of the jacket.
If you're attending a less formal event, you can opt for a cummerbund instead of a vest. A cummerbund is a broad waistband that is worn with the pleats facing up. It should be the same color as the bow tie and can add a touch of color to your outfit.
It's important to note that a dinner jacket should never be worn before 6 pm. It's considered inappropriate to wear a dinner jacket during the day, as it's too formal for daytime events.
Overall, the dinner jacket is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. It's an essential item in any man's wardrobe and can be worn to a variety of formal events. When it comes to style, the dinner jacket comes in various styles and fabrics, but the classic black wool jacket is the most traditional. When wearing a dinner jacket, it's important to get the fit right and pay attention to the details. Less is more when it comes to accessories, and a classic black bow tie and patent leather shoes are the way to go. With the right fit and attention to detail, you'll be sure to turn heads at your next formal event.
Dinner jackets, also known as tuxedos, are the go-to attire for formal events. They are a timeless classic that exudes elegance and sophistication. Whether you're attending a black-tie wedding, a gala, or a charity event, a dinner jacket is a must-have in your wardrobe. In this article, we'll delve into the history, style, and how to wear a dinner jacket.
The dinner jacket has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. The jacket was created as an alternative to the tailcoat, which was the standard formal attire at the time. The tailcoat was long, cumbersome, and not suitable for the modern man's lifestyle. The dinner jacket was designed to be more practical, less formal, and more comfortable.
The first dinner jackets were made from black or dark blue wool, with satin lapels and covered buttons. They were worn with a starched white shirt, black bow tie, and black patent leather shoes. The style remained relatively unchanged for many years, with minor variations in the lapel style and the width of the bow tie.
In the 1930s, the dinner jacket underwent a significant change with the introduction of the shawl collar. The shawl collar was wider and had a rounded shape, which added a touch of elegance to the already stylish attire. The new style gained popularity and is still commonly worn today.
Dinner jackets come in various styles, including single-breasted, double-breasted, and the classic shawl collar. Single-breasted jackets are the most common and have a single row of buttons, while double-breasted jackets have two rows of buttons. The classic shawl collar jacket is the most traditional and features a rounded collar made of the same fabric as the jacket's body.
When it comes to fabrics, wool is the most common and is suitable for most occasions. Wool is durable, easy to care for, and suitable for all seasons. Velvet jackets are a popular choice for winter events and add a touch of luxury to any outfit. Silk jackets are less common and are typically reserved for the most formal events.
The color of the dinner jacket is also an essential consideration. Black is the most traditional and is the go-to color for formal events. It's a classic color that never goes out of style and is suitable for any occasion. Navy is a popular alternative and is suitable for less formal occasions. Other colors, such as white and ivory, can be worn during the summer months, but they are not as common.
When it comes to wearing a dinner jacket, it's important to get the fit right. The jacket should fit snugly, but not be too tight, with the sleeves ending at the wrist bone. The shoulders should fit perfectly, and the jacket should be long enough to cover your backside. The trousers should be high-waisted, with a straight leg and no cuffs. The waistband should sit at the natural waist, and the trousers should be long enough to cover the top of the shoe.
The shirt should be white, with a starched front and a wing or turndown collar. The shirt cuffs should be visible, and the shirt should fit well. The bow tie should be black and made of silk. It should be tied in a classic bow, not a clip-on. Black patent leather shoes are the traditional choice, but black dress shoes or loafers are also acceptable.
When it comes to accessories, less is more. A pocket square in a coordinating color is a nice touch, but keep jewelry to a minimum. A simple watch and cufflinks are all that's needed.
Dinner jackets can be worn with or without a vest, depending on the occasion. If you're attending a more formal event, a vest can add an extra layer of elegance and sophistication. The vest should be the same color and fabric as the jacket and should fit snugly. It should have a V-neckline that sits below the collar of the jacket.
If you're attending a less formal event, you can opt for a cummerbund instead of a vest. A cummerbund is a broad waistband that is worn with the pleats facing up. It should be the same color as the bow tie and can add a touch of color to your outfit.
It's important to note that a dinner jacket should never be worn before 6 pm. It's considered inappropriate to wear a dinner jacket during the day, as it's too formal for daytime events.
Overall, the dinner jacket is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. It's an essential item in any man's wardrobe and can be worn to a variety of formal events. When it comes to style, the dinner jacket comes in various styles and fabrics, but the classic black wool jacket is the most traditional. When wearing a dinner jacket, it's important to get the fit right and pay attention to the details. Less is more when it comes to accessories, and a classic black bow tie and patent leather shoes are the way to go. With the right fit and attention to detail, you'll be sure to turn heads at your next formal event.