About Tuxedos - Tuxedo Terms
It is important to understand all the different terms used in association with formal events and the options that you will be faced with when renting or purchasing a tuxedo.
For information on some of the terms you may come across on your search for perfect formal wear, see our glossary listed below.
- Ascot A kind of necktie or scarf with very broad ends hanging from the knot, one upon the other.
- Bow Tie A small necktie tied in a bowknot.
- Cuffs Something tuxedo pants should never have.
- Cufflinks Jewelry that is worn to keep the shirt cuff closed.
- Cummerbund A wide sash worn as a waistband for formal dress.
- Cutaway Jacket A coat with the front of the skirt cut so as to curve back to the tails.
- Black Tie It is requested you wear a tuxedo to the event.
- Black Tie Optional You have the option of wearing a tuxedo or a dark suit.
- Black Tie Preferred Your host prefers you to wear a tuxedo instead of a dark suit.
- Double Breasted Jacket Having a double row of buttons in the front of the jacket.
- Four-in-Hand-Tie A necktie tied in a slipknot with the ends left hanging.
- French Cuffs A double cuff on the sleeve of a shirt that is turned back on itself and fastened with a cufflink.
- Inseam The measurement of the inside pant seam to where the pant falls on the shoe.
- Lay Down Collar - A traditional mens dress shirt collar.
- Morning Suit - Consists of a cutaway coat, striped trousers, a white wing shirt, gray vest, and an ascot or four-in-hand tie.
- Notch Lapel A "V" cutout in the lapel where it meets the top collar.
- Peak Lapel - A lapel that points upward and extends beyond the top collar.
- Pique A firmly woven cotton fabric with ribbed, corded or ridged wales.
- Pocket Square - A fancy handkerchief worn with points up in the breast pocket of tuxedo coat.
- Shawl Collar A sloping rounded wide lapel with no notches.
- Single Breasted Jacket A jacket with a single row of buttons.
- Stroller Jacket Semi-Formal Suit Jacket.
- Tails Very formal tuxedo coat with long tails in the back.
- Top Hat A very formal traditional hat. Sometimes accessorized with a cane as well.
- White Tie Event An ultra-formal evening event that you should wear tails to.
