Tuxedo vs. Suit: Differences, Prices and Occasions

Many people may not know the difference between a tuxedo and a suit, and with the various styles of tuxes, it is becoming even more challenging to tell them apart. When most people imagine tuxedos, they conjure the image of Daniel Craig as James Bond in his black dinner jacket and bowtie. Still, several modern tuxes go beyond the classic black-and-white appearance to incorporate newer styles in gray, navy, or tan.
Tuxedo vs. Suit: Tuxedo vs. Suit: What's the difference between tux and suit?

Many people may not know the difference between a tuxedo and a suit, and with the various styles of tuxes, it is becoming even more challenging to tell them apart. When most people imagine tuxedos, they conjure the image of Daniel Craig as James Bond in his black dinner jacket and bowtie. Still, several modern tuxes go beyond the classic black-and-white appearance to incorporate newer styles in gray, navy, or tan.

Whether you are getting married or you have been invited to a formal event, it is essential to know the difference between a tux and a suit, and when it is suitable to wear each outfit.

Tuxedo vs. Suit Difference

The definition of a tuxedo has altered over the years, but even the most modern tux has features that make it different from a suit.

Satin

The key physical difference between tux and suit is that tuxedos have satin details (satin buttons, satin-faced lapels, and a satin side-stripe down the pant leg) while suits don’t possess that. Contemporary tuxedos often limit the use of satin to a thin trim on the lapels and a skinny stripe down the pant leg; however, this is still called a tuxedo. The jacket, pants, and lapel all contain similar material on a suit. A suit will typically have plastic, bone, or fabric-covered buttons instead of satin.

Shirt Style

Tuxedos should be worn with white shirts that have either a turndown collar or a wing collar. Suits are worn with a variety of dress shirts, in a solid color or pattern.

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Shoes

Black patent shoes are typically worn with tuxedos. Slip-on shoes, Oxfords or loafers are acceptable to wear with suits.

Accessories

Classic tuxedo accessories comprise of a waistcoat, cummerbund, suspenders and a self-tied bowtie. However, many men choose less formal accessories nowadays. High-stance vests and long ties are now acceptable to wear with tuxedos, depending on personal style and how formal you desire to appear. Compared with tuxes, suits are more versatile and may be dressed up or down, together with the accessories, and maybe worn with or without a vest. They also appear great with both bowties and long ties. depending

When should you wear a tuxedo or suit?

Tuxedos are kept for evening events only, and formal events like charity galas, black-tie weddings, and nights at the opera. Suits are suitable for any time of day and can be worn on less casual occasions, such as business meetings or dates.

Tux vs. Suit Comparison Chart

Tuxedo vs. Suit: Comparison Chart, Differences and Similarities
Compare Tuxedo versus Suit

Tuxedo versus Suit: Price

A high-quality three-piece suit can be bought for $300 to $800. If you search for sales, you may be able to discover an excellent suit for even less. Take into account that you will still need shoes, a tie, and a shirt, and you may need to pay between $30 to $100 for alterations.

Renting

If the price is a concern to you, you can lease a high-quality wool tuxedo for $150 to $250. Several tux packages cover everything you need, including the shirt, shoes, vest, and cufflinks. If you think that you will wear your tuxedo at least two more times, it may be worth purchasing one rather than renting.

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Buying

The tuxedo’s price ranges from about $700 to $1,000 for the jacket and pants. Perhaps you can find a sale on a tuxedo, but usually, you will be paying more than you would pay for a suit. You will also require a vest, shirt, cummerbund, a tie, and shoes. You might also need to pay for alterations.

Multiple Wears

The advantage of purchasing a suit versus a tuxedo is that you are more likely to wear it again. Many events call for suits, from work occasions to weddings, and every man needs a minimum of one great suit in his closet. It is even more probable that you will wear a shirt, shoes, and tie again, even if the jacket and vest gather dust.

Tux vs. Suit Wedding

Whatever you want to wear a suit or a tux on your wedding day depends on you as a groom, but there are some aspects to consider.

The Theme of Wedding

You should certainly wear a tuxedo If you are having a black-tie wedding. You might be more comfortable in a suit, however, if your wedding is more casual, consider what your bride is wearing. It would be best if you thought about whether the bride is wearing a gown or a less formal dress. If she is wearing a tea-length dress for a summer wedding, you should probably select a suit.

Time of the Day

Tuxedos are taken as evening wear, and if you are having a brunch or daytime wedding, a suit will be more suitable. If your wedding begins during the day but finishes in the evening, either a tuxedo or a suit will be an acceptable choice.

Personal Preferences

For most weddings, it is equally suitable for the groom to wear a suit or tuxedo. Some grooms desire to look particularly striking on their wedding day and wear something special, so they opt to wear a tux. Since there are several differences between a suit and a tux and they’re quite different in appearance, what matters is that you are wearing something that fits well, you like, and is consistent with your wedding style.

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Is it OK to Wear a Tuxedo for a Wedding?

When it comes to choosing between a tux and a suit as a wedding guest, you should take a look at the invitation. If the invitation says white-tie or black-tie preferred, you should choose a tuxedo. If the invitation says formal or black-tie invited, you may opt to wear a tuxedo or a dark suit. For other weddings, your best option is to wear a suit.

Comparison Video

Suite & Tuxedo The Difference

Conclusion

The difference between a tux and a suit is that tuxedos have satin details while suits do not. Tuxedo accessories comprise of a waistcoat, cummerbund, suspenders and a self-tied bowtie. Suits are more versatile can be worn without or with a vest. They also appear great with both bowties and long ties. Tuxedos can be worn with white shirts that have either a turndown collar or a wing collar, while suits are worn with a variability of dress shirts, in a solid color or pattern. Black patent shoes are typically worn with tuxedos. Slip-on shoes, Oxfords or loafers are acceptable to wear with suits. Tuxedos are kept for evening events only, and formal events. Suits are suitable for any time of day. Tuxes are usually expensive than suits. You should wear either a tux or suit according to the event or your personal preferences.

If you have chosen to wear a tuxedo, you can opt to have your groomsmen wear tuxedos for consistency. You could also decide that you want to stand out from the pack, and thus have your groomsmen wear suits, while you wear a tuxedo. You can also opt to make your appearance unique by wearing the same style of a suit as your groomsmen, but sport a different accessory.

Image Courtesy

  • Jason Briscoe from Unsplash
  • Hunters Race from Unsplash
Alex Stantor
Alex Stantor

Alex Stantor is a Sorbonne University (Paris, France) graduate in Philosophy and Data Analysis. Currently, he is an Author and Researcher at Difference 101, he writes articles/blog posts on topics such as "thinking differently" and "the importance of difference". Alex is a passionate advocate of diversity in the workplace and in companies, and diversity and inclusion in corporate communications. He currently lives in Brooklyn.

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