<\/span><\/h2>\nFirst and foremost, match the fabric of your lapel to the fabric of your bow tie. Wear a satin bow tie if your lapel is satin. Wear a grosgrain bow tie if your lapel is grosgrain. It just doesn’t seem right when you mix and match.<\/p>\n
The only exception is if your jacket has a self-facing lapel, which means it is made of the same fabric as your jacket. If your lapel is facing inward, you can wear whatever you want.<\/p>\n
Satin, in my opinion, looks better in certain situations. The velvet bow tie is another wild card. A velvet bow tie does not wear a velvet lapel. A velvet bow tie, in my opinion, looks best with a self-facing shawl lapel.<\/p>\n
However, if you’re going for a truly classic black tie appearance, a velvet bow tie should be reserved for a dinner jacket and a more joyous occasion such as New Year’s Eve.<\/p>\n
<\/span>No Clip-On or Self-Tied Bow Ties<\/span><\/h2>\nNumber two, when it comes to bow ties, avoid clip-on bow ties. Please. It appears cheesy, cheap, and far too flawless.<\/p>\n
One of the more intriguing things I’ve discovered in the world of men’s style is that when things appear to be too flawless, they just appear to be incorrect. Every man should be able to tie his own bow tie, especially when it comes to getting suited up in a tuxedo.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Wear On A Cummerbund<\/span><\/h2>\nMake sure you’re wearing a cummerbund for number three. Details count, and paying attention to them says a lot about you, especially when we’re talking about a highly strict dress code.<\/p>\n
The cummerbund envelops the waist and gives the entire black tie ensemble a sense of cohesion and completion.<\/p>\n
The lapel and bow tie rules apply here as well. Wear a satin cummerbund if your lapel is satin. The lapel is grosgrain, and the cummerbund is grosgrain. If it’s a self-facing lapel, it’s entirely up to you. Satin, in my opinion, looks better in this case.<\/p>\n
Last but not least, when wearing a cummerbund, make sure the pleats are facing up.<\/p>\n
<\/span>No Regular Suits With Bow Ties<\/span><\/h2>\nThe fourth rule is to avoid wearing a standard suit with a bow tie. You don’t have a tux unless you have a tux. A suit with a bow tie, on the other hand, is not a tuxedo alternative.<\/p>\n
You’ll appear absolutely out of place, to put it bluntly.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Don’t Try to Be Innovative<\/span><\/h2>\nNumber five, don’t be inventive, since we’re on the subject of looking out of place. This is not the moment to stand out and draw attention to oneself at a black tie event.<\/p>\n
One of the characteristics of black tie is that it is a dress code that is intended to make everyone appear uniform.<\/p>\n
In cases like this, paying attention to details, especially fit, is a great way to stand out.<\/p>\n
You will look terrific and stand out if you are in a room full of tuxedos and yours fits precisely. Don’t think outside the box unless the invitation clearly states “creative black tie.”<\/p>\n
<\/span>Wear On The Appropriate Tuxedo Shirt<\/span><\/h2>\nSixth, make sure you’re wearing the appropriate shirt. When it comes to black tie, not all shirts are created equal, and there are a few details to keep in mind.<\/p>\n
A turned-down collar, not a wing collar, should be worn. For white tie, a wing collar is worn. Make sure you have a double or French cuff for the right level of formality when it comes to cuffs.<\/p>\n
The front of the shirt might be pleated, have a Marcella bib, or be plain for a more modern look. You could even have a fly front. A stud set and cufflinks are usually a wonderful idea.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Renting a Tuxedo is a Bad Idea<\/span><\/h2>\nDon’t rent a tux, number seven. They’re inexpensive, but they don’t fit properly. That’s not who you are.<\/p>\n
You want to look and feel your best if you’re going to wear a tux. That’s not going to happen in a rented tuxedo that’s too small and ill-fitting.<\/p>\n
A tuxedo is an investment, but one that pays for itself in the long run.<\/p>\n
<\/span>It’s All About the Details<\/span><\/h2>\nNumber eight, if you’re having your own tux built, pay close attention to a few specifics.<\/p>\n
The satin stripe should run down the side of the pants, which should have a plain bottom. Only pockets that are jetted are allowed.<\/p>\n
A tuxedo with notch lapels should be avoided. The peak is the most traditional, while the shawl is a touch more laid-back.<\/p>\n
The addition of a double vent is a nice modern touch.<\/p>\n