History Shopping Selecting a tuxedo White vs. Black Tie Tuxedo Styles Jewelry Local Formalwear Retailers

After dark or 6 p.m. -- whichever arrives first -- there are two ensembles that can properly be called formal: white tie, which means tails, or black tie, better known as the tuxedo. The more formal of these ensembles is white tie, which includes a tailcoat with matching trousers trimmed by two lines of braid on the outside of each trouser leg, white tie, white single-or double-breasted waistcoat, and wing-collar shirt with stiff front.

However, with the exception of a man's wedding day, or occasions of state, a man will probably never be called upon to wear white tie, but black tie affairs are much more common. Thus, a properly styled tuxedo is one of the smartest and potentially most enduring investments a man can make for his wardrobe. Unfortunately, though, like most solid investments, a fine tuxedo is not easy to find.

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