Downright dapper: The best tuxedos and dinner suits
Nail your next black-tie look with a well-cut tuxedo
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There’s something about impeccable tailoring. The difference between a subpar suit a well-made blazer and perfectly fitted trousers can be little more than an inch – but that inch will instantly elevate your look. So, with the festive season right around the corner, it’s time to consider swapping out those easy summer suits for something more formal. Allow us to make a case for tuxedos.
Often called dinner jackets or dinner suits here in the UK, tuxedos, with their crisp lines and lush fabrics, are the best in fine clothing for men. From James Bond and Bruce Wayne to George Clooney and Ryan Gosling, every best-dressed man, fictional or real, has a well-made tuxedo ready to go when the occasion calls for it. So whether you’re putting your sartorial best foot forward at a winter wedding or going all out at a Christmas party, ditch the regular suit for a tuxedo this season.
Suits vs Tuxedos
Let’s get down to brass tacks. All tuxedos are suits but not all suits are tuxedos. Confused? Differentiating between the two is actually quite simple. The major difference is that a tuxedo is simply more dressed up than a suit. It all comes down to satin. Elegant satin detailing adorns the lapels, buttons, and trousers of a tuxedo, while the fabric tends to have slightly more sheen than a standard wool or linen suit. In addition, a tuxedo should always be worn with a bow tie, cummerbund, pleated dress shirt and, ideally, patent shoes to complete the black-tie ensemble.
So whether you’re looking for peak or shawl lapels, a classic black tux or something to stand out in, we’ve curated some of the best tuxedos to invest in this season.
Tom Ford wool tuxedo
This Tom Ford wool tuxedo is as classic as it comes. Cut for a slim fit with satin shawl lapels, the black two-piece suit also features satin detailing on the trousers. Wear it the traditional way with a white dress shirt, black satin bow-tie, and dress shoes.
Mr. P tuxedo jacket
Another elegant classic, Mr. P’s black tuxedo is a bonafide wardrobe staple. Crafted from pure virgin wool, the tuxedo jacket features peak lapels and button-through cuffs while the straight-cut trousers feature an adjustable drawstring waist for peak comfort. Wear yours with a pleated white shirt.
Mr. P drawstring tuxedo trousers
Paul Smith double-breasted tuxedo jacket
Paul Smith’s playful design vocabulary takes a backseat in this classic tuxedo. The double-breasted jacket is cut from a wool-mohair blend with satin peak lapels while the slim-fit trousers feature satin stripes and unfinished hems. Tailored in Italy, this finely made tuxedo is sure to be a hit at every party.
Paul Smith navy tuxedo trousers
Thom Sweeney navy tuxedo
A midnight blue tuxedo is a great way to subtly stand out from the crowd and Thom Sweeney’s iteration is a clear winner. Crafted from a deep navy wool with shawl lapels, wear this timeless suit with a white shirt or go full monochrome.
Huntsman double-breasted tuxedo
When it comes to exceptional tailoring, you can’t go wrong with Huntsman. With the finest Savile Row know-how, its double-breasted tuxedo jacket features the signature Huntsman offset V peak lapel while the classic trousers are detailed with satin stripes. Style the suit with a classic white shirt and a standout watch for a refined evening look.
Dege & Skinner tuxedo
Dege & Skinner is one of the oldest tailors on Savile Row and is known for holding three Royal Warrants of Appointment (to the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Sultan of Oman, and the King of Bahrain). Dress like royalty with its classic black dinner suit. Cut from 100 per cent pure wool barathea, the jacket features corded silk peak lapels while the pleated trousers have silk braid seams along the side.
Richard James velvet evening suit
Go against the grain with Richard James’ velvet evening suit. Crafted in soft cotton velvet, the dusty mauve-hued suit features a satin shawl lapel and is paired with straight-cut trousers. Wear with a pleated shirt and a classic watch.
Favourbrook jacquard tuxedo jacket
Embrace florals this winter with Favourbrook’s jacquard woven tuxedo jacket. Crafted from a silk and wool blend, the jacket features a floral pattern and peak lapels with a paisley satin-jacquard lining. Pair with slim-cut tuxedo trousers cut from Yorkshire barathea wool-twill trimmed with grosgrain along the sides.
Favourbrook tuxedo trousers
Read more: The best men's jumpers for autumn
