The tuxedo is a dress style that men wear and has been around for well over a hundred years now. In fact, men’s tuxedos have been in existence in the US since 1888 and were named after Tuxedo Park in the Hudson Valley.
Even before being officially recognised as a tuxedo, the outfit in its basic form was actually first worn by Prince Edward VII in 1865. He wanted to wear something less formal than a tailcoat.
Since its inception, the tuxedo has really been settled at the very peak of the male dress code. So when would you most likely need to wear a tuxedo? On what occasions?
1 – You’ve Been Nominated for An Award
Now, this could be as grand as an Academy Award nomination, or even an awards night for the company you work for. Virtually any sort of official awards ceremony will require both men and women to be formally dressed. You don’t necessarily have to choose a tux to attend, as you could wear a suit. It’s occasions like these that many men opt for the super classy tuxedo route.
Anything that’s a red carpet style of event will generally mean most men are going to be wearing (or expected to wear) a tuxedo.
2 – You’re Attending a Costume Party
Sometimes it can be hard to know what to wear when you’re invited to a costume party. If you’re reluctant to go full-on and dress up as a character, then a tuxedo can provide the answer. Often all you’ll have to do to put yourself in character is add an item or two, such as a mask, for example.
3 – Cocktail Parties
This is a fantastic occasion for guys to really dress up to the 9s. The great thing about cocktail parties is the dress code might be formal, but often the atmosphere is quite relaxed. They’re an unusual mix of both casual and formal at the same time.
It’s an evening of classy drinks and nibblies, consumed while socialising with all the other guests as you mix and mingle.
4 – Formal Black Tie Events
The term “black tie” can be tacked onto virtually any event. So far all the occasions on this list could be black tie events if that’s what the event organisers decided.
So you might be going to an awards night, a party, a wedding, business function, ballroom dancing. All sorts of things could potentially be black tie events.
You could wear a suit with a traditional black tie, or you could buy or hire a tuxedo and wear a black bow tie. Black tie events are not necessarily restricted to tuxedos only. There are other occasions as well for men to choose to wear one.
5 – Artistic Performance
An artistic performance could be singing, playing in a jazz band or orchestra, a piano concerto, or even performing magic tricks and illusions on stage. More often than not, men involved in performances like these will wear a tuxedo.
Even if you’re not a performer but just a member of the audience, sometimes these events call for this style of dress code. An evening at the opera or the ballet, or even attending recitations of some musicals.
6 – Charity Events
Many charity events call for a formal dress code when they hold fundraising functions and parties. This is particularly the case when luminous guests, such as actors and celebrities, have been invited to attend.
If you’re a member of the charity organisation, or just want to attend to lend your support, then chances are you’ll be getting dressed up in a tuxedo.
7 – The Wedding
Weddings are one of the most common special occasions where guys will wear a tux. For most people, getting married is the biggest event in their lives. You’ll want to look your very best for your bride as well as the photos.
Men often hire a tuxedo for their wedding, but if you have other events you might wear a tuxedo to, then it can certainly be worth purchasing one for the wardrobe.
