The Groom-To-Be
Though the bulk of the wedding day attire typically focuses on what the bride is wearing, grooms also have important choices to make when it comes to what to wear on their wedding day.
And just like brides have many different styles from which to choose wit respect to their gowns, grooms also have many choices when it comes to their tuxedos.
While a grooms wardrobe typically does not involve as much forethought or time as a bride's, he should keep in mind several factors before choosing a tuxedo. This include the formality and the time of the event in addition to the style of the tuxedo itself. For instance, if the event is going to be ultra formal, then a traditional tuxedo complete with a tuxedo vest and tie is the most appropriate choice. Grooms going to this route can also add a top hat, cane and even tuxedo gloves as accessories. However, at less formal weddings, this would clearly not the best option.
To help you make the right decision, here is a list of some tuxedo terminology that should help you make a more educated choice.
- Single-Breasted: Any man who has ever put on a suit, be it a tux or a business suit, likely know that a single breasted means a suit with a single row of buttons down the middle. This has become the more popular choice recently and is more appropriate for men of all body types. This comes in many styles. You can order a single breasted tuxedo with either one or two buttons, with the choice depending on the grooms height ( taller grooms usually prefer two buttons, while shorter grooms like one button). Grooms can also order three- or four-button single breasted tuxedos(these are generally only good for men who are particularly tall or thin)
- Double-Breasted: As one might infer, the double-breasted tuxedo has two rows of buttons as opposed to one. Typically, these work best with heftier grooms, as double-breasted suits tend to hide girths and appear more comfortable.
- Cutaway Tuxedo: These go well with men of all statures. Cutaway refers to the front edges of the coat sloping diagonally from the waist and forming tails in the back. These are the most appropriate option for the daytime weddings.
- High or Low Vest: High vest are typically good for taller men with longer torsos, as they extend up the torso higher than a regular vest and go well with the high-button coat. Low vests are appropriate for most men, as men of all body types can wear them.
- Tails: Tails are mainly reserved for ultra-formal and traditional weddings. Featuring a severe break between front and back. Tail should be avoided by shorter and stockier grooms.
- Peaked Lapel: An extension of the coat collar. The peaked lapel is open a good choice for a shorter groom, as it typically makes the body appear longer and leaner.
- Shawl Collar: Unlike the traditional collar, shawl collar do not come to a point, making this a difficult choice to make depending on body type. In general, a wider groom would want to stick with a wider shawl collar, as a thin collar will make him look larger. A more svelte groom should stick with a thinner collar, as a wider one will have a cartoonish effect.
- Mandarin or Banded Collar: This is the collar type that appears to not be a collar at all, as it wraps just around the neck without any protruding points and is never worn with a necktie. For grooms with short or thick necks, this style should definitely be avoided, as it will appear as though you are bursting out of the top of your shirt. A more slender groom, though, can wear a mandarin collar.
PROM and Homecoming










