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Tuxedos are black-tie ensembles that don’t require a tie (and sometimes not even a jacket). Yet, many men like to wear ties with them for a more formal look.
However, since tuxedos are also worn at semiformal affairs, the question is whether or not you can wear a tie with them to such an event.
Can You Wear a Tie with a Tuxedo?
The answer to the question is no. The only time you should wear a tie with a tuxedo is when it’s worn for a black tie.
If you do decide to wear a tie to an event, make sure it matches the lapel and dress shirt studs (if any), as well as your cufflinks (if any).
Wearing a Tie with a Tuxedo on Black-Tie Events
If you’re invited to a black-tie event, make sure you wear a bow or long tie with your tuxedo.
However, if you want to avoid wearing any neckwear, there’s always the option of wearing a white dinner jacket (or the less formal midnight blue version). Modern variations include double-breasted styles and even shawl collars.
With so many options, it’s possible to incorporate alternative styles into black-tie ensembles. And since more people are moving away from traditional tuxedos (and even bow ties), you may want to consider the various alternatives that are available today.
When Not to Wear a Tie with a Tuxedo
When you’re invited to a semiformal event, it’s best not to wear a tie with your tuxedo. Instead, consider wearing just the dress shirt and bow tie for this type of event.
As an alternative, you can opt for the more modern look that includes black trousers and a matching coat without any neckwear. This black ensemble is a stylish way of going without a tie.
Many people prefer this streamlined look for semiformal events because it incorporates the same elements as formal outfits but doesn’t have any superfluous extras. In other words, it’s just as elegant as a tuxedo but easier to put together.
How to Style a Tie with a Tuxedo
If you do decide to wear a tie with your tuxedo, there’s just one protocol to keep in mind:
The bow tie should always be worn underneath the wide end of the necktie. This particular rule is significant for black-tie events where a white dinner jacket or a formal dress shirt is worn with a long tie of any kind.
For example, if you decide to wear a bow tie with your tuxedo, make sure it’s tied (and centered) underneath the wide end of the necktie such as this:
As for wearing just a regular tie with your tuxedo at semiformal events, choose which side is more comfortable and matches the look you are going for.
But if you prefer using a bow tie, keep in mind that it should always be tied underneath the wide end of the necktie (and not on top).
Matching Cufflinks and Ties with a Tuxedo
During formal affairs where tuxedos are worn, dress shirt studs and cufflinks should match the metal of your neckwear. This just means that if you’re wearing a silver tie clip or tie bar, then be sure to sport matching silver studs and cufflinks as well.
But just like neckties are no longer required at semiformal events, there’s also an increasing number of modern alternatives that you can use with your tuxedo. These include:
– metal tie bars;
– non-tie clip ties; and of course,
– bow ties (in the case of black-tie events).
And like studs and cufflinks, these modern alternatives should also be made from similar materials as your neckwear. This means that if you’re wearing a silver tie clip or bar, then be sure to sport matching silver studs and cufflinks as well.
In any case, what’s important is that you make a conscious effort to incorporate these various options into your ensemble because they all speak volumes about your overall style preferences – not only during black-tie affairs but also more traditional tuxedos as well.
How to Tie a Tie: Knots for Any Occasion
The Four-In-Hand Knot
This is the knot to use if you want a loosely tied necktie perfect for business or less formal affairs. In addition, this particular type of knot also pairs well with thinner ties and shirts and spread collars.
To make it work, place the tie around your collar with the wide end hanging down about a foot in front of the narrow end. Then cross the wide end over the other side and pull it through the loop around your collar from underneath to behind. Next, pull both ends of the tie to be even on each side and tighten according to taste.
And just like with any necktie knot, the Four-In-Hand Knot should be placed in the center of your tie, so it’s centered between your collar.
Now, if you’re still struggling to get the hang of this type of knot, there are also simpler instructions that include an animated version to make it easier for you. And once you’ve mastered the four-in-hand knot, then be sure to check out these other types of necktie knots as well:
The Half-Windsor (Also Known as the Single-Windsor)
This is the most commonly used tie knot, and it’s perfect for business or formal affairs. In addition, this particular knot also pairs well with relatively thin ties and shirts, as well as spread collars.
To tie it:
- Start by placing the necktie around your collar with the wide end hanging down about a foot in front of the narrow end.
- Cross the wide end over the other side and pull it through the loop around your collar from underneath to behind.
- Pull both ends of the tie to be even on each side, then tighten according to taste.
The Half-Windsor should be placed in the center of your tie, so it’s centered between your collar.
Now, if you want to take it up a notch with this knot, here are two slightly different ways to make sure all your tucks and folds are perfectly symmetrical. The first is a simple alternative for right-handed people, while the second is a cross-handed variation that works well for both left and right-handed people:
The Windsor Knot
This knot is often reserved for formal affairs where a more impressive display of fashion sense is expected. In addition, this particular type of tie can also pair well with relatively thick ties and shirts, as well as spread collars.
To make it:
- Start by placing the necktie around your collar with the wide end hanging down about a foot in front of the narrow end.
- Cross the wide end over the other side and pull it through the loop around your collar from underneath to behind.
- Pull both ends of the tie, so they are even on each side.
- Tighten according to taste.
The Windsor Knot should be placed in the center of your tie to the center between your collar.
Finally, there are also several other types of necktie knots that you can try, like the Oriental Knot, or if you want something a bit more modern, there’s also a mathematical way to tie a precise necktie knot every time.
Other Styling Options for Tuxedos
Now that you know how to tie a necktie, here are some other things to consider when putting your black-tie ensemble together:
Shirts vs. Bow Ties
For tuxedos, the choice is usually between a traditional white dress shirt or incorporates bow ties into the design. However, there are also novelty tuxedo shirt designs that give you the chance to pull off the bow tie look without sacrificing your classic sense of fashion.
Shirt Styles
While shirts are often designed in formal white, there are also other options for colors and patterns. This can include full-color prints or even just a solid color with contrasting cuffs and collars. For example, midnight blue is a popular option that pairs well with black tie ensembles for solid colours.
Cummerbunds vs. Waistcoats
A cummerbund is a sash-style belt worn around the waist, and in some cases, it’s also possible for them to incorporate pockets that can be used for holding your accessories or even your phone. As for waistcoats are slightly more formal than the cummerbund, and they don’t feature any closures.
Shoes vs. Boots
Typically, formal black is the only color appropriate for tuxedo ensembles when it comes to shoes. However, if you want to add your sense of style, you can pair them with colored laces or socks.
Meanwhile, while black leather dress shoes are the norm for tuxedos, other options like cap-toe boots can also look fashionable. The key here is that all parts of your outfit should be complementary while following the accepted dress code.
Conclusion
To conclude, you can wear neckties with tuxedos. But make sure you follow the guidelines when doing so. Also, you can use different tie knots like the four-in-hand, half-Windsor, and the Windsor. And lastly, there are also other things you can consider like shirts or bow ties vs. waistcoats or cummerbunds.
But overall, make sure you follow the dress code and that your outfit is stylish but still formal.
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