Difference Between Suit and Tuxedo

Suit vs Tuxedo
 

Suit and Tuxedo are both the formal wear of men and the difference between them is not only in the appearance but also in the way a person creates the cloth. Dressing up can be tiresome especially if you are a guy and attending a gathering. A guy can go for a suit or a tuxedo, whichever he prefers. However, you might want to know how to determine which is which. There are some easily distinguishable differences between a suit and a tuxedo. However, knowing only these differences would not be of any use if you have no idea when to wear each garment.

What is a Suit?

A suit is a set of clothes that is of Western origin. All suits have trousers and jackets. One can add either a flat cap or a waistcoat or both to this basic pair. Usually, all the garments in the set are made up of the same fabric. A guy, not only can wear a suit to a wedding, but also can go to a business meeting or a romantic date in it. Since most men, especially in the western world, have gotten accustomed to wearing suits on a daily basis, the suit is no longer a very special garment a man can wear. However, one should wear the suit smartly and neatly. Otherwise, the whole point of wearing such an elegant and handsome garment will be lost.

So, remember that a suit can be worn both in a formal event as well as in not so formal ones like a business meeting. A suit is something a guy can wear every day without a problem. When it comes to matching shoes, one has to wear formal shoes for a suit. Yet, one can opt to wear a slip on shoe with the suit too.

What is a Tuxedo?

A tuxedo, on the other hand, is the modern term of the black tie that refers to a type of a dinner jacket. So, as the name implied, a tuxedo is black in color. Usually, tuxedos have a touch of silk to it. This silk or satin touch can be seen on the pocket trim and buttons. There is also a satin facing on the lapels, and one can see a satin side stripe down the trouser leg. Usually, tuxedos are worn with a bow tie. This clothing is usually worn for formal occasions. Most of the time, we see celebrities wear them during the awards night.

The suit and the tuxedo differ in term of the place and occasion wherein you can wear it. Tuxedos are stereotypically used during formal occasions; let’s say a wedding or a cotillion. You can never wear a tuxedo as daily attire like a suit. Both clothing are worn with leather shoes most of the time and, for tuxedo, this is the only shoe option.

Therefore, when a guy is going to attend a very formal gathering he can choose to wear a tuxedo; however, if he just wants to look dignified everyday, he might want to wear a suit.

What is the difference between Suit and Tuxedo?

Definitions of Suit and Tuxedo:

Suit: Suit is a collection of garments, trousers, jackets, and a flat cap or a waistcoat, all made from the same cloth.

Tuxedo: Tuxedo is a type of a dinner jacket.

When to Wear Suit or Tuxedo:

Suit: You can wear a suit to a business meeting, wedding, funerals, etc.

Tuxedo: You can only wear a tuxedo during formal occasions or parties.

Shoes to Wear with Suit or Tuxedo:

Suit: A suit can be worn with a slip on shoe or any type of formal shoes.

Tuxedo: A tuxedo is usually worn only with a shiny patent leather shoe.

Tie or Bow Tie:

Suit: Usually, a suit is worn with a tie.

Tuxedo: A tuxedo is worn with a bow tie.

Material:

Suit: Suit does not use any satin.

Tuxedo: Tuxedo uses satin.

Specialty:

Suit: Suit is not considered that much of a special garment as most people wear suits daily.

Tuxedo: Tuxedo is still considered a special garment as it is worn only on special occasions.

These are the differences between a suit and a tuxedo. As you can see, they are both smart looking outfits. However, consider the occasion when you are choosing one from these two options.

Images Courtesy:

1. A man dressed in a three-piece suit and bowler hat by  User:FredrikT (CC BY 2.5)
2. Tuxedo by Incal (CC BY-SA 3.0)