⚡ Quick summary
A tuxedo is a specific kind of suit. Tuxedos, which can be worn with bow ties or neckties, are considered more formal than regular suits and are often only worn at the most formal events, such as weddings and galas. Traditionally, a tuxedo is made with satin, while a suit is not.
When we want to dress fancy, we may put on a suit or a tuxedo. When we do, are we looking for the same clothes, or do we need different outfits?
In this article, we will examine the differences between a suit and a tuxedo and explore why one might be preferred over the other.
suit vs. tuxedo
The word suit is generally used to refer to an outfit that includes a jacket and trousers of the same color and fabric. The word tuxedo refers to a specific type of formal jacket, also called a dinner jacket, or a specific type of suit that traditionally includes this jacket, a (usually white) dress shirt, formal trousers, a tie, and a cummerbund.
Generally speaking, the biggest difference between a tuxedo and suit is the presence of satin. Traditionally, tuxedos include satin lapels, satin-striped pants, or satin somewhere else in the clothing. The satin is what gives the traditional tuxedo its shiny appearance. Other types of suits typically won’t be made using satin.
Besides the satin, tuxedos traditionally also have more restrictions when it comes to accessories compared to other suits. Traditionally, a tuxedo includes the jacket, a black or white bowtie, white dress shirt, and a cummerbund rather than a belt. Suits, on the other hand, depend largely on the choices of the wearer. Suits come in more colors than traditional tuxedos, can be worn with dress shirts of almost any color, and often include a necktie (or no tie) rather than a bow tie.
The tuxedo is typically considered more formal than another kind of suit and is often required for the most formal occasions, such as weddings and white tie events. Because tuxedos are usually more expensive than suits and worn less often, people will typically rent a tuxedo only when they need one. By contrast, a person may own several suits for less formal occasions or because they have a job that follows a business formal dress code.
