Wondering what to wear for prom, there are two tried and true choices — a well-tailored prom suit vs tux for prom. But what’s the difference between these two sharp tailored options and which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll cover the basics so you show up loving the way you look.
What Is a Suit, Exactly?
In its purest form, a suit is simply the combination of a tailored jacket with matching pants. A longtime outfitting fundamental, men’s suits are a common sight at special events like prom, weddings and beyond and even still at the office – especially for important meetings. They are, by definition, a bit less formal than tuxedos but that doesn’t mean they’re casual. You’ll find formal suits for men that are appropriate for any level of dress, including black-tie events and prom.
Suits are more versatile than tuxedos and can usually be dressed up or down. With a suit, you can reuse the jacket, shirt and trousers for other occasions. Pair the jacket with jeans for a date night look or reuse the suit for another formal engagement or a job interview.
A Little Background on the Tux
Even though the tuxedo is ubiquitous at formal dances and black-tie weddings today, it’s — perhaps unsurprisingly — an old-school classic. The tux originated in 1865 when the Prince of Wales, Edward VII, had his Savile Row tailor design him a brand-new suit style that, at the prince’s request, eliminated the fussy knee-length tailcoat that was trendy at the time.
While we now consider the tux the pinnacle of formality in men’s suiting, this new version was actually a less formal option when compared to the suits of the day! That’s part of why it became such a popular look on the streets of New York at the turn of the century. In fact, the tuxedo gets its name because it gained popularity at a ball in the town of Tuxedo Park, New York.
What Does a Tux Have That a Suit Doesn’t?
The main differences between suit vs tux for prom lie in the satin trimming as well as the accessories and underpinnings.
- Tuxedos are worn with a bowtie. You typically wouldn’t see a man dressed in a necktie with all the trimmings of a tux. The standard neckwear accompaniment is a black or midnight blue bowtie.
- Tuxedos are worn with a waist cover. Unlike a standard suit, the tuxedo is styled with a garment that covers the waist, such as a cummerbund. This garment typically matches the bowtie.
- Tuxedos have fancier trimmings. While both suits and tuxedos are usually 100 percent wool, a tux will have satin trimming on the lapels, suit trouser sides and potentially the button covers. Some tuxes also come with a shawl collar with satin trimming.
- Tuxedos are worn with more formal shirts. When it comes to men’s dress shirts, some are more casual, and some are more elegant. Tux shirts tend to have more decorative front — pleats, pique bibs and ruffles are common — as well as French cuffs.
- Tuxedos require dressier shoes. Guys typically pair their tuxedos with their nicest pair of men’s dress shoes they own in the same color as the tux. Classic tux shoes will generally be patent black whereas a classic matte leather wingtips or Oxford lace ups will work well with a suit.
It all seems quite straightforward, but don’t be afraid to inject a little fun into your look to make it your own. Wear a unique boutonniere or forgo the bowtie and wear the shirt open. Experiment with a shawl collar tux jacket and shirt with a classic silk black tie. Whether you go more classic or take a classic look and make it your own is up to you.
Suit vs Tux For Prom – Which to pick?
Making the decision between a suit vs tux for prom comes down to the dress code of the event and your personal preferences. Ultimately a tuxedo tends to be more formulaic in style, but really makes a formal statement if you want to show up in style. Whether classic black or something a bit more unique, a classic tuxedo will always rise to the aesthetic occasion.
On the other hand, suits are sharp and stylish but offer a bit more room for experimenting with colors and fabrics. Check out these shiny suits or pastel prom suits for an alternative look to traditional prom suits. No matter which style you choose, make sure it’s something you love and you feel comfortable in!