Whether you’re going to a wedding, gala, ceremony or milestone birthday, black tie is always the same. It does gentleman a favour really, it’s simple and specific. Clear ideas of what to wear to help take the pressure off.

For men, the uniformity of wearing a dinner jacket and a crispy white shirt is the classic meaning of sophistication. There is a reason why James Bond is always wearing a suit at least once in every movie.

While it’s hard to get the black-tie look completely wrong, there is still space for a few errors, whether your a black-tie novice or not. Some of these errors are simple.

Do you really know the difference between a tuxedo and a suit? When should you wear a cummerbund? This dress code sends a message of elegance and quiet confidence. But for it to work its magic, it must be worn correctly.

Tuxedo Vs Suit

‘Black Tie Optional’ or ‘preferred 

Both of these options mean you have a choice of either a tuxedo or a suit. But what is the difference, exactly?

The biggest difference between a tuxedo and a suit is the satin detailing. Tuxedoes have satin detailing along the lapels of the suit and often of the trousers. Suits are completely made out of the same material. 

This dress code that requires men to wear a dinner jacket with matching trousers, a pleated white shirt, black formal shoes, and a bow tie. Optionally, men can also wear a cummerbund or a waistcoat.