Tuxedos, shirts, ties, vests, and cummerbunds come in a variety of fabrics, colors and styles. Besides the tuxedo jacket terms above, couples may learn other terms to help in their formal wear selection.
Lapels of jackets come in three basic cuts; notch lapel in which a sharp triangular shape is formed where the lapel joins the collar, peak lapel is a broad shaped lapel that points up and outward just below the collar line, shawl is a smooth rounded lapel that encompasses the collar all in one. Three basic styles of shirts include the classic formal shirt which has white buttons or stud closures, with little spacing between each side of the collar and is usually pleated on both sides. The spread collar shirt is similar to a typical man`s dress shirt with a collar that folds over and has a wide space between each side of the collar. The third is the wing collar which has a small triangular shape at each edge of the collar. The tie can be a four-in-hand (a typical long necktie), a bow tie (a short tie shaped like a bow) or an ascot (a wide necktie with a scarf-like appearance that is looped
over and held in place with a stickpin or tie tack).
A vest or cummerbund is chosen to complete the look. Vests are cut in different ways, usually dependent on the design of the jacket it is worn with. The cummerbund is an alternative to the vest and is basically a pleated sash that is worn at the waist and covers the waistband. The basic cut of the jacket can help to minimize or maximize the look a dapper groom is trying to achieve. Single breasted, double breasted, elongated coats and waist coats, are some varieties, each with benefits of fit for varying body types. Couples are wise to let the formal wear experts help to make choices that are stylish, flattering and give the groom the “I do” to looking great!
