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There are parties and then there are parties… so how does one
decide what attire come under the mens formal wear banner. Well you can now
dress for the occasion more easily as we try to answer all those questions
that come to mind on such occasions. When it comes to men’s formal wear, it most certainly means ‘Black Tie’.
This means wearing a tuxedo to the occasion. In certain cities like hip and
happening New York and Los Angeles, this could also indicate that the men
can wear a black shirt and no tie with their tuxedo.
It’s true; the tuxedo has always been considered as formal wear. The tuxedo
consists of a jacket plus trousers with accessories like a formal shirt,
waistcoat, cummerbund and bow tie and formal shoes to go with it. There are
a variety of styles in tuxedos.
Most tuxedos come with matching trousers. There are four styles in which it
comes – single or double breasted with peaked lapels with a facing in
grosgrain on the lapel. There is also the single or double-breasted shawl
collar, which comes with either satin or grosgrain on the facing of the
lapel.
Trousers for the tuxedo need to have a natural taper and follow the shape of
the leg. The bottom of the trouser should always be plain – no cuffs – and
should break on top of the shoe. Each trouser leg should have a satin braid
– this however has become optional. These days pleated trousers have been
gaining preference, however one must ensure that
the folds of the pleats should open towards the center. The waist band must
never be exposed.
The formal shirt too comes in a range of styles. The white-winged collar
shirt is more formal. It comes with stiff pique and single cuffs. The other
style is considered less formal. However, it is also more comfortable with
a turned down collar with a pleated front and double French cuffs.
Since it is mandatory that the waistband of the trousers should not be
exposed, it is important to wear a vest pr a cummerbund.
The necktie is in a bow shape and its texture should always match the
facings on the lapels i.e. either satin or grosgrain. The bow should be
either in black or midnight blue and always be hand tied. It should not be
larger than a medium butterfly or narrow like batwings.
In shoes too there are two choices. One is the ‘pump’ which is a low-cut
slip-on made of patent or matte-finish leather with a dull ribbed silk bow
in front. The other is a ‘patent-leather oxford’ which is a plain-toe
lace-up shoe made with thin soles and a small toe.
In India, men’s formal wear is the Nehru
jacket and trousers in an expensive fabric with a rose in the buttonhole.~ author
M. Hemdev. copyright data
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