When it comes to prom, one of the biggest decisions high school students face is what to wear. If you’re attending prom, you might be wondering, do you go with a classic suit or a traditional tuxedo? Both have their pros and cons, and your choice will depend on several factors, including personal style, the level of formality of your prom, and your budget. Let’s dive into the key differences between a suit and a tuxedo to help you decide which is the best option for your big night.
The Prom Style Basics: Should You Wear a Suit or Tuxedo?
At first glance, suits and tuxedos might seem quite similar. However, there are some primary physical differences that set them apart. The modern suit originated in the late 19th century as a form of everyday dress for men. Initially, suits were quite formal compared to today’s standards. Over time, the suit evolved, incorporating different styles and fabrics. The suit jacket, once heavily padded and structured, became more streamlined and versatile. Today, suits are a staple in men’s wardrobes for a variety of formal occasions and business settings.
Basic Guide to Suits for Prom
Suit Jacket: Suits come in a variety of colors and styles. The jacket is usually less formal and can be paired with suit pants of the same or different colors. For formal events such as prom, stick to black or dark colors like navy blue or charcoal gray.
Suit Pants: These typically have belt loops and, unlike tuxedo pants, there no satin stripe down the leg.
Long Tie: With suits, you usually wear a long tie, which adds to the variety and can be a solid color or patterned. Some may choose to wear a bow tie with a suit, however, which adds a bit of character to the look.
Pocket Square: When styling your suit it’s often a good idea include a pocket square for a touch of flair.
Formal Shirt A suit is usually worn with a dress shirt, and you can choose from different styles, including white dress shirts or those with patterns.
Belt Loops: Suits have belt loops, making them compatible with belts, which can be a significant style choice. By contrast, tuxedos usually rely on suspenders to keep them up
Suit Style: Suits can be less formal than tuxedos and are often seen as more versatile, suitable for various formal events and even some casual ones.
Women’s Suits: Women can also rock a suit at prom, offering a modern and chic alternative to dresses.
Basic Guide to Tuxedos for Prom
The tuxedo has a history as well. It first appeared in the late 1800s as an alternative to the tailcoat for evening wear. The tuxedo was designed to be less formal yet still highly elegant, making it suitable for dinner parties and semi-formal events. The traditional tuxedo features a black bow tie, satin lapels, and a dinner jacket. Over time, the tuxedo has become synonymous with high-profile formal events, including black-tie events and weddings.
Tuxedo Jacket: Tuxedos are more formal, typically featuring satin lapels, satin pocket trim, and sometimes satin buttons.
Tuxedo Pants: These have a satin side stripe down the leg and no belt loops, often worn with suspenders.
Black Bow Tie: The classic tuxedo look includes a black bow tie, adhering to the black-tie dress code.
Tuxedo Shirt: A tuxedo is usually paired with a formal tuxedo shirt, a crips white shirt that often has a pleated front and sometimes double cuffs that are used with cufflinks.
Dinner Jacket: The tuxedo jacket is more elegant and usually comes in solid colors like black or white, though there are also stylish colorful prom suits and even white prom suits for those looking to stand out.
Use of Satin: The presence of satin on the lapels and stripes on the pant legs is one of the biggest differences between a tuxedo and a suit.
Shawl Lapels and Peak Lapels: Tuxedos often feature shawl lapels or peak lapels in their styling adding to their formal look.
Patent Leather Shoes: Tuxedos are typically worn with shiny patent leather shoes to complete the formal outfit.
Pros and Cons: Suit vs. Tuxedo for Prom
Now that you know what the options entail, here’s what we see as the pros and cons for each choice.
Pros of Wearing a Suit to Prom
1. Versatility: Suits can be worn for a variety of occasions beyond prom, such as sports awards, graduations, job interviews, family weddings, and other formal events.
2. Different Styles: You can personalize your look with different colors and patterns. A black suit is a classic look, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors or subtle patterns
3. Comfort: Suits can be more comfortable than tuxedos since they are less structured and don’t require suspenders.
4. Cost: Generally, suits are less expensive than tuxedos, especially if you already have one in your closet.
Cons of Wearing a Suit to Prom
1. Less Formal: Suits are seen as less formal than tuxedos, which might not meet the strict dress code of some prom events.
2. Less Impactful: While a suit can look great, it may not have the same wow factor as a tuxedo on prom night. One of the fun things about prom is seeing how you look at your most formal, and there’s something undeniably fun about seeing all of your friends wearing a formal tux too.
3. Cost: Yes, we had cost as a pro too, but if you don’t already own a suit that fits you, then buying one can act
4. Fit: If you are still growing quickly, then if you buy a suit you might outgrow it soon after prom. Additionally, if you do have a suit already, but are growing rapidly it may not fit you by the time prom season starts.
Pros of Wearing Tuxedos to Prom
1. Formality: A tuxedo is the epitome of formal wear, perfect for a black-tie event like prom.
2. Classic Look: Tuxedos have a timeless appeal. Think James Bond in a classic black tuxedo – it’s a look that never goes out of style.
3. Special Occasion: Wearing a tuxedo makes prom feel even more special, marking it as a significant event.
4. Style Details That Work: The satin lapels, satin side stripe, and satin pocket trim give a tuxedo an elevated look.
Cons of Wearing a Tuxedo to Prom
1. Cost: Tuxedos can be more expensive, especially if you are considering buying one. Rental formal wear styles can help reduce costs, but this is still something to consider since the cost of all the accessories that are needed to make a tux look complete can add up.
2. Less Versatile: Tuxedos are mainly reserved for very formal occasions like weddings and black-tie events, so if you buy one you may not get as much use out of them. Renting is usually the way to go.
3. Comfort: Tuxedos can sometimes feel more restrictive and less comfortable, especially with the use of suspenders and more structured jackets. Plus if you’re renting, you’ll want to be sure not to take off your jacket and leave it somewhere because you’ll be liable for the cost.
4. Effort: If you are wearing a tux you’ll need to go to fittings and do some research on where you want to rent or buy your tux from, as well as putting thought into all the accessories. Most prom rental companies to a lot of the work for you, but it’s still more effort than going to your own closet and wearing a suit you already own.
Making Your Decision: Team Suit or Tuxedo?
After you’ve considered all of these factors, choosing between a suit and a tuxedo for prom comes down to your personal preference and the vibe of your prom. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help make the decision:
1. What is the Dress Code?: Check if your prom has a strict dress code. If it’s a black-tie event, a tuxedo might be required. If it’s more relaxed, a suit could be a good option.
2. What’s Your Budget?: Consider how much you’re willing to spend. If you’re on a tighter budget, a suit you already own might be the better choice, or even borrowing one from a friend or family member might be an option.
3. How Formal is the Event: Think about the level of formality that your school prom usually has as well as the level of formality your date and your friends are planning on wearing. A tuxedo is more formal and might be the best choice for a traditional prom setting. Check with your date and your friends to see what they’ll be wearing.
4. How Do You Want to Feel?: Do you want to feel like James Bond, or are you going for a more relaxed but still sharp look? Your desired overall look can guide your choice towards a tuxedo or suit.
5. Future Use: Consider how often you’ll wear it again. Suits are more versatile and can be worn to other formal occasions, making them a great option for long-term use. If you have a big event coming up right before or after prom, buying a nice suit and having it tailored to your measurements is a great choice.
More Tips and Things to Consider
The season and venue can influence your choice. A lightweight suit in a breathable fabric might be a better option for a summer prom, while a classic black tuxedo can be more suitable for winter. Different styles of suits and tuxedos can also come in various fabrics, from wool to linen, to match the season.
If you’re conscious about sustainability, renting might be the way to go. Rental formal wear styles offer a range of options from classic to contemporary. Renting a dinner suit or tuxedo can be more eco-friendly and cost-effective. Plus, it’s a great way to wear high-quality pieces without the commitment of purchasing them. However, if you’re borrowing a suit from someone else or rewearing your own, then that’s a sustainable practice as well!
What’s in style? From Instagram influencers to the Oscars and weddings, the people you see on social media and their formal outfits set trends that trickle down to prom season. Seeing how these icons wear their formal attire on social media can help you decide whether you want to emulate their style on your special night.
Different styles suit different body types. A suit jacket can be tailored to accentuate your shoulders and waist, providing a customized fit. For a taller and slimmer look, a slim-fit suit or tuxedo jacket with peak lapels might be the best choice.
Comfort is key for a long night of dancing and socializing. Tuxedo pants often come with a satin side stripe and no belt loops, which can affect comfort depending on your preference for suspenders versus belts. Ensure that the leg of the trousers fits well without being too tight or too loose. Suit pants, on the other hand, usually come with belt loops and can be adjusted more easily.
Both suits and tuxedos have their pros and cons, and ultimately, the best choice for your prom night depends on your personal style and the specifics of your event. Whether you go with a classic black suit or a traditional tuxedo, the most important thing is that you feel confident and ready to enjoy your special night.
Make sure to have your outfit ready a few days before prom. Try on everything to ensure it fits perfectly, from the suit jacket or tuxedo jacket to the trousers and shoes. Check for any necessary adjustments. Iron your shirt and trousers, and polish your shoes. Attention to these details can make a huge difference in your overall look.
On prom night, do a final check. Ensure your pocket square is neatly folded, your tie is straight, and your shoes are clean. A lint roller can help remove any unwanted fuzz or hair from your outfit.
Choosing between a suit and a tuxedo for prom is a significant decision. Both have their advantages and can make you look sharp and stylish. Remember, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your choice. Whether you go with a classic black suit, or a traditional tuxedo, your outfit should reflect your personality and make you feel ready to enjoy your prom night. This is a special occasion, so take the time to choose the best option for you and have a memorable evening.