FORMAL WEAR GLOSSARY OF TERMS |
Have you ever taken your car in for a repair and had the mechanic bombard you with an assortment of technical terms and part names? "I'm sorry to say sir, but the pitman arm is shot. And I think we should replace the drag link while we're under there" He might as well have told you that your "Flux Capacitor" needs to be replaced. You wouldn't know any different. Well, before you go into a formal wear or tuxedo shop, you should take a moment to learn some of the terms they will be using. It will insure that you get what you really want and you may just impress them in the process.
|
Suits
|
| Cutaway or Stroller: For formal
or daytime weddings, the groom wears the cutaway / morning coat, which tapers from the
front waist button to a long, wide back tail. The cutaway jacket is either black or grey
and is worn with matching striped trousers.
|
| Dinner Jacket: A white or ivory
jacket with black formal trousers is an ideal option in Spring and Summer months or
year-round in warmer climates.
|
| Tuxedo: A single or double
breasted jacket with matching trousers for formal or semi-formal evening events.
|
| White Tie: This is a classic
choice for an ultra formal evening event. The tailcoat jacket is short in front with two
long black tails. A white pique wing collar shirt, vest and tie are also worn.
|
Lapels
|
| Tuxedo jackets come with three basic lapel
styles. Some are more flattering to certain body types. Choosing the lapel that is right
for you is a matter of taste.
|
| Notch: A triangle indention is
cut where the lapel joins the collar.
|
| Peak: A broad V-shaped lapel
that points up and out just below the collar line.
|
| Shawl: A smooth, rounded lapel.
|
Shirts
|
| The main difference between shirt styles is
in the collar.
|
| Band Collar: A collar that
stands up around the neck and above the buttons. This is the most contemporary style
tuxedo shirt.
|
| Wing Collar: Similar to the band
collar but the two turned down points in front give the appearance of a spread collar.
|
| Spread Collar: Similar to a
man's standard button front shirt, it folds over and around the neck with a wide division
between points in front.
|
Accessories
|
| Ascot: A wide necktie that is
looped over and held in place beneath the chin with a tie tack or stick pin.
|
| Bow Tie: A short tie shaped like
a bow that can be worn with a wing or spread collar. A bow tie adjusts to fit any neck
size and are available in a variety of colors to match vests and cummerbunds.
|
| Cuff Links: Decorative jewelry,
used to close French Cuffs.
|
| Cummerbunds: A silk or satin
sash as an alternative to a vest, to be worn at the waist and covering the waistband. A
cummerbund should be worn with the pleats facing upward.
|
| Euro Tie: A long knotted square
bottom neck tie worn with a wing or spread collar shirt.
|
| Four-In-Hand Tie: A standard
long knotted necktie worn with a spread collar. Most men wear a four-in-hand tie to work
daily.
|
| Studs (no, not the guys in the wedding
party): Jewelry similar to cuff links that are used to close the front of a tuxedo
shirt.
|
| Vest: A vest is worn in place of
a cummerbund to cover the waistband. A vest is usually worn with a coordinating bow tie. A
vest comes in a full back, half back and open back.
|
| References: - Ascot Tuxedos of Texas |