What Is The Difference Between A Suit And A Tux?

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your soon-to-be hubby, there is one question you’ve definitely googled, “What is the difference between a tux and a suit?” Hello, we’re here to help. Well, technically a tuxedo is a type of suit. Think of it this way, a Maserati is a type of sedan, but not all sedans are Maseratis…make sense? On the scale of formality, tuxes are one of the most formal forms of attire that menswear has to offer only to be outdone by a tailcoat (which we will save for another article), while suits are still formal but are a bit more flexible when it comes to styling. Suits can range from dressy casual to formal depending on the type of material and how they’re worn.  

Anatomy of a Tux

So what exactly sets a tux apart from your average suit? One word–satin. “What’s satin?”, you may ask (no judgment). Satin is that soft shiny material that formal dresses and even nightgowns are made of. Traditionally, tuxes have satin lapels and a satin stripe down the leg of the pants. The only exception to this satin rule is a white dinner jacket, which sports the same physical attributes as a black tux like a single button front closure and a shawl lapel, but forgoes the hint of satin. 

A tux should also be worn with a tuxedo shirt, a white shirt with French cuffs (a double cuff on the sleeve that requires cufflinks). Tuxedo shirts may also have a pleated panel and are often worn with studs (instead of buttons) or have a hidden button placket for a clean minimalist finish. It’s traditional for a tuxedo to be worn with black patent leather (shiny) shoes which also come in a variety of styles. 

So Which One Works For Your Wedding?

You get to decide the dress code for your wedding. For your comfort and the comfort of your guests, it’s a good idea to take a few things into consideration. 

Where Is The Wedding?

Oftentimes, a venue/location dictates what the dress code should be. For example, a linen suit lends itself to a beach wedding while a tux just feels at home in a ballroom. In addition to the venue, the climate should also be taken into consideration. You wouldn’t want to ask your guests to wear head-to-toe wool for your tropical wedding.

When Is The Wedding?

Tuxes and three-piece suits are great for fall and winter weddings while suits lend themselves more to spring and summer events. Though they can all be worn during any season. Suits have more options when it comes to color, and personally, we love a gray or light blue suit for the warmer months. 

What Is Your Personal Style?

Yes, it’s a wedding, but it’s your wedding. And you get to do what you want to do. If you’ve always dreamed of a black-tie wedding go tux. If a tux has never been your cup of tea, rock a suit. Heck, you can even ditch the tie and leave a few buttons open if you feel like it (gasp!). The key is to set your dress code ahead of time so that your guests know how to dress for your wedding. 

But, as part of the happy couple, you also get to stand out a bit, so even if you decide on putting “cocktail attire” on your invitations, if you feel like donning a tux for your big day…we say, go for it! Whatever you decide USA Bridal has just the suit or tux for you. Check out their incredible selection and click here to schedule an appointment for you and all the men in your bridal party.