Whether you're a guy about to tie the knot or a bride helping your groom, the groomsmen or dad make the right wedding outfit decision, knowing the difference between a wedding tuxedo and a suit is the first step to your quest for the perfect men’s attire for the big day.

Understanding the distinctions between a tuxedo and a suit will help you make a more appropriate and easier choice. Read below as we unpack everything you need to know about the suit vs. tuxedo parley. We are explaining their differences and when it's appropriate to wear each one!

Tuxedo vs. Suit: The Difference Is In The Details

Satin Elements

The main visual difference that sets tuxedos apart from suits are satin elements. Typically, tuxedos have touches of satin on the lapels, buttons and pocket trim, as well as a satin stripe on the pants.

In contrast, a suit features a lapel, pants, and jacket, all made up of the same fabric. It will also display fabric-covered buttons, many are made out of the same fabric as the jacket and many have faux buffalo horn buttons to accentuate the suit ― think black or brown over a contrasting pretty color fabric.

Either a tuxedo or a suit can have a flap or besom pocket― in describing the difference, a flap is an exterior 1.5” covering over the pocket and the besom is cut to allow guys to put their hands in the pockets. Incidentally, most well-made suits have interior pockets as well for cell phones and wallets because placing these items in pants’ pockets will most surely make them sag.

Jacket Styles

What sets a tuxedo jacket apart from a suit jacket are the buttons, pockets and the lapels. If you think of a traditional tuxedo, you may picture the shawl collar or peak lapels. Because suits are a slightly more informal form of men's attire, a suit jacket is unlikely to have a shawl collar; instead, it usually features notched lapels.

Pocket styles play a major role when it comes to distinctions between tuxedo and suit jackets. As discussed above, tuxedo pockets feature a satin trim while suit pockets don't!

The Pants

We already discussed how one of the major differences between a tuxedo and suit pants is the tuxedo's satin fabric side stripe. However there is another little feature that would help you discern tuxes from suits. Suit pants always display belt loops. On the flip side, tuxedo pants are designed with internal or external waist adjusters instead of belt loops. Since belts are considered a more casual accessory, they are unsuitable for the streamlined look of tuxes.

Accessories

Traditional tuxedo accessories include a bow tie and cummerbund, a waistcoat (formal vest) and patent leather shoes. However, many guys opt for wearing a long tie (also known as a “four in hand” tie), instead of a bowtie to accomplish a less formal tuxedo look. Ties, pocket squares and cummerbunds can be coordinated with the bridal party color theme, if you wish.

While wedding suits are accessorized with both bowties and long ties; they usually include a belt and a lapel flower, and can be worn with or without a vest. Additional accessories like cummerbunds and waistcoats are usually not paired with suits.

So ultimately when it comes to accessories, there is room to break some traditional rules and accessorize your tux or suit as it best fits your personality. It's your personal choice on how dressed up you want to look on your wedding day!

When To Wear A Tuxedo Vs. Suit?

For a more formal and classic look, grooms and guests usually wear tuxedos. This type of men’s wear is definitely more appropriate for evening weddings, specifically those with a black-tie or a formal dress code.

In contrast, suits are semi-formal wedding attire and they are appropriate for casual dress code. Having a destination wedding or a beach wedding, then a formal suit might be for you.In some cases a formal accessorized suit might also be a good option for a formal wedding dress code, but consider the venue and the level of formality when choosing a suit.

We hope this information was useful to help you decide between a tuxedo or a suit. And now that you know what you want to wear for your wedding day, it is time to find the right tux/suit.

Here at Savvi Formalwear, we have a huge collection of rental & new modern tuxedos and suits for all the guys in your life! Request an appointment today and let us find the right men's wear that suits your personal style. We are so excited to help you!