Dress shirts - Tailored to wear with your tuxedo
When formally dressed for a special occasion, you want to make sure that your ensemble looks perfect. Not all tuxedo shirts are equal – finding the right fit and style will boost your confidence.
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Matching the shirt with the style of tux is the first basic step to formal wear etiquette. Never wear a pique shirt with a regular tuxedo – this shirt is reserved for the most formal occasions. The mandarin collared shirt should never be worn with a tuxedo with tails. Consult with a tuxedo style specialist if you are unsure what type of shirt will look best with the style of tuxedos you are considering.
Shirt color is defined with one word – white. You will never go wrong in choosing a white dress shirt. There are other colors available, including pink, but do not be tempted. Men should always wear a tailored white shirt with their tuxedo – end of the story. Boys can get away with colored shirts, but white is still the best color.
There are four basic shirt features to consider:
- Front – pleats, no pleats, fitted or pique
- Cuffs – standard, convertible barrel or French cuff
- Collars – wing tip, laid-down or mandarin
- Fabric – 100% cotton, polyester/cotton blends, or micro-fiber
The pique (waffle textured front panel) is reserved for the most formal event. If a buttoned vest will be worn, you are safe in choosing the plain fitted shirt with no pleats. If you are wearing a cummerbund, vertical pleats work well. If you wish to wear button covers or studs, select the shirt with a front panel that would best accentuate this jewelry.
Standard cuffs button close like a normal dress shirt. Convertible barrel cuffs are longer than a standard cuff, and can be closed with buttons or cuff links. French cuffs fold over and can be closed with buttons or cuff links, as well.
Collars are found in three basic styles, and which one to wear depends on the type of tie you are going to wear. The laid-down collar folds down around the neck and is worn with a four-in-hand tie. The Mandarin or banded collar closes smoothly against the neck with a button and is not worn with a tie. The wing tip collar is named for the collar tips that point out to the side or up, forming a wing. Typically worn with a bow tie, but it is acceptable to be worn with the four-in-hand or ascot tie.
Today's polyester/cotton blend shirts perform the best, remaining wrinkle free and comfortable. Expect a tuxedo shirt made with this blend from rental shops. A shirt made with 100% cotton is a high quality shirt. If your budget allows, select "cotton crepe" material. New micro-fiber shirts are become prevalent in the tuxedo shirts, becoming popular due to their silky, soft comfortable texture
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