WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE TIE?
Although you’ve likely heard of white and black tie dress codes, most people aren’t clear on precisely what these terms mean or the difference between them. Knowing what dress code to wear is essential to avoid looking out of place if you’ve been invited to a formal event! That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you.
THE DIFFERENCE
The Dress Evening Tails were the ‘go to’ dress for evening wear until the very late 19th century. The then Prince of Wales decided he wanted a ‘casual’ evening suit to wear for less formal occasions, and so the Dinner Jacket was created, (Dinner Suit,) originally in very dark navy.
The Dinner Suit has become the most popular evening wear of the two, but the more formal ‘White Tie’ remains, still considered to be the most elegant to this day, for more formal occasions.
WHITE TIE
Traditionally known as ‘Dress Evening Tails’, the most elegant garment a man can wear for the most prestigious events.
Black or dark navy coat. This is a long coat at the back and cut short at the front, hence tails, with silk lapels, white piquet shirt, white tie, and white piquet waistcoat.
If you have an invitation to the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, the Vienna Opera Ball or the Nobel Prize Banquet, this is what you must wear. Or if you’re a Groom with a taste for the very highest theatre for your Big Day.
It’s striking and elegant when it’s tailored correctly, and only your Bespoke Tailor knows how – you are simply untouchable!
And it’s timeless.
BLACK TIE
The less formal of these two evening wear options; a dress for formal dinners, balls, and parties, especially those that take place toward the end of the day or evening.
It consists of a black or dark navy dinner jacket, with silk or satin lapels, single or double breasted, and matching trousers, with a decorative braid running down the side of the trousers. Worn with a white shirt and Black Bow Tie.
Also known as a Tuxedo. The term originated after the then newly designed evening wear was seen in the premises of Henry Pool in Savile Row by two Americans, reportedly one of whom was an owner of the Tuxedo Club in New York. They returned to New York with their Savile Row garments, which became popular at the Club, from which it became popular around the world.
Except in the German speaking countries of Europe, they call it ‘Smoking’. They are confusing the Dinner Jacket with the Smoking Jacket, which is a completely different garment.
The French call it, Le Costume de Dîner; no Tux here.
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WHITE TUXEDO
A white jacket paired with black trousers is also popular evening wear, but strictly speaking, should only be worn in a warm climate, or an-board a ship.
How Phillip Alexander can help
If you’ve been invited to a formal event, wearing a tailored suit from an experienced and professional tailor will ensure you look your best so that you can feel your best too.
At Phillip Alexander, we’re experts at dressing gentlemen. Established in 1876, we’ve been dressing gentlemen for white and black-tie events for over a hundred years. Based on Savile Row in London and Cheshire, we specialise in crafting luxury, handmade jackets, shirts, and trousers. Whether you’re looking for a dinner jacket or evening tails, we can tailor a suit that fits you and the occasion perfectly.
We offer various tailoring services, including bespoke suits, semi-bespoke ‘made to measure’ suits, and tailored suit hire. If you want to know more about our range of services or are still trying to decide if a custom suit is right for you, contact us today to request an appointment.
