From across the room, a black suit and a black tuxedo can look almost the same. Up close, the difference is the satin. Here's what sets them apart, which one each dress code calls for, and which to buy if you only want one.
The short answer
A tuxedo has satin details on the lapels, the buttons and often down the side of the pants, and it's worn with a bow tie for formal evening events. A suit is made from one fabric all over, with no satin, and works for far more occasions.
Side by side
| Detail | Tuxedo | Suit |
|---|---|---|
| Lapels | Faced in satin | Same fabric as the jacket |
| Buttons | Covered in satin, often just one | Plain buttons, usually two |
| Pants | Satin stripe or satin trim | Plain |
| Tie | Bow tie | Long tie |
| Shirt | White dress shirt | Any dress shirt |
| Best for | Black tie events, prom, formal weddings | Work, interviews, weddings and everyday dressy events |
Dress code cheat sheet
- White tie: the most formal: a tailcoat worn with a white vest and a white bow tie. You'll see it at some galas and very formal weddings. We carry a Tailcoat Tuxedo for these events.
- Black tie: a tuxedo with a bow tie.
- Black tie optional: a tuxedo, or a dark suit with a tie.
- Formal or cocktail: a dark suit in black, navy or charcoal.
- Business: a suit, with a tie unless you're told otherwise.
- Daytime or casual wedding: a lighter suit in light gray, tan or blue.
Which one should you buy?
If you only want one, buy a suit in navy or charcoal. You'll wear it to work, interviews, weddings and every dressy event in between. Buy a tuxedo when you have black tie events coming up, like prom, a formal wedding or a gala. With us, both start at the same price: $249 online and $299 in our stores.
The modern in-between
Prom and weddings have blurred the lines. Velvet jackets, colored tuxedos and suits with shawl collars mix suit and tuxedo details. A few examples:
- Shawl Collar Color Suit: a suit with a tuxedo-style shawl collar, in bold spring colors
- Velvet Double-Breasted Tuxedo: a velvet jacket in nine rich colors for a statement look
- Notch Lapel Tuxedo: a tuxedo with the familiar suit-style lapel, faced in satin
Planning prom? See our prom tuxedo guide. Dressing a wedding party? Read the groomsmen suits guide.
Shop suits and tuxedos
Browse tuxedos and suits online with free shipping on every US order, or visit one of our 7 stores in Illinois, Indiana and Texas. In-store alterations are usually ready the same day, 2 days at most.
Suit vs. tuxedo FAQ
Can I wear a suit to a black tie event?
For strict black tie, a tuxedo is the right call. For "black tie optional," a dark suit with a tie is fine.
Can I wear a regular tie with a tuxedo?
A bow tie is traditional. A long tie is a common modern choice for prom and weddings, but skip it at strict black tie events.
Is a tuxedo more expensive than a suit?
Not with us. Our tuxedos and suits both start at $249 online and $299 in our stores.
Can I wear tuxedo pants as regular pants?
It's better not to. The satin details give them away. Suit pants are the more versatile choice.