Whether it's a unit ball, the Army Birthday Ball or a holiday formal, a military ball is one of the dressiest nights of the year. Service members wear the dress uniform their unit calls for. If you're going as a civilian guest, spouse or date, here's what to wear.
Start with the invitation
The dress code on the invitation tells you what to wear:
- Black tie: a tuxedo with a black bow tie. Many military balls are black tie.
- Black tie optional or formal: a tuxedo, or a dark suit in black, navy or charcoal with a tie.
- Not sure? Ask your service member or the event organizer. When in doubt, a tuxedo is never wrong.
Not sure what makes a tux a tux? See Suit vs. Tuxedo: What's the Difference?
The classic choice: a black tuxedo
A black tuxedo, white dress shirt, black bow tie and black dress shoes look right next to dress uniforms and in every photo. A peak lapel tuxedo or a shawl collar tuxedo both work. Navy is a good alternative if you want a little color.
If you wear a suit
Choose a solid dark suit in black, navy or charcoal, with a white shirt and a simple tie. Save bright colors, sequins and loud patterns for prom. A military ball calls for classic and polished.
Fit matters on a long night
Military balls often include a receiving line, a formal ceremony and toasts, so you'll have your jacket on for hours and be in a lot of photos. Make sure the jacket closes without pulling, about a quarter to half an inch of shirt cuff shows, and the pants are hemmed to your shoes. Use our size guide to find your size, and plan for a hem: our pants come unhemmed.
Get fitted in Killeen
We have two stores inside Killeen Mall, a short drive from Fort Hood. Both carry suits and tuxedos from $299, and alterations are usually ready the same day, 2 days at most.
- Suits America: 2100 S W S Young Dr, Killeen, TX 76543. Call (254) 953-7848.
- Dolce Vita Suit Company: 2100 S W S Young Dr, #104, Killeen, TX 76543. Call (254) 781-2703.
Not near Killeen? Find one of our 7 stores, or shop tuxedos online from $249 with free shipping on every US order.
Military ball FAQ
Can a civilian wear a suit to a military ball?
Yes, if the invitation says formal or black tie optional. For black tie, a tuxedo is the safe choice.
Bow tie or long tie?
With a tuxedo, wear a black bow tie. With a dark suit, a simple long tie is fine.
What should I avoid?
Bright colors, flashy patterns and anything casual. Classic and polished fits the night.
Can I get a tux altered in time for the ball?
Yes. At our Killeen stores, alterations are usually ready the same day, 2 days at most.