Telling a tuxedo apart from other garments such as a suit or a blazer is always a challenge for gentlemen who are new to the world of made-to-measure fashion. A thorough understanding of each type of jacket, however, will help you appear well turned out on every occasion. At Mon Amie, we believe that clothing is more than a layer of cloth; it is a language that expresses personal standing.
In this article
- The suit: a language of coordination
- The blazer: a symbol of freedom
- How to recognise a true tuxedo
- The vest and waistcoat: the finishing piece
- Choosing your outfit at Mon Amie
The suit: a language of coordination
The suit is the basic and most important outfit in a successful gentleman's wardrobe. Its main identifying feature is the match in fabric, colour and pattern between the suit jacket and the trousers. You should therefore never separate the two to wear them on their own with other cloths.The craftsmen at Mon Amie typically use premium wool to make premium suits with a graceful drape. A proper suit is usually worn with a collared shirt and a tie. You can wear a suit to business meetings, weddings or formal daytime events. The jacket of a suit is also typically more structured, with a finely made canvas inside.
The blazer: a symbol of freedom
In contrast to the seriousness of the suit, the blazer brings a sense of ease and modernity. The core difference is that a blazer is designed as a separate jacket. You can easily pair a blazer with jeans, chinos or even shorts. Blazer buttons are also often made of metal, wood or mother-of-pearl to make a striking accent.A blazer is not as strict about pairing rules as when you try to tell a tuxedo apart from a suit. It is ideal for relaxed evening gatherings, weekend meetings or creative workplaces. At Mon Amie, we offer a range of flannel and linen fabrics for blazers that are light yet keep an elegant shape.
How to recognise a true tuxedo
For glamorous evening events or prestigious award ceremonies, the tuxedo is the natural choice. The key to telling a tuxedo apart is the satin silk. The lapel, buttons and pocket trim of a tuxedo are normally covered in glossy satin. This detail creates an elegant contrast with the body of the jacket, made of black or deep midnight blue wool.A tuxedo is also always worn with a bow tie rather than an ordinary tie. A proper tuxedo trouser has a strip of silk running down the leg to match the lapel. According to the standards described in Wikipedia's entry on men's dress, the tuxedo is the symbol of the 'Black Tie' style. You should wear a tuxedo only after 6 p.m. in order to observe international etiquette.
The vest and waistcoat: the finishing piece
Many Vietnamese people mistakenly call the whole suit a 'vest'. In international tailoring terminology, however, a vest (or waistcoat) is in fact the sleeveless garment worn beneath the jacket. It plays an important part in a refined 3-piece suit. It flatters the waist and keeps the tie in the right place.With made-to-measure suits at Mon Amie, we advise you on a waistcoat with 4 or 6 buttons depending on your build. A well-fitting waistcoat should follow the body closely while still allowing ease of movement. When wearing a waistcoat with a suit, leave the last button undone to show your knowledge of classic dress rules.
Choosing your outfit at Mon Amie
Understanding how to tell a tuxedo apart from other jackets is the first step in building a professional image. Whether you need a luxurious tuxedo for your wedding day or an energetic blazer for work, Mon Amie is ready to help. We keep a large collection of cloth from renowned mills such as Scabal and Holland & Sherry.Our craftsmen, with more than 30 years of experience, are meticulous in every stitch. We do not simply make jackets; we create bearing. Every piece carries a personal imprint and honours the natural lines of the gentleman's body. Let Mon Amie accompany you as you reach new heights with polish and elegance.