Why We Use Formal Wear Today

Tuxedos have a history in our country and in a number of other countries as well. Some people refer to a tuxedo as a dinner jacket, dinner suit or smoking. Typically, it has a satin or grosgrain lapel of a fabric that matches the stripe on the outer seam of the leg of the pants. It has always been a symbol of respectability.

The Use of Formal Wear in the Past and Present

Centuries ago, people dressed formally for dinner in their own homes. It was standard attire for men to wear an extremely formal tailcoat in the evenings. In the late 1800s, the tuxedo replaced the tailcoat. The velvet smoking jacket was adapted  to be made of similar material and touches as the tailcoat so that it would be acceptable for dinner at home, in a less formal setting.  It later became acceptable to wear a tuxedo as formal attire when going out for the evening. Black was the predominant color but dark blue was also acceptable.

Of course today our lifestyles are more casual so people do not typically wear formal wear for dinner at home or when going out for the evening.  It is reserved for very important places and occasions, not for everyday wear. Some of the events where people expect to wear formal wear are weddings, proms, cruises, or gala fundraisers. Wearing a tuxedo marks an event and shows respect or reverence for the occasion. It honors the occasion and the people involved in the event.

Formal Wear Today

Wealthy people, who may have more opportunity to go to formal events, often own tuxedos. However, for most people, renting a tuxedo is sufficient because the number of occasions requiring one is limited. Fairfax prom tuxedo rentals is a perfect example of a place from which formal wear is rented. Tuxedos come in a range of colors now. There is a variety of cuts, styles and price ranges such as slim fit, western style, classic wool, low budget, mid budget, high end designer styles, and linen or cotton for less formal venues. Today, a suit is not required in many work environments, so it is possible that a person does not own a suit. Many businesses no longer require suits for daily work attire. Fairfax, VA offers rental suits for business occasions, school functions and funerals.

Anyone can customize the look to fit the event or the person’s personality with a cummerbund, bow tie, patterned tie, a long tail, a short tail and with or without a vest. In addition, people often accessorize with different colors and styles of shirts, ties, hats, pocket squares, jewelry and socks. Many people find it is a benefit to rent rather than make a large cash outlay to purchase a suit or formal wear, only to have it hanging in the closet.  There is no need to worry about dry cleaning or a change in weight or body shape, because each time a suit or tuxedo is needed, the correct size is rented and the rental shop takes care of the dry cleaning.