A Glossary of Formalwear Terms:

Lapels          Coat Styles          Shirt Styles         Tuxedo Accessories

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Notch Collar:

A collar that appears to have a cut taken out at the shoulders

Very classic

Gives a more athletic look

Peak Collar:

An upward-pointing collar

Very traditional

Gives an illusion of width

Shawl Collar:

A one-piece collar that wraps around the lapel

Very contemporary

Gives an illusion of height

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Full Dress (Tails):

Waist length in front

Two long tails in back

Most formal when worn with a wing collar shirt, white vest, and bowtie

Single Breasted:

A jacket that buttons in the front at the waist

Can have one, two, or more buttons in a straight row

Double Breasted:

An overlapping jacket with two to six buttons

Very formal-looking when worn closed, looks very messy when unbuttoned

Cutaway:

A three-quarter length jacket that tapers from the front to a tail in back

Formal daytime apparel

Traditionally worn with a vest and an ascot

Stroller:

A suit-length jacket with no satin accents

More like a suit

Worn with a four hand/Windsor tie

Daytime formal

Best for garden weddings or simple ceremonies

Dinner Jacket:

White or ivory suit-length jacket

Traditionally worn on cruises

White and ivory tuxedos tend to be made of polyester, so they can end up being a warmer jacket that doesn't breathe well

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Wingtip Collar:

A stand-up collar with two turned-down points in front

Usually has a pleated bib

Very formal

Normally worn with a bowtie

Laydown Collar:

A dress shirt collar with long points

Some have pleated bibs, others have plain fronts

Usually worn with a four hand tie

Less formal, more suit-like

Banded Collar:

A very high stand-up collar

Two inches all the way around

Worn with a button cover only

Potentially irritating to the neck due to height

Contemporary looking

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Vests -- Backless (vest front):

A halter type of vest that gives the look of a regular vest

Adjustable to accommodate different body shapes

Allows tall or husky people to fit into the same vest styles as more average-sized people

Full Back Vests: (no, not vests for American football players...)

A regular vest that buttons up the front

A very finished look

Most full vests are not made in larger or children's sizes

The arm holes are generously cut, due to that characteristic, this type of vest tends to bag in the chest area

Full vests are not very adjustable

Should you have a very athletic person, this type of vest may fit them in the chest, however, the waist may be very large and have the look of table skirting

There is also no adjustment for upper body height

Cummerbund:

A belt-like band that is worn around the waist

Its main function is to camouflage the adjustable clips on the sides of the trousers

Bowtie:

The most formal look regarding a tuxedo

Most bowties come pre-tied and on an adjustable band

Self-tie bowties are another option, however, they can be a bit tricky to tie

Ascot:

A wide necktie that is looped over and secured with a tietack or pin

Most formal when worn with a cutaway jacket and vest

Studs and Cufflinks:

Jewelry that replaces some of the buttons on the shirt

Adds a more sophisticated and complete look to your tuxedo ensemble

Button Cover:

A hinged cover made to slide over the top button of a shirt

Usually used instead of a bowtie

Four Hand/Windsor Tie:

A standard long, knotted necktie

Ideal for a farm wedding or civil ceremony