The Men's Tuxedo - Where Did it Come From?

First of all, it has to be understood that over thesimply as a "Dinner Jacket".
years, different definitions of what constitutes aWhile the classic styles continued in popularity,
tuxedo have developed. In Great Britain, a tuxedonew trends emerged and the double breasted
is a black tie suit or dinner suit complete withtuxedo made a huge comeback among the
waistcoat or cummerbund. In the United States,young. Many different variations of the old styles
all formal evening suits are referred to asbegan appearing more and more on the catwalk.
tuxedos.Variations in the lapels, buttons, colors, fabrics, and
The British can thank an American for the look.acceptability were numerous.
Before King Edward the Seventh was crowned inEven the cummerbund began a revival fueled not
the 19th century, he had a wealthy Americanin a small way by the fact that English soccer star
guest named James Potter. Before arriving, heand fashion icon David Beckham wore a
asked the Prince of Wales for some advicecummerbund to complement his tux at his 30th
regarding the correct way to dress for the dinnerbirthday party. Of course, the old brigade frowned
date. The Prince of Wales sent him along to hisupon this seemingly trivial adaptation of the
favorite Saville Row tailor.traditional dress. Even magazine writers were
When the American arrived for dinner everyoneunsure of how to report existing fashions and
admired the look enormously, especially the Prince.trends. Everything became accepted and
Upon returning the America, James Potter woretraditional dress and etiquette appeared to no
his new style suit to the Tuxedo Park Club,longer be in existence.
where it was equally popular. The other clubHowever more recently, traditional values of
members decided to all wear the same style, anddress seem to be returning and the classic look is
it was named the Tuxedo.being worn more and more often purely for
The Tuxedo or "Tux" is now the standard attirenon-social functions. This is good news for the
for men's evening wear. Tradition and etiquettepurists and good news for the men's tuxedo
states that it can only be worn after 6pm orwhich is reclaiming its spot at the top of the style
sunset in the winter. It is now often referred toand chic league.