Tuxedos Uncovered: The Secret Life of the World's Sharpest Suit

So... What Is a Tuxedo, Really?

Let’s clear this up right away: all tuxedos are suits, but not all suits are tuxedos.

The tuxedo (a.k.a. “dinner jacket” for the Brits) is a formal-wear upgrade with a few signature elements:

• Satin details – typically on the lapel, buttons, and side-stripe of trousers

• No belt loops – tux pants are worn with side adjusters or suspenders

• Typically paired with a bow tie, never a long tie (unless you're on a red carpet rebelling in style)

• Patent leather shoes – or velvet slippers if you’re feeling 007 suave

• Often worn with a tuxedo shirt—pleated front or piqué bib

Think of it as a suit’s fancier, more sophisticated cousin—the one that shows up late to the party and still steals the show.

A Brief History of the Tuxedo (With Some Wild Twists)

Let’s hop in the time machine.

1865: The Prince’s Problem

It all started with Prince Edward VII (yes, British royalty strikes again). He wanted something less stiff than a full tailcoat but still formal enough for dinner. So his tailor whipped up a short evening jacket sans tails.

That dinner jacket crossed the Atlantic and hit…

1886: Tuxedo Park, New York

A young American socialite, Griswold Lorillard, wore the tail-less jacket to the ultra-posh Tuxedo Club. People were scandalized—but also intrigued. The name stuck. “Tuxedo” was born.

Fun Fact: The name "tuxedo" has nothing to do with the style and everything to do with the place it debuted. You could say it’s America's most stylish geographical accident.

1920s–1940s: Hollywood’s Golden Era of the Tux

During the rise of film and glamor, tuxedos became synonymous with leading men. Think Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, and Cary Grant—all tux'd to perfection.

Velvet lapels, wide shawl collars, and ultra-tailored silhouettes became the norm.

Style Flash: The double-breasted tuxedo (yes, it existed!) had a moment in the 1930s, often worn with ivory jackets in tropical or summer settings—Palm Springs, anyone?

1950s–1960s: The Rebel Tux

Enter the James Bond Era. Sean Connery in “Dr. No” changed the game with a slim shawl collar tux, worn effortlessly with a martini in hand.

But the 60s also saw some rebels rise—colored tuxedos, ruffled shirts, and novelty bow ties started creeping into weddings and proms. Was it elegant? Not always. Was it entertaining? Absolutely.

1970s–1980s: The Disco & Excess Years 

You guessed it. The ruffles got bigger. The collars got wider. Baby blue and pastel tuxes dominated proms and weddings.

But believe it or not, this is when tuxedos became accessible to the masses—no longer just for the elite. Tux rentals soared. Quality dropped, but the idea stuck: everyone deserves a shot at black-tie glam.

2000s to Now: The Tuxedo Renaissance

Today, we’re witnessing the revival of the classic tuxedo, but with a twist.

Modern tuxedos are more:

• Tailored and sleek – minimal padding, slimmer fits

• Color-savvy – deep greens, burgundy, navy, and even full velvet looks are in

• Accessory-flexible – yes, some pair them with designer sneakers (LA vibes)

• Custom-designed – especially at TruTailor, where you control every detail

What Makes a TruTailor Tuxedo Different?

Let’s be honest: buying a tux off the rack is like grabbing a pre-made cocktail. It’ll do the trick… but it’s not special.

At TruTailor Custom Suits, we treat tuxedos like high art.

• Custom satin choices – pick your lapel material and width (peak, shawl, or notch)

• Detailed lining – go classic black or hide something bold inside (like gold paisley or deep crimson)

• Tailored fit for your posture – no slouching shoulders or bunched sleeves

• Subtle personalization – initials under the collar, custom messages inside, contrast stitching

💡 Pro Tip: We’ve even built tuxes with midnight blue wool, which looks darker than black under artificial light. Want to outshine everyone at your event? That’s how you do it.

OC & LA: The Capital of the New Tux Look

Orange County and Los Angeles aren’t following tuxedo trends—they're setting them.

• Laguna Beach grooms are opting for linen-blend tux jackets for seaside weddings.

• Hollywood events demand velvet tuxedos in deep burgundy with black shawl collars.

• LA musicians and influencers are embracing bold tuxedos with metallic threads, textured finishes, and signature embroidery.

At TruTailor, we’ve made tuxes for Malibu weddings, Grammy after-parties, Beverly Hills galas, and Sunset Strip rooftop proposals—and not a single one was the same.

Because that’s the point.