Black tie for men
Black tie means a tuxedo: a black dinner jacket and matching trousers, a white tuxedo shirt, a black bow tie and black patent or high-shine shoes. A regular suit is a step below what the host asked for.
Get a black tie outfit for your event
What to wear
Example photo: Mahmoud Elbakstani / PexelsClassic black tuxedo
- JacketBlack dinner jacket, satin peak or shawl lapel
- TrousersMatching trousers with satin side stripe
- ShirtWhite tuxedo shirt, turndown collar
- NeckwearBlack silk self-tie bow tie
- ShoesBlack patent or high-shine oxfords
- ExtrasWhite pocket square, simple cufflinks
Example photo: Tran Nhu Tuan / PexelsVelvet dinner jacket
- JacketBlack or midnight velvet dinner jacket
- TrousersBlack tuxedo trousers
- ShirtWhite tuxedo shirt
- NeckwearBlack velvet or grosgrain bow tie
- ShoesBlack velvet slippers or patent loafers
- ExtrasSimple cufflinks
In spring and summer: white dinner jacket. See it
By season
| Season | The safe bet | The flex | Cloth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Classic black tuxedo | White dinner jacket | Mid-weight wool or wool-linen, 9–10 oz |
| Summer | Classic black tuxedo | White dinner jacket | Tropical wool, linen or cotton, 7–9 oz |
| Fall | Classic black tuxedo | Velvet dinner jacket | Worsted wool or light flannel, 10–12 oz |
| Winter | Classic black tuxedo | Velvet dinner jacket | Flannel or heavy worsted, 11–13 oz |
What it costs
Typical prices for the whole safe-bet look, from budget stores to investment pieces:
- Budget$245–$445
- Mid-range$670–$1,180
- Investment$1,620–$3,000
Prices are typical ranges and change often. Shop each piece at real stores in the app.
Accessories
Keep it minimal: simple cufflinks or shirt studs, a white pocket square folded flat, black dress socks, and a slim watch or none at all. Tuxedo trousers are worn without a belt, using side adjusters or suspenders. A black cummerbund or low-cut waistcoat is traditional but optional at most events today.
Day or evening
Black tie is evening wear, traditionally after 6pm. If a daytime event is marked black tie, the host still means a tuxedo; there’s no daytime substitute.
By venue
Indoors, a black wool tux is right in any season. At warm-weather and outdoor summer events, an ivory or white dinner jacket with black trousers is the classic alternative. In winter, a velvet dinner jacket in black, midnight blue or deep green is a handsome option.
Wedding, party or work
At a wedding, avoid copying the groomsmen if they’re in a distinctive color or style. Galas get photographed, so fit matters most: trousers hemmed with little or no break, and a jacket that buttons without pulling.
Skip these
- A regular suit with a black tie
- Long neckties
- Brown shoes
- Patterned or coloured shirts
Common questions
Can I wear a suit to a black tie event?
Black tie means a tuxedo. A black suit with a bow tie is a last resort and will read as a step down. If you don’t own a tux, renting one usually costs $100–$200 and is the safer choice.
Bow tie or necktie for black tie?
A bow tie, in black silk. A self-tie bow tie looks best, but a good pre-tied one is fine. Skip long neckties.
Can I wear a white dinner jacket?
Yes, at warm-weather and outdoor summer events. Pair an ivory or white dinner jacket with black tuxedo trousers, a black bow tie and black shoes.
Should I rent or buy a tux?
If you expect to wear one twice or more in the next few years, buying a decent tux costs about the same as two rentals and fits better. Renting makes sense for a one-off event.
Can I wear a colored or patterned bow tie to black tie?
At strict black tie, stick to black. A midnight blue or black velvet bow tie is a subtle step if the event is festive, such as a holiday gala.
Have an invite?
Paste it into Dress the Part and get the dress code decoded, an outfit for your season and setting, and where to buy each piece at any budget.