| Tuxedo Basics |
| Men's dress at balls can be confusing for the novice.
The terms “white tie,” “black tie,” “black tie optional,” etc. all
describe different dress standards.
Very formal waltzes or cottilions require white tie, comprising a tailcoat with white tie and white vest, often including white gloves. Traditionally, slacks worn with a tailcoat have two silk or satin stripes down the length of each seam. Your vest should extend an inch or so below the front of the tailcoat. Black tie events are not, but almost, as formal as white tie. Black tie includes a black vest with a black tie, and a tuxedo or tailcoat. Black tie optional allows for a nice dark suit. When renting a tuxedo or tailcoat ensemble for a waltz know what to ask for. Don't let the shop proprietor talk you into wearing a cummerbund; insist on a vest. Cummerbunds are for the opera, not for the waltz. And a backless half vest allows for some welcome air conditioning while dancing. What with the inventory of the average tuxedo shop today when renting, you may have to purchase a half vest and tie somewhere else to go with your rental. We have. If you plan to attend more than one or two waltzes per year, buy your tailcoat or tuxedo. Once you’re enraptured by Viennese Waltz — you will be, soon enough — your own wool tailcoat and cotton shirt will allow you a much cooler dance than the normal polyester blends found in rentals. Dance is an athletic endeavour, and you will sweat. You will need to have your tailcoat ensemble professionaly cleaned and pressed, and your shirt professionally laundered and pressed after each waltz. And then there are your shoes. After dragging a pair of heavy street shoes a few times around the dance floor you'll want to invest in a pair of suede-soled patent leather dance shoes. A visit to your local dancewear shop or a simple internet search will find dance shoes to your liking. Don't wear those shoes to the ball; carry them and change shoes once you get there. See the links below for welcome advice on tailcoat / tuxedo basics: How to Dress For Black Tie Affair How to Buy a Tuxedo How to Fit a Tuxedo How to Accessorize a Tuxedo How to Tie a Bow Tie Best Place to Buy a Tuxedo in Salt Lake City Do It Yourself Dance Shoe Maintenance |
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| White Tie & Tailcoat |
| Black Tie & Tailcoat |
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| Backless Half Vest |