Choosing the Jacket Style

Now that you have chosen the type of lapel you like, the next step is to choose the jacket style. There are several different styles to choose from.

Single breasted – The single breasted jacket can be worn buttoned or unbuttoned making it one of the more comfortable to wear. It is also one of the more popular styles of jackets to rent. It compliments men of all sizes and shapes making it the most popular choices of wedding parties today. The one button single breasted jacket is the most basic style of tuxedo jacket and is usually the most affordable. The more buttons you add to a single breasted jacket, the more fashionable the style. Two button single breasted jackets are today's style and fashion for weddings. They bring an up to date look while not putting the focus on the jacket alone. The more buttons you add to the coat, the more the coat becomes the focus of the outfit.

Double Breasted – The double breasted jacket is buttoned across the front both on the inside and the outside. This is a more fashionable jacket style and tends to looks better on guys of average to athletic physiques. This style jacket must be worn buttoned at all times.

Tailcoat – The tailcoat jacket offers a style for the groom who wants to compliment the styling of his brides gown. The tails on the jacket compliment the brides gown that has a trane on the back. With the majority of the ceremony being spent with their backs to their guests, the long flowing look of the trane will look fabulous next to the flowing look of the tails of the jacket. The look of the two together is very complimentary. This is also the most formal look you can have for your event.

Cutaway – Similar to the tailcoat, the cutaway is a traditional daytime tuxedo. Most daytime weddings will use the cutaway with striped pants and ascots.

These four styles offer you a way to distinguish special members in your wedding party. For example, one way may be to dress the groom in a tailcoat, the groomsmen in single breasted jackets, and the fathers in double breasted jackets. One of the most popular ways to utilize this method is to have the groom wear a three button jacket, the groomsmen and ushers in two button jackets, and the fathers wear a traditional one button jacket. These are simply suggestions and there is not a right or wrong way to do this. You make the decisions that work best for your event.