The tuxedo is a formal dress code that dates back to the late 1800s. It was named after Tuxedo Park, a private club in New York where this clothing style was first worn. The tuxedo became popular in the early 20th century as a more comfortable alternative to the stuffy, formal wear of the time. Today, the tuxedo is still considered one of men’s most stylish and sophisticated looks. A tuxedo is always a good choice whether you’re attending a black-tie event or want to look your best.
The word “tuxedo” comes from the Algonquin Indian word “tock-see”, which means “white deer skin”. The first tuxedo was made in the mid-1860s by Henry Poole for the Prince of Wales. It was an evening jacket that was shorter and had a waist seam. The tuxedo quickly gained popularity among the wealthy social elite. It became a staple of formalwear for men and is still worn today for special occasions.
Griswold Loomis, a New York socialite, is credited with introducing the tuxedo to American society in 1886. He was attending a formal event at the tuxedo park club in New York and wanted to be more comfortable than the stiff, formal clothing of the time would allow. He removed his coat and vest and rolled up his shirt sleeves. Other guests at the party liked the look, and soon the style became known as the “tuxedo”.
The tuxedo became popular in America in the early 1900s when it was worn by actors such as John Barrymore and Rudolph Valentino. It was also worn by President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. In the 1950s, the tuxedo became more casual when celebrities such as James Dean and Marlon Brando wore it with jeans.
The tuxedo quickly became a more comfortable alternative to formal wear and became popular in the early 20th century. Initially, it wasn’t a tuxedo at all – it was known as a “dinner jacket”. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the tuxedo became firmly established as a standard part of men’s formal wear.
However, the tuxedo faded out of style during the great depression as people could no longer afford to buy new clothes. It came back in the 1940s when young men began wearing it as a symbol of rebellion against their fathers’ stuffy, formal clothing. Today, the tuxedo is once again a popular choice for formal occasions.
Yves Saint Laurent later transformed the tuxedo in the 1960s into a garment that both men and women could wear. The suit was still controversial when women first wore it, but it has now become a fashion staple. By the 1970s, when Bianca Jagger and Jerry Hall began wearing tuxedos designed by Yves Saint Laurent, the style had become firmly entrenched in the fashion world.
By the 1980s, the tuxedo had become everyday formal wear for weddings, proms, and other black-tie events. Conservative designs remain prevalent. Over the years, there have also been many innovative takes on the classic tuxedo. Dark colors are still popular for formal occasions, but lighter shades, patterns, and prints have been seen on the red carpet. No matter the form, the tuxedo remains an elegant and timeless choice for anybody who wants to look his best.
While the tuxedo has changed little in terms of its basic design, there have been minor changes. For instance, the lapels on a tuxedo jacket can be either peaked or notched. The style of the trousers has also varied, with some men opting for a single pleat and others choosing a more traditional double pleat. The tuxedo symbolizes wealth and sophistication and is often associated with Hollywood glamour.
The style has evolved, but the basic silhouette remains the same. The tuxedo is a sharp and stylish choice for any formal occasion. While its history may be relatively short, the tuxedo has significantly impacted the world of fashion. It is a timeless classic that will always be in style.
