Trends in Men's Formal Wear: Timeless Tuxedos

Although men don't have quite as many options as women do when it comes to dressing up, they do have some choices to make: Wing collar vs. spread collar shirt? Bow tie or four-in-hand neck tie? Cummerbund or vest?

We asked rental and retail outlets across the U.S. to find out what most men prefer, and then checked in with Fashion Week favorite and Pennsylvania-based men's designer Michael Wesetly for his fashion counsel.

What Most Men Are Wearing

Kris Taylor of Al's Formal Wear in Tulsa, Oklahomoa, says that her top tuxedo is the two-button notch lapel, but the three-button tux runs a close race. "The two-button jacket will always be in," she says.

Two-button notch tuxes are also the requested style at Washington D.C.'s Scogna Formal Wear and After Hours Formal Wear in Chicago.

Wesetly has his own advice for the button dilemma. "High three-button is my personal favorite. It presents a luxurious and fashionable sense of style and elegance."

When it comes to choosing between a wing or spread collar shirt, Wesetly says that both options are current and stylish. "The luxury of the spread collar is the versatility. The collar allows the individual to cross between both worlds without being out of place. The wide collar can be worn at special events, nights out, business engagements, etc."

Wing-collar shirts are considered more traditional (and worn mostly with bow ties), while the spread collar is more fashion forward. Wesetly's personal recommendation? "A spread collar shirt with a bow tie and vest is a mix of the old with the new, a combination that will never make you look out of style."

Color Counts

At Scogna Formal Wear, black tuxedos are still the most popular color. The same is true at Macy's and Nordstrom's, according to several sales managers. Men typically choose lightweight wool in black, navy, or grey.

At Al's Formal Wear, Taylor says that he's taking more requests for tuxes in fall colors like chocolate brown and espresso, especially for weddings. After Hours Formal Wear's Kari Spela reports that name brands like Tommy Hilfiger are the favorite at her store in classic colors like black, ivory, and white.

The suit is plain and simple; it's the shirts, vests and ties that can be fun to play with in different colors and patterns, she says. White shirts are most popular, but light blue and beige are also requested. Most department stores also sell matching tie and cummerbund sets.

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