There are two types of men. Those who own one tuxedo and those who own more than one tuxedo. Well, I guess there are three types because most men don’t own a tuxedo at all. There’s no shame in any of this. Acquiring a tuxedo is a rite of passage that feels consequential at the time. The sooner you do this the better, because you won’t be fully yourself in anything you rent.
Tuxedos signify a landmark in your life, whether it’s prom (get out with your dignity intact), a serious wedding or your nomination for best supporting actor. People, especially celebrities, try to reinvent tuxedos, one of the few things that needs no reinvention. Men are lucky the tuxedo exists, we all look good in one. So let’s not mess it up.
Black tie is like a martini, a perfect equation with a few elements we adjust to taste. Let’s not go crazy and add olive juice. With that strained metaphor, here are some black tie theories.