Black Tie for men

What is black tie?

De dresscode die een smoking vereist

Black tie is a formal evening dress code that came into vogue in late 19th-century England. If the invitation contains the words cravate noire or black tie, you are expected to appear in a tuxedo. Not in a dark suit, no matter how good it is.

The classic black tie tuxedo is black, but modern interpretations also allow for dark blue. A navy tuxedo is an accepted and elegant choice for less strict black tie occasions. At OGÉR, we carry both variants under our own label.

view the navy tuxedo

The tuxedo jacket

Black wool, satin lapels

The tuxedo jacket (or dinner jacket) is always black and has satin or silk lapels. That slight sheen along the front is the first thing you notice. There are two classic lapel shapes: the shawl lapel with a rounded, continuous collar, and the peaked lapel with a pointed notch.

At OGÉR, we offer smoking jackets and tuxedo shirts under our own label OGÉR and Fray: for men who know what they are looking for and value quality and craftsmanship.

black tie

the navy tuxedo

The navy tuxedo is a modern interpretation of the classic black-tie dress code. For less formal occasions such as a Christmas gala, a premiere, or an informal dinner, dark blue is fully accepted and gives your outfit a contemporary look without compromising on elegance.

view the navy tuxedo

shirt & bow tie

Wit, piqué en met de hand gestrokt

Beneath the tuxedo, you wear a white tuxedo shirt with a pleated or piqué front and double cuffs for cufflinks. The bow tie is black silk, hand-tied. A pre-tied bow tie gives itself away by its mechanically perfect symmetry.

The bow tie is black silk, available in a self-tie or pre-tied version. The pocket square is white linen, the cufflinks are discreet in silver or onyx, and a cummerbund is optional but should always be worn with the pleats facing upwards.

view the tuxedo shirts

shoes

Zwarte lakschoenen: de enige optie

The only correct shoe to wear with a tuxedo is a black patent leather shoe. Classically, this is an Oxford or Derby in patent leather, or an opera pump: a laceless shoe considered the most formal evening shoe in the world. The sheen of the patent leather reflects the satin of the lapels and completes the outfit as a whole.

review patent leather shoe

What are you not wearing

The rules that matter

A regular black trouser suit is not an alternative to a tuxedo, even if it is an exceptionally high-quality suit. Avoid anything that breaks the formal line: a belt, a colored tie, a shirt with visible buttons, socks that are too short, and casual shoes. A polyester bow tie will stand out, and not in a good way. Traditionally, you do not wear a watch with a formal black tie occasion. And never wear a waistcoat and cummerbund simultaneously.

when

Formele avondevenementen na 18:00 uur.

Mandatory

Smoking: niet vervangbaar door een pak.

Exception

Buitenlucht gala: wit of ecru smoking colbert

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear a dark suit if I don't have a tuxedo?

In the strict sense: no. For a formal wedding, a suit is not an acceptable alternative.

What is the difference between black tie and white tie?

White tie is the most formal dress code in the world: tailcoat, white bow tie and white waistcoat. Black tie is for all other formal evening events and requires a tuxedo with a black bow tie.

Hoe zorg ik dat mijn smoking altijd perfect zit?

Fit is everything. With ready-to-wear, adjusting trouser and jacket length is almost always necessary. If you want a tuxedo that is fully custom-made, you can visit our bespoke specialists at OGÉR. You can make an appointment for this via the bespoke page, after which we will determine the fabric, cut, and all details together with you. Store your tuxedo in a garment bag and have it professionally cleaned annually by a specialized dry cleaner.

Wat kost een smoking bij OGÉR?

A complete black tie outfit at OGÉR (tuxedo jacket, trousers, shirt and accessories) starts at approximately €800, excluding shoes. Patent leather shoes are generally available from €250. A tuxedo shirt from our own label OGÉR or Fray is available from €160. For gentlemen who desire a completely bespoke tuxedo, we collaborate with our made-to-measure specialists; please make an appointment for this on our made-to-measure page.