A tuxedo with tails is traditionally referred to as a “tails tuxedo” or a “black tie” tuxedo. This style of formal wear dates back to the late 1800s and is typically characterized by an evening jacket with a long, formal tail that hangs past the wearer’s knees.
It features tails at the back and may also have a velvet or silk “shawl” lapel that frames the face. The traditional tails tuxedo is typically designed in black or midnight blue and worn with matching trousers, dress shirt, bow tie, and cummerbund.
The design has been found to be particularly effective in formal and special occasions such as weddings, proms, and important galas.
Why do some tuxedos have tails?
Tuxedos with tails have been a popular fashion choice for men for centuries. The tails on a tuxedo are the long and often curved coats that typically reach down to the mid-calf region. This particular style originated from the motherland of formal wear, England, and was worn by the upper class.
It is believed that the style was intended to help distinguished the wearer from everyday people even further.
Tuxedo tails also served a practical purpose of providing protection from the elements. Before being fashionable items, tuxedos were tailored to keep wearers warm and dry. The long tails reinforced the protection of the coat against both the wind and rain.
During the 19th century, the tails of tuxedos were even longer than they are today and provided more protection and coverage.
Visible differences in dress were meant to denote class and privilege, so the long tails of a tuxedo served as an indicator of wealth, social status and sophistication. It also gave off the impression that the wearer was powerful and elite as it was a sign of higher rank.
Today, tuxedos with tails remain popular options for formal and festive occasions, although the tails are not nearly as long as they used to be. The tails are a relatively small portion of the entire look, but they can still make a big impact in the way a man looks.
Whether the tails are a mark of class and sophistication or mere fashion, they have come to represent an air of elegance in formal settings.
What is it called when a dress has a tail?
When a dress has a tail, it is typically referred to as a “train”. A train is basically an extended piece of fabric that is attached to the back of a dress or gown. The train will hang down behind the wearer and can range in length from a few inches to several feet.
It is typically used to add a formal look to a dress and to create an elegant and regal look. The presence of a train can also be a sign of prestige, as a lengthy train was historically a sign of wealth and social standing.
How do you wear a tuxedo with tails?
Wearing a tuxedo with tails is a great way to make a formal look really stand out. To dress to the nines in a tuxedo with tails, you will want to make sure that you are wearing a well-fitted tuxedo that is both modern and classic.
Start by making sure the coat fits correctly and that the back of the coat extends between the top of the knee and the bottom of the knee. You can also wear a waistcoat for a more classic look, if desired.
It is important to note that when wearing a tailcoat, the tails should extend 6-8 inches from the back of the coat, with the front of the coat still hitting above the knee.
As for the shirt, you will want to pair a crisp, white shirt with double cuffs and a wing collar. Be sure to tuck the shirt in your trousers and fasten the buttons up to the collar. If you are looking for an extra touch, you might opt for a pleated front, which adds more texture to your outfit.
As for the trousers, they should be cut with a stripe on the outside seams in the same color as the coat. Make sure that they are well-fitted and that they extend just over the heel of your shoe in the back.
For footwear, classic black patent leather Oxford or Balmorals are usually best. As for accessories, you can finish the look with a white pocket square, cufflinks, and a black silk bow tie.
Who wears coat tails?
Coat tails are traditionally worn by men, especially for formal occasions. In the 19th century, coat tails were part of the standard dress for a man wearing a tailcoat, but the style began to decline in the mid-1900s.
Today, coat tails are still worn, but typically by special guests or other individuals dressing for a special event such as a gala. Additionally, visual art form such as ballets, operas, and musicals sometimes use coat tails on the costumes for the lead roles.
In some cases, particularly within the business world, a suit coat may feature buttons and tails, which provides a distinct look that evokes a more formal appearance.
Does black-tie mean tails?
No, black-tie does not mean tails. Black-tie is a kind of formal dress code that is worn to certain events such as weddings or balls. The attire for black-tie events typically includes a tuxedo or a dark suit with a black bow tie, dress shirt, and sometimes a cummerbund or vest.
The traditional tuxedo for black-tie events is the tailcoat, a short and structured version of the old evening coat. However, tailcoats are rarely worn in contemporary events and modern variations of the tuxedo are usually more accepted.
The distinguishing feature of a tailcoat is the long, split back that slopes downward to the sides, cinched by a holdback that can rest over the hips or be tied in a bow. For this reason, tailcoats are sometimes still referred to as dress suits with tails.
What does tails mean in clothing?
In clothing, the term “tails” refers to the back end of a garment, typically a coat or jacket, that is shaped in a way to resemble a tail, either in full or this can only be seen as separate panels or tails in the back.
The purpose of tails on a garment is to lend emphasis to the lower portion of the body. Tails on coats are often quite long in the back, although this can vary greatly depending on the overall style of the coat.
In general, men’s garments tend to feature tails more prominently, while women’s pieces usually have a much more subtle take on the trend.
What is a fishtail on a dress?
A fishtail on a dress is a style of dress silhouette that closely resembles the shape of a fish’s tail. The style is quite intricate and involves a tight-fitting bodice at the upper body and waist, with an intense flare at the hips and hem that falls to the ankle or even to the floor.
The top of the fishtail skirt is lightly gathered, making the dress easy to fit for many figures, and the fishtail itself is constructed with long pleats that spread out towards the hem in both the front and the back of the skirt.
Fishtail dresses can be both structured and light, with fabric choices ranging from thick and stiff material like satin and taffeta to softer materials like chiffon and lace. The style has been popularly used in bridalwear, as well as evening wear and prom dresses, making it a beautiful choice for any special occasion as the drama of the fishtail gives any outfit a true wow factor.
What are the different parts of a dress called?
The different parts of a dress can be named by the particular garment’s construction and design. Generally, a dress consists of a bodice, indicates the upper part of the dress and it’s typically fitted to the waist; a skirt, a lower section of the dress that is often pleated or gathered; a neckline, the area at the front and/or back of the dress, surrounding the neck; sleeves, whether the dress has short, long, set-in, puffed, or no sleeves; a waistline, a feature at the midsection of the dress that gives it shape; a waistband/belt, a band or sash that offers definition to the waistline; a hemline, the bottom of the dress that shapes it; and fabric and embellishments, the decorative and fun elements added to the dress.
All of these components can be used to describe a dress.
Are tuxedos with tails in style?
Tuxedos with tails are typically considered an outdated style and may not be seen very often in modern fashion. However, because of its traditional and iconic look, tails may still be seen at formal occasions such as weddings, galas, and black tie events.
In these types of settings, tails provide a timeless and classic look that can be quite attractive and fashionable. Tails also may be seen on some more traditional men’s clothing, such as tailcoats for military, government, and legal functions.
Ultimately, tails are not typically considered a popular style for everyday clothing, but can provide a sophisticated, distinguished look for special occasions.
Are you supposed to cut the tail of a suit?
No, you are not supposed to cut the tail of a suit. The tail on a suit is an important design element that adds style, structure and balance to the overall look of the suit. Removing the tail can disrupt the fluidity and look of the garment and is typically not recommended.
If you need the suit to fit better, it is recommended to take the suit to a tailor who can make the necessary adjustments to the suit’s structure, rather than simply cutting the tail off.
Do you button a tailcoat?
Yes, a tailcoat should be buttoned. Men’s tailcoats consist of a chest piece, sleeves that end just past the elbow, and a shorter, curved coat section reaching the waist in the back that has two vertical points in the front that reach slightly below the waist.
Typically, tailcoats have five or six buttons along the front, starting just below the lapels at the top of the chest and ending around the midpoint of the waist. Unlike a traditional suit jacket, you should always button all the buttons when wearing a tailcoat.
Doing so will help to create a tailored, refined look that is perfect for formal occasions. However, when unbuttoning your tailcoat, the bottom button should remain unbuttoned at all times.
When should the groom wear tails?
Tails, or full evening dress, is a classic and traditional type of formal attire typically reserved for the most formal occasions. Generally, the groom should wear tails when attending or appearing at almost any formal event such as a formal wedding, a formal ball or dance, a white-tie event (particularly a military event or at court), or any other grand event requiring evening dress.
Tails are usually reserved for the groom in a wedding and it is seen as the most formal type of attire and therefore must be tailored to the individual. The groom should ensure that the shirt, trousers, waistcoat, and shoes all match the tails and are tailored to the same level of formality.
For a traditional, more formal look, the groom should accessorise the outfit with a white tie and cravat to complete the formal costume.
What year were tailcoats popular?
Tailcoats have been popular for many centuries. They originated in the early nineteenth century when King Edward VII of England, then the Prince of Wales, made them popular as a formal wardrobe piece.
This high-waisted, double-breasted, fitted coat was typically worn with brightly colored waistcoat and trousers, and completed with a tie and a top hat. The style was popular during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, during the first half of the twentieth century, and as late as the 1960s.
The fashion of the era dictated that tailcoats were to be worn with a white shirt and bowtie, as well as a top hat and gloves.
Tailcoats began to fall out of fashion in the 1970s in favor of simpler styles, but the look still remains a part of formal and ceremonial dress in many parts of the world. Even today, they remain popular for various events such as weddings, banquets, and presentations.
When did tails go out of style?
Tails began to go out of style in the 1950s, due in part to the desire for a more casual appearance. For decades, tails had been the standard attire for formal occasions, including events such as weddings and black tie galas.
However, starting in the 1950s, new fashion trends began to emerge, such as the Tuxedo, which was created in the same style as a business suit. This made the look more relaxed and casual, while also providing a sophisticated edge.
This style allowed men to be comfortable while also looking sharp and modern.
Towards the end of the century, black tie events began to move away from tails, replacing them with shorter jackets, such as the dinner jacket or tuxedo. By the end of the 20th century, men’s formalwear began to lean more towards comfort and convenience, phasing out the outdated classic tailcoat altogether.
Today, the classic cut of a tailcoat is rarely seen, although it still exists as a special choice for extremely formal occasions.