Men’s Dinner Jackets

Men’s dinner jackets bring timeless elegance to formal events. Crafted in premium fabrics with expert tailoring, each jacket is designed to make a sharp impression. A well-fitted dinner jacket should contour the shoulders and waist neatly, creating a clean silhouette. These jackets often feature classic satin or grosgrain lapels (shawl or peak style) and covered buttons, lending a distinctive tuxedo look. To complete the ensemble, pair your jacket with a crisp white dress shirt, a black satin bow tie, and highly polished black shoes, then add finishing touches like a pocket square or cufflinks for a polished head-to-toe outfit.

Fabrics & Textures

Dinner jackets come in luxurious wool blends, barathea, or velvet. Traditionally made in silk, modern jackets use barathea wool or velvet for richness. Velvet dinner jackets in jewel tones like emerald, wine, or navy are especially on-trend for autumn and winter.

Lapels & Cut

The jacket may be single-breasted (one row of buttons) or double-breasted blazer (two overlapping rows), with shawl or peak satin lapels to emphasise formality. Each style exudes a timeless, structured look.

Colour Palette

Classic black and midnight blue remain staples. For variety, consider midnight blue or burgundy velvet as elegant alternatives. Lighter colours like ivory or cream work beautifully for summer evening events or cruise formalwear.

When to Wear

Dinner jackets are meant for black-tie occasions – weddings, galas, proms, evening parties, and award ceremonies. If an invitation specifies “black tie”, a tuxedo jacket is the standard choice.

Fit & Tailoring

A perfect fit is crucial. The jacket should hug the torso without pulling, and the sleeves should show a bit of shirt cuff. The fit is always half the look – whether double-breasted or single-breasted. Opt for slim or tailored cuts to flatter your build, ensuring a modern silhouette that lasts for years.

Styling & Accessories

A dinner jacket is only as elegant as the pieces that accompany it. For the quintessential black-tie ensemble, choose matching formal trousers and a crisp white tuxedo shirt. A classic black bow tie and patent leather Oxfords complete the look. Alternatively, swap the bow tie for a sleek black tie or even a fine-gauge turtleneck for a contemporary twist. Finishing touches like a pocket square or cufflinks elevate the outfit. In cooler weather, layer a wool overcoat or velvet scarf for warmth and extra luxury. Each dinner jacket outfit should feel cohesive, refined, and balanced from head to toe.

What’s the difference between a dinner jacket and a suit?

A dinner jacket (tuxedo) is far more formal than a standard suit. A tuxedo features satin details on the lapels, buttons, and pocket trims, whereas suits typically use the same fabric throughout. Dinner jackets are reserved for formal evening events (black tie), while suits are suited to business or semi-formal occasions.

When should I wear a dinner jacket?

Dinner jackets are appropriate for any formal evening affair. Wear one to weddings, proms, galas, charity balls, or award ceremonies – essentially whenever the dress code is black tie. For daytime formal events, a suit or a morning coat is more traditional, but after 6pm and for celebratory evenings, reach for the dinner jacket.

What goes into a black-tie outfit?

A classic black-tie outfit centres on the dinner jacket. This means a black or midnight blue jacket and matching trousers, a crisp white pleated or bib-front tuxedo shirt, and a black bow tie. Sometimes a black cummerbund or waistcoat is added under the jacket. Finish with patent-black Oxfords or velvet loafers and simple accessories like silver cufflinks for a polished result.

Can I wear a dinner jacket without a bow tie?

Traditionally, a dinner jacket is paired with a bow tie. However, modern style allows flexibility. Some men opt for a sleek black tie for a slightly less formal look or even a fine rollneck sweater under the jacket for a creative twist. If the event is strictly black-tie, stick with a black bow tie to meet etiquette; otherwise, feel free to experiment for evening events that call for a bit of personality.

What shoes pair best with a dinner jacket?

The most classic choice is a pair of highly polished black leather Oxfords, preferably patent leather. These shoes match the formality of a dinner jacket and reflect its satin accents. For a contemporary spin, velvet loafers or slippers in black also work, especially with velvet dinner jackets. Avoid casual shoes or visible socks; the goal is a seamless, sophisticated finish to your black-tie ensemble.