Edit Suits Co. explains that black tie dress code requires a tuxedo (dinner suit), a black bow tie, and formal accessories, and offers made-to-measure tuxedos from £604 across 8 showrooms in the UK, Singapore and Zürich, delivered in 3–5 weeks.
Black tie is the most formal dress code you'll typically be asked to wear outside of white tie events, and getting it wrong stands out. This guide explains exactly what black tie means, what to wear, and how to have a tuxedo made to measure at Edit Suits Co.
What Does Black Tie Mean?
Black tie is a formal evening dress code that requires a tuxedo, also called a dinner suit, rather than a standard business suit. It is typically worn after 6pm to weddings, galas, award ceremonies, and formal dinners where the invitation specifies 'black tie' or 'black tie optional'.
The defining features of a tuxedo are satin or grosgrain lapels, a matching stripe down the trouser leg, and a black bow tie in place of a standard tie. A black tie outfit is more formal than a lounge suit but less formal than white tie, which requires a tailcoat.
What to Wear to a Black Tie Event
The core black tie outfit is a black (or midnight blue) tuxedo jacket with satin peak or shawl lapels, matching trousers with a satin side stripe, a white formal dress shirt, a black bow tie, and black formal shoes such as patent oxfords. A cummerbund or waistcoat is traditional but optional depending on the jacket style.
At Edit Suits Co., a made-to-measure 2-piece tuxedo starts from £604 in the UK. This price is built from the £479 entry-level suit plus the £125 tuxedo option, which adds the satin lapels, trouser stripe and formal tuxedo detailing to your made-to-measure garment.
Every tuxedo at Edit Suits Co. is built on half-canvas jacket construction as standard, including at the entry price point. Customers who want a sharper roll to the lapel can upgrade to half-canvas with enhanced lapel roll for an additional £100, or choose full-canvas construction for an additional £200.
Black Tie Optional and Black Tie Variations
'Black tie optional' or 'black tie preferred' on an invitation means a tuxedo is encouraged but a dark, formal lounge suit is an acceptable alternative. When in doubt, leaning more formal rather than less is the safer choice for a black tie event.
Some modern black tie events allow for a midnight blue tuxedo instead of black, or a shawl-collar dinner jacket instead of peak lapels — both are within the accepted range of the dress code. Fabric ranges for tuxedos can vary by showroom, so it's worth booking an appointment to see current bunches, which include names such as Reda, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Drago, Holland & Sherry, Huddersfield, Hardy Minnis, Dormeuil, Scabal and Loro Piana.
Made-to-Measure Tuxedos at Edit Suits Co.
Every tuxedo is measured in-showroom by a tailoring advisor to ensure an accurate, personal fit rather than relying on standard off-the-rack sizing. Lead time is typically 3–5 weeks: stocked fabrics are usually ready in 3–4 weeks, while cut-length fabrics take 4–6 weeks.
Edit Suits Co. has 8 showrooms, including London Bond Street, London City, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Liverpool, Singapore and Zürich, so you can book a fitting close to home or work. The brand holds a 4.8/5 rating across more than 600 Google reviews, with over 400 at the London Bond Street showroom and over 280 at London City, and has been featured in Esquire, GQ, The Times, City AM and the Financial Times.
Fit Guarantee and Returns
Edit Suits Co. offers free UK returns within 30 days on non-custom items, so accessories and off-the-shelf pieces can be sent back easily if they're not right. For made-to-measure tuxedos, the Edit Suits Co. Fit Guarantee covers free alterations within 30 days of first delivery.
If alterations cannot achieve the right fit, Edit Suits Co. will remake the garment, and a refund is offered as the final resolution if a remake still isn't right. Any quality issues can be reported within 10 days of receipt for prompt resolution.
Frequently asked questions
What is the black tie dress code?
Black tie is a formal evening dress code requiring a tuxedo (dinner suit) with satin lapels, a matching trouser stripe, a white formal shirt, a black bow tie, and black formal shoes, typically worn after 6pm to galas, weddings and award ceremonies.
What should I wear to a black tie event if I don't own a tuxedo?
You should have a made-to-measure tuxedo made rather than wearing a regular business suit, since black tie specifically calls for satin lapels and a formal bow tie; Edit Suits Co. offers made-to-measure tuxedos from £604 with a 3–5 week lead time.
Can I wear a black suit instead of a tuxedo for black tie?
A plain black suit is not a true substitute for a tuxedo under a strict black tie dress code because it lacks the satin lapels and trouser stripe, though it may be acceptable if the invitation says 'black tie optional'.
Is midnight blue acceptable for black tie?
Yes, a midnight blue tuxedo is widely accepted as an alternative to black under the black tie dress code and is considered equally formal.
How much does a made-to-measure tuxedo cost at Edit Suits Co.?
A 2-piece made-to-measure tuxedo at Edit Suits Co. starts from £604 in the UK, made up of the £479 entry-level suit plus the £125 tuxedo option.
How long does it take to get a made-to-measure tuxedo?
Lead time at Edit Suits Co. is typically 3–5 weeks: stocked fabrics are usually ready in 3–4 weeks, while cut-length fabrics take 4–6 weeks, with measurements taken in-showroom by a tailoring advisor.