Choosing Between Tux Vs Suit: Price And Quality Comparison

If you’re a guy who is helpless, hopeless, or even clueless about what to wear on a special day, we’ve got your back, buddy! We all have been through that mental debate of ‘tux vs suit’ and ‘this vs that’. And wrapping your head around the two different garments can be tough for fragile minds like ours. Especially when there is such a huge symbolic difference between a tuxedo and a suit, you can’t just catch a nigger by the toe.

So here’s what you’re going to do. Catch a moment, breathe, grab that coffee and relax before diving into this detailed guide about tuxedos and suits. It will tell you all that you need to know to choose between a tux and a suit and choose the respective pieces smartly. So, let’s get started.

What is a Tux?

A tux, short for a tuxedo, is a fancy and sometimes luxurious Western ensemble for men, worn on high-end events and occasions. It was first designed by Pierre Lorillard who was a wealthy American tobacco mogul of the 1880s. He introduced the modern-day tuxedo to society by wearing it as formal wear.

Lorillard first wore this ensemble at one of his country balls held at Tuxedo Park, hence the name Tuxedo. During that time, men wore tailcoats with bowties and this new ensemble looked extremely interesting and stylish on the influential Lorillard. The tuxedo actually got hyped up in 1865 when King Edward VII wore it.

What is a Suit?

A suit is known by names such as a formal suit, dinner suit, lounge suit, business suit, and dress suit. It is a black tie ensemble known for its elegant and rich approach. The suit was first designed by the diva guy of the 19th century - Beau Brummell. He tailored the long coats by redefining the silhouettes, and collar, and adding additional features to the ensemble, like tie. 

Beau Brummel was an influential figure in British society at his time because of his wealth and contacts in the parliament. He was also known for his over-the-top style and posh manners. When he wore the suit, he also introduced his friend King George IV to it. It is said that after the then prince showed an interest in the ensemble, members of the society started going crazy after Beau’s fashion invention.

 

Difference Between a Tux vs Suit

Price Comparision Tux Vs Suit 

While both a tuxedo and a suit are expensive, one has to be costlier than the other. In this case, there isn’t much difference but it all comes down to the brand. If you’re buying your tux or suit from a reputable brand, you’ll obviously have to pay more, but you’ll also enjoy better esteem value, use value, and even exchange value. Moreover, most brands tailor the tuxedo or suit according to your fit which is also recommended.

A tuxedo from a high-end brand starts from $1200 and can go up to as much as $5000 and even more. Tuxedos from not-so-high-end brands start from a minimum of $500. However, if you’re buying a suit from a top-notch brand, it’ll cost a minimum of $800 and the maximum figure can go up to $3000. Suits from local stores can cost $200 minimum.

Fabric - Tux Vs Suit 

There isn’t much difference between the main fabric used in a tuxedo and a suit, however, the additional fabric makes the difference. It’s also because of the fabric choices that the prices between the two men’s ensembles are varied. You have to keep in mind here that a tuxedo is peak luxury while a suit is not.

Back to the point, a tuxedo is made of a wool called Barathea which is extremely hard to source. It is found mostly in Italy and Great Britain and designer labels source it from the best mills of these two countries. The collars feature satin that gives the jacket a lustrous shiny element. Suits are made of worsted wool, which although expensive, doesn’t beat the calibre of Barathea. You can also find suits made of cotton, linen, and tweed.

Elements & Style Difference

Appearance-wise it can be tough for you to point out even five differences between a tuxedo and a suit, so we’ll do it. The fact to keep in mind is a tuxedo is fancier so it’ll have more elements than a suit. There are eleven elements in a classic tuxedo while a classic suit has only five elements. The different elements of a suit and a tux are shown below.

Tux Vs Suit Elements Comparision

Elements of a Tuxedo                  VS	Elements of a Suit
Crisp White or Black Shirt	Crisp White or Colored Shirt
Pants	Trousers
Tuxedo Jacket with Shawl Lapel Collars	Suit Jacket with Notch Lapel Collars
Bowtie	Waistcoat
Cumberband	Tie
Suspenders
Waistcoat
Pocket-square
Cufflinks
Boutonnieres
Studs and Buttons
Crisp White or Colored Shirt
Trousers

 

When to Wear a Tux vs Suit?

A hack to always remember when to go for a tux vs suit is to keep in mind that a tuxedo is reserved. You can also remember it by the quote - ‘In a tuxedo, I’m a star’. So, wear a tuxedo only at black tie events like masquerade balls, extravagant weddings, award ceremonies, or at events where you’re the main man, for example, your own wedding.

As for a suit, you can wear it anywhere, even at casual locations, but that’s unlikely with a tux. Most people wear suits at workplaces and business-related parties. You can also wear one at dinners, dates, and weddings where you’re only a guest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a tux or suit cheaper?

A suit is cheaper than a tux and costs a minimum of $200. A tuxedo can cost a minimum of $500 in comparison. The prices go up when you buy from big brands and dealers.

Is a tux or suit fancier?

A tuxedo is fancier than a suit, partly because it is black-tie, and partly because it is expensive. A suit is often taken as everyday wear by men in the white-collar workforce, making it less fancy.