Formal America Blog
Expert advice on formal wear, event style, and tailoring
Latest Articles
Men's Shoe Guide
Complete guide to formal footwear for black-tie events, weddings, and galas. Understand the difference between oxfords, loafers, opera pumps, and patent leather dress shoes.
Tuxedo Fitting Guide
A properly fitted tuxedo makes the difference between looking rented and looking royal. Our master tailors share their secrets for shoulder alignment, sleeve length, trouser break, and waist suppression.
Summer Formal Events
Navigating dress codes when the temperature rises requires strategic fabric choices and color palettes. Learn how to stay cool while looking impeccably formal at garden weddings, regattas, and outdoor galas.
Alterations Guide
Even off-the-rack formal wear can look bespoke with the right alterations. Discover which adjustments are essential, which are optional, and how to communicate effectively with your tailor for perfect results.
Formal Wear Etiquette
Black tie, white tie, creative black tie, festive formal — decode every dress code with confidence. Our etiquette guide covers invitations, timelines, and the subtle rules that separate the well-dressed from the truly elegant.
Lapel Styles Guide
Notch, peak, or shawl? The lapel you choose sends a message before you speak. This deep-dive guide explains the history, appropriateness, and body-type considerations for each lapel style in formal wear.
Measuring at Home
Accurate measurements are the foundation of perfect fit. Learn how to take your own measurements at home with nothing more than a flexible tape measure, a friend, and our step-by-step video guide.
Tuxedo History
From Tuxedo Park in 1886 to the modern red carpet, trace the evolution of the dinner jacket through Victorian smoking rooms, Prohibition speakeasies, Hollywood golden age, and contemporary fashion weeks.
Destination Wedding Tuxedos
Beach weddings in Bali, vineyard ceremonies in Tuscany, and alpine celebrations in Switzerland each demand different formal wear strategies. Explore destination-specific recommendations for fabric, color, and logistics.