Prom Spot - Tux Terms You Need to Know

Girls, if your guy is a first-time tux-renter, he might need this glossary as an FYI. Throw him a bone and email him this story.

Guys, not all tuxes are the same. Make sure it’s your style you’re sporting on prom night -- not the style of the guy who owns the tux shop. Take a look at these terms so you can speak his language.

JACKETS

Tuxedo
A tuxedo jacket falls into one of two categories:
-- Single-breasted: one strip of buttons, from one to four, down the front. The more buttons, the more slimming the jacket because the eye moves upward rather than fixating on the gut.
-- Double-breasted: Two strips of buttons, with two to six buttons down the front. It's more formal and more for the older set, like your dad.

Mandarin, aka Nehru jacket, Mao jacket
This jacket features a stand-up collar with no lapel and is worn with a mandarin-collar shirt. PS: While this style is a little late ’90s, it does provide a sneaky way to avoid wearing a tie.

Full dress, aka tails or tailcoat
These jackets actually have tails, with a two- to six-button front. They’re generally worn at ultra-formal soirees and are mostly reserved for (obnoxious) guys with big egos and big bank accounts.

LAPELS
Notched lapel
This lapel features a triangular indention where the lapel joins the collar. It's the least formal lapel style.
Shawl collar
This is a smooth, rounded lapel with no notch.
Peaked lapel
This broad, V-shaped lapel points up and out just below the collar line.

SHIRTS
Wing collar
The most formal choice and the style most often worn with tuxedo jackets, this stand-up collar has downward points.
Spread collar
This resembles a standard button-front shirt but folds over and around the neck with a wide division between points in front. The wider collar makes it a good choice with a Euro tie or a standard necktie tied Windsor style.
Mandarin collar, aka band collar
The most contemporary-style tuxedo shirt, this collar stands up around the neck, above the tux buttons. It's a little outdated (popular about five years ago) but good for the guy who hates a tie.

CUFFS
Dress-shirt cuffs
Standard cuffs held together with cuff links. Formally fabulous.
French cuffs
Folded over and closed with cuff links. Fashion-forwardly fabulous.
Everyday cuffs
Cuffs that close with a button. A little on the casual side, but still acceptable if you're not a cuff link-wearing kind of guy.

TROUSERS
Just a funny word for pants. PS: Rented tux trousers often come with adjustable waistbands, so they're practically one size fits all.

NECKWEAR
Necktie
Also called four-in-hand ties, these are perfect for more casual -- yet still elegant -- proms, especially when your date has a little bit of fun with the color. PS: A Mickey Mouse necktie is not fun -- it's gross. Go for silk in silver or blue, or add a pop of color with red.
Bow tie
A classic, bow ties come in several colors besides basic black -- white is reserved for super-formal events, and colored bow ties are suitable for any occasion. Go for basic black if you're not sure.

ACCESSORIES
Vests, aka waistcoats
Vests are the way to go these days, since they're sophisticated, slimming, and come in a huge array of colors and patterns. Find vests with either a full back (better for the guy who'll take off his jacket halfway through the night), or backless, with just a strap around the lower back.
Cummerbunds
You know 'em: the pleated swatches of fabric worn around the waist. Basic black is your best bet here -- leave the match-her-dress-to-his-tie-and-cummerbund look in 1986, where it belongs.
Cuff links
These babies can make or break a fabulous outfit. If simple elegance is your style, stick with a solid silver or gold. For outlandish, try something with a little panache like a pair of magic eight balls.

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--Joanna Saltz