Smoking – Den tidlösa symbolen för elegans och hantverk

The story begins in Britain in the 1860s, when the Prince of Wales – later King Edward VII – commissioned a more comfortable evening jacket from his tailor on Savile Row. The result was a shorter, midnight-blue jacket without tails – the world’s first dinner jacket.

From there, the garment spread to the United States, where members of the exclusive Tuxedo Club adopted the style. This is how the American name “tuxedo” was born.

A garment that endures 

During the 20th century, the tuxedo gradually took on the shape we recognise today: a black or midnight-blue jacket with silk-faced lapels, matching trousers with silk stripes along the side of the leg, a white evening shirt, a black bow tie, and patent leather shoes. Despite changing trends, the tuxedo has remained largely unchanged. It is not trying to be trendy – only correct, balanced and timeless.

A symbol of refined masculinity 

A well-fitted tuxedo frames the wearer without overshadowing him. It is both understated and striking. When you wear a tuxedo, you step into a tradition of evening elegance that has been refined for more than a century.

The jacket 

The jacket is the heart of the tuxedo. The most classic choice is black, but midnight blue is equally – if not more – elegant. The lapels should be faced in silk, either satin or grosgrain. Choose between a shawl collar or peak lapels depending on your preferred expression.

 The jacket should follow the lines of the body without feeling tight. Freedom of movement is essential to elegance.

The trousers 

Tuxedo trousers are made from the same fabric as the jacket and feature a silk stripe along the leg. They have no belt loops and are worn with suspenders for a clean, formal silhouette. The trousers should sit at the natural waist and fall lightly against the shoe.

The shirt 

The traditional tuxedo shirt is white and features a pleated or piqué front. It should have double cuffs worn with cufflinks. A wing collar is more formal and dramatic; a classic collar is more modern and universally flattering.

The bow tie 

A black silk bow tie is essential. A self-tie bow tie always looks more authentic and elegant, especially once it hangs undone at the end of the evening.

Cummerbund or waistcoat 

The waistband of the trousers must always be covered. Either a black silk cummerbund or a low-cut waistcoat is correct. A double-breasted tuxedo jacket is traditionally worn without either, as it should remain buttoned.