It’s not often you get a chance to really dress up. Now you may be looking forward to it or it may be your worst nightmare but, like it or not, girls love a man in a Tux.

So, what’s a Tux? Essentially ‘Black Tie’ events like a Prom Night require those attending to wear a tuxedo or dinner suit. This includes black trousers (often with a black satin strip down the outside leg) and a black jacket with black satin lapels. The cut of the jacket can have different styles and number of buttons. The trousers don’t usually have belt loops but are flat at the front so you can wear a satin cummerbund instead of a belt.

Dress shirts are often worn with a tux. They tend to be white and have a decorative panel down the front. Some have wing collars, some don’t. Most have double cuffs so require cuff links. Bow ties are always worn with a dress shirt and can be any colour except white (James Bond favours black). Bow ties come ready tied with elastic fittings or as a tie which you need to do up yourself – harder than it sounds. Waistcoats are optional.

Tuxedos can be bought or hired. If you do hire your outfit book well in advance as the prom night period is a busy one. Make sure they measure you for any adjustments which need to be made, length of trousers for example. Be certain what’s included in your hire cost ie: suit, shirt, bow tie, cummerbund etc as often it is just the jacket and trousers. Arrange to collect the suit at least the day before if not earlier so you can try it on at home and make sure you return it on time or there will be additional costs.

Prom Night is a special occasion and worth looking good for, however, you needn’t go the Tux route. If you have a smart suit and a nice shirt and would prefer to wear that then check with the Prom organisers if this will be suitable and if so that’s great. Anyone with Scottish blood might like to consider wearing a kilt – which just begs the question ‘What do you wear under it?’