From Collar to Cuff: How the Perfect Tuxedo Should Fit

When it comes to the perfect tuxedo, fit is everything. A well-fitted tuxedo conveys sophistication and attention to detail- qualities a partner and potential clients are looking for. A tuxedo is often thought of as a suit for a wedding or formal event—something you'll wear once and tuck away. But a great tuxedo—perfectly fitted—has lasting power in your wardrobe. Let’s dive into the key elements of how a tuxedo should fit, using the same principles we apply during a fitting for our clients.

Just like with a suit, the foundation of any tuxedo fitting starts with the collar. The collar of your tuxedo jacket should hug your neck perfectly- there should be no gap between the jacket collar and your shirt collar, and certainly no rolling in the back. 

A gap at the neck looks ill-fitting and sloppy- qualities you don’t want to project. A properly fitted collar makes sure the jacket sits well on your shoulders and frames your body perfectly.

Next, we move to the shoulders, one of the most crucial aspects of fit. The shoulders of your tuxedo jacket should follow the natural slope of your body, ending right where your arm begins. 

A jacket with shoulders that extend beyond your natural shoulder line will look oversized and bulky. If it’s too tight in the shoulders you’ll end up with wrinkling and pulling, which throws off the entire look. 

The shoulder seam should sit perfectly against your body, so the jacket drapes naturally without any tension. Smooth shoulders with no bunching or pulling are a clear sign that the fit is on point.

Once the shoulders are in place, we consider the sleeves. You want the sleeve head—the point where the sleeve meets the shoulder seam—to fall smoothly over your arm without any crashing, wrinkling, or excessive tightness. The fit of the sleeve should allow for a clean, sharp look, while still giving you enough room to move comfortably.

When it comes to sleeve length, formalwear has its own unspoken standard. Ideally, you should aim for about a quarter-inch to half-inch of shirt cuff to peek out from under the tuxedo sleeve. This little pop of white adds a touch of elegance to the overall look and helps balance the dark formality of the jacket. 

Getting this detail right is essential- it shows you understand formal dress codes and signals a sign of respect for the event.

This interplay of colors gives the fabric depth and character, transforming what might seem like a conservative piece into something a little more unique. Personally, I love fabrics like this that reveal their unique details the closer you get. It’s the kind of thing that sets a well-made jacket apart from the rest.

Moving to the midsection of the tuxedo jacket, the button placement plays a key role in achieving a balanced, flattering fit. The button should sit at the narrowest part of your torso, giving you a natural taper while avoiding any pulling or tension at the button itself. This placement helps create a clean, fitted look that flatters your body without making the jacket feel constrictive.

The sides of the jacket should taper nicely, following the contours of your body. But beware- it’s important not to go too slim here. You want the jacket to have just enough room so that it drapes smoothly and naturally, rather than pulling or bunching every time you move. This subtle taper creates a sleek, modern look while maintaining the classic elegance a tux is known for.

Jacket length is another critical factor, particularly when it comes to formalwear. For a single-breasted tuxedo, the jacket should typically fall around the crotch level. This is a balanced, timeless length that works for most body types. It gives enough coverage without making the jacket look too long or short. 

For a double-breasted tuxedo, you can afford to go slightly longer, which helps keep the jacket from looking too boxy.

The length of the jacket also plays a role in how proportionate the fit looks. By focusing on the jacket’s length relative to your body rather than simply your arm length, you get a more accurate, flattering fit. Remember, guys can have different arm lengths, so measuring the jacket by how it fits around the torso is a more reliable method for achieving the perfect fit

When fitting a tuxedo, the details are what set apart a good fit from a great one. From the clean drape of the shoulders to the precise taper at the waist, each element plays a part. For Albert, the tuxedo we tailored hit all these marks perfectly. The clean, structured fit suits his frame and gives him that elegant, timeless look your classic tuxedo is known for. 

One of the most common mistakes we see with tuxedo fittings is not paying attention to the smaller details, like sleeve length and collar fit. But it’s these subtle nuances that elevate a tuxedo from standard to exceptional. When you put on a tuxedo that fits just right, you can feel the difference.

What’s one of the best menswear investments you can make? A tuxedo that fits you like it was made for you- because it was! When you get the perfect fit, it’s obvious—you’ll feel more confident, polished, and ready for any formal occasion 

At Articles of Style, our goal is to ensure every tuxedo we design not only looks incredible but also fits like a dream. Whether you’re attending a black-tie event, walking down the aisle, or simply want to look your best, the right fit is key to achieving that next-level elegance. 

Ready to find your perfect fit? Book an appointment today and let’s start building your capsule wardrobe.

Book the Capsule Wardrobe Experience.

I look forward to working with you!

Yours in style,

Dan Trepanier