A tuxedo is a formal suit that people often wear to fancy events like weddings, award ceremonies, and elegant parties. While a regular suit has matching pants and jacket in the same color and fabric, a tuxedo traditionally features a black jacket with satin lapels (the folded parts on the front of the jacket), black pants with a satin stripe down the side, and a bow tie. The shiny satin accents make a tuxedo dressier and more distinguished than an ordinary suit.

Before tuxedos, men wore long tailcoats to formal events. The tuxedo offered a shorter, more comfortable alternative that still looked elegant and sophisticated.

Today, tuxedos come in different colors and styles, though black remains the classic choice. When an invitation says black tie, it means guests should wear tuxedos or formal evening gowns. You might wear a tuxedo to a school dance, a fancy dinner, or when you're performing in a concert or play. Renting a tuxedo is common since people don't need one often enough to justify buying it.