Bow Ties:Traditional bow ties were a ribbon of fabric that the man tied himself. Today, most bow ties are pre-tied and close with a clasp around the back of the neck. Bow ties can be worn with tuxedo, suit or dinner jacket.

Cravat: Cravats range in size and shape, but usually resemble slightly poofed out neckties or silk scarves. They go particularly well with tails or period clothing.

Cummerbund: A cummerbund is a pleated sash worn around the waist. It can be worn with either a bow tie or a regular tie.

Ties:Ties come in all shapes and sizes, from super skinny and black to wide and patterned. They are extremely versatile and can be worn with a tuxedo, suit, evening jacket or just a shirt.

Vest: Vests can be worn in place of a cummerbund under a dinner jacket or under a coat. They are nice because when the groom gets hot he can take off the jacket and still look very formal. Vests are often sold in sets with a matching tie or bow tie.

Waistcoat: Waistcoats are similar to vests but are cut lower in the front. Waistcoats are considered very formal and are often paired with a cutaway or tails.

Cutaway: Also known as a “Morning Coat,” a cutaway has sections that have been “cut away” in front to create a smooth line form the button at the waist down and around to a long coat in back.

Dinner Jacket: A dinner jacket follows the traditional tuxedo cut but usually comes in white or ivory. A dinner jacket is traditionally paired with dark pants and works well for semi-formal or formal evening events.

Frock Coat: The Frock Coat is also known as the “Price Albert Frock.” It buttons at the tailored waist and has knee length or sometimes ankle length skirting. It was popular in the 1800s and has a period look.

Morning Coat: See Cutway

Spencer Coat: A Spencer Coat has is a short coat cut at the waistline and is worn open without buttons.

Stroller Coat: A Stroller Coat is similar to a tuxedo jacket but usually sold in daytime colors, like gray or navy.

Tailcoat: Like a mullet, a tailcoat is short in the front and long in the back. Unlike a mullet, a tailcoat is extremely classic and elegant. They come in one and two tail varieties.

Tuxedo Jacket: Comes single or double breasted with one of three lapels: peaked (a broad V shaped lapel that points up and out at the neck line), notched (a triangular shape is cut from the lapel where it meets the collar), and shawl (a rounded lapel that goes all the way around the neck in an unbroken line). Tuxedos are the most formal men’s attire and are usually paired with black satin-striped trousers. They are appropriate for late afternoon and evening affairs.