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Dress Code Guide

White Tie Attire for Men

White tie is the most formal dress code there is. Rent a black tailcoat look, sized from home and shipped free both ways.

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What is white tie attire?

White tie is the most formal dress code there is. For men that means a black tailcoat, black formal trousers, a white pique shirt, a white bow tie, and a white waistcoat. It is reserved for state dinners, galas, and the most formal evening weddings, one step above black tie.

What to wear for white tie

Renting is the simplest way to get a full white tie look right, sized for you and shipped complete.

The Jacket

Black tailcoat

A black evening tailcoat that cuts away at the front. This is the centerpiece of white tie.

Trousers

Formal trousers

Black formal trousers, traditionally with a double braid down each leg.

The Shirt

White pique shirt

A white shirt with a stiff front and a wing collar.

Neckwear

White bow tie

A white bow tie is what gives the dress code its name.

The Waist

White waistcoat

A low-cut white waistcoat worn under the tailcoat.

Finishing

Patent shoes

Black patent formal shoes, plus studs and cufflinks.

Shop white tie and formal looks

Tailcoats and formal black tuxedo packages from $159, complete with the jacket, pants, shirt, vest, neckwear, and jewelry. Everything but the shoes, shipped free both ways.

How the rental works

No store visits. Pick your look, get sized from home, and it arrives about two weeks before the event.

1

Pick your look

Choose a package above or build a custom look to match the event.

2

Get sized at home

Enter your height, weight, and regular sizes online. No tape measure and no store visit, backed by our Perfect Fit Guarantee.

3

Delivered early

Your rental ships about two weeks ahead to try on. Free returns are due a few days after the event.

Groom rents FREE when 5 rent

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White tie questions, answered

What is white tie attire?

The most formal dress code there is: a black tailcoat, black trousers, a white pique shirt, a white bow tie, and a white waistcoat, finished with black patent shoes.

What is the difference between white tie and black tie?

White tie is more formal. It requires a tailcoat and a white bow tie, while black tie calls for a tuxedo and a black bow tie.

Do you wear a tailcoat for white tie?

Yes. A black evening tailcoat is the defining piece of white tie, worn with a white waistcoat and a white bow tie.

What color bow tie do you wear for white tie?

A white bow tie, which is where the dress code gets its name. A black bow tie belongs with black tie, not white tie.

Where can I rent a white tie tailcoat?

You can rent a tailcoat and complete formal look from National Tuxedo Rentals online, sized from home and shipped to your door.

How much does a white tie rental cost?

A complete formal package rents from $159 with everything but the shoes, shipped free both ways. The groom rents free when five people rent.

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