What Do Guys Wear to Prom? — Your Ultimate Guide
The prom is an American tradition that dates back more than 100 years. In fact, the first recorded performance was held at Amherst College in 1894. Except for the trendy bell-bottoms of the 1970s and the ruffled shirts of the 1980s, prom-goers almost always rocked the same style components. Evening gowns, black bow ties and a brand new pair of polished formal shoes were just as important then as they are now.
If you are unfamiliar with formal dress code, you may be a little confused by these details of the dress code. In this guide, we'll cover some of the basics about what men wear to prom to help you get the perfect look for prom.
Check your school's prom dress code
One of the first things you need to do before choosing an ensemble is to check your school's prom dress code. Does the dress code require formality. A formal dress code includes a variety of more formal options, including suits, tuxedos or tuxedos. Typically, the prom dress code is a bit more elaborate than homecoming or winter formal wear.
Black tie. If the dress code specifies that you must wear black-tie attire, then you will want to wear a tuxedo with a bow tie. Tuxedos are very common at prom, so whether the dress code is black tie or semi-formal, you won't feel out of place if you go this route.
Consider the theme
You don't necessarily have to dress in a way that echoes the theme of the dance, but it can serve as inspiration if you get lost. If the theme is related to a certain time period - say, the '60s or '70s - you may want to look online for suits and tuxedos from that period to match, and then let that lead you to the right suit or tuxedo.
Consider matching your date
Before you dive into these options, there's one last thing to consider. Your date may want to coordinate colors or styles, so be sure to talk to them before you decide. If you're wearing a tuxedo or three-piece suit, it's common to match your tie, undershirt, pocket square and other accessories to your date's dress. If your date is also wearing a suit, you can choose a matching look or wear two different colored suits with coordinating accessories.
The most common prom attire for men
Formal OG: Tuxedo
Prom tuxedos are the most formal and elaborate option, so they are perfect for black tie and formal dress codes. They are usually paired with a bow tie, formal shirt and an undershirt or belt. Tuxedos have some fancy touches that make them more elaborate than a typical suit, including lapels, satin trim on the sides of pants and even buttons.
Wear this option if you want to:
- Dress as formally as possible
- Want a more classic look
- Wear a bow tie, undershirt or belt
- Wear traditional formal shoes
- Wear something that suits your date
Explore Prom Tuxedos
The Easy Cool Choice: Suits
For men attending prom, suits are another common choice. If you still want to look polished but don't want to feel the classic tuxedo vibe, we recommend this route. Unlike a tuxedo, a prom suit does not have to be paired with a bow tie and additional pieces, such as an undershirt or belt.
Wear this option if you want to:
- Look great instead of super formal
- Wear a tie instead of a bow tie
- Buy your prom look set
- Wear more vibrant colors or patterns
- Prefer a more modern vibe
- Already own a suit
How to wear a tuxedo as a suit
You don't have to wear an undershirt or belt over your tuxedo. A bow tie and one of our beautiful men's formal shirts ties them together. The pants you choose depend entirely on the look you want to achieve. Men will often wear a striking tuxedo with more muted, contrasting pants. For example, it is currently popular to pair an eggshell tuxedo with perfectly tailored black pants.
We've got you covered for prom
Hisdern is your store for prom supplies, whether you want to buy the perfect suit undershirt or tie and bow tie. In our store, you'll find the right prom gear for you, so you can rock the prom like a fashionista.
