Definition of tuxedo

The word "tuxedo" has a fascinating origin that dates back to the late 19th century in the United States. Tuxedo is a small town located in New York State that served as a popular destination among the country's elite during the summer months. In the 1880s, a young man named Griswold Lorillard decided to commission a tailor to create a more streamlined and less cumbersome alternative to the traditional evening wear typically worn by men. This new garment, which consisted of a single-breasted dinner jacket, pleated trousers, and a bow tie, was inspired by the blazers and trousers he noticed some of the men in Tuxedo wearing during their outdoor activities such as horseback riding and golfing. Lorillard's creation soon gained popularity and became widely known as the "Tuxedo Suit." The name stuck, and by the early 1900s, "tuxedo" had become the standard term for this type of formal attire for evening events. Interestingly, the term "black tie" wasn't coined until the 1940s, and it referred specifically to the traditional dinner jacket worn with a white dress shirt, black bow tie, and black cummerbund. Before that point, evening wear for men was more varied and included options such as the tailcoat, morning coat, and hunting jacket. Today, the tuxedo is still a popular choice for evening events such as weddings, galas, and black-tie events. Its origins in Tuxedo, New York may seem like an unlikely source for a fashion trend, but it serves as a reminder of how sometimes the most unexpected places can inspire some of the most iconic fashion staples.