WHAT IS A LOUNGE SUIT?
Dress codes for different events/occasions can be confusing for even the most seasoned of socialites. In some cases the people who have set the event dress standards have zero idea what it means themselves. For example when they say “black tie” do they want you to wear a literal black tie or do they just want you to wear a suit?
Fortunately, we have decided to help explain what the common dress code terms mean and we will also be providing you with some quick pointers on how to dress appropriately for different occasions.
Just remember at the end of the day we can’t read the minds of event organisers so don’t be afraid to ask a venue or someone in charge if you are still unsure of what to wear.
WHAT IS A LOUNGE SUIT ANYWAY?
“Lounge suit” is a catch-all term for “any suit that isn’t a dinner suit” (known as a tuxedo by some). They come in every colour, pattern, fabric, price and cut you can imagine. Chances are that if you have a job in an office, you’re already wearing one all day.
Lounge suits are worn when the dress-code states “cocktail” on the invite. Some people use “cocktail” as plea for you to wear a jacket, regardless of matching trousers to make an entire suit. And honestly, if you can at least manage to find a decent jacket to wear you’ll be fine.
WAIT… SO, WHAT’S A DINNER SUIT?
A dinner suit is often referred to as a tuxedo and there are several major differences between a dinner suit and a stock-standard suit:
Dinner suits usually feature a satin face on the lapel (the flappy bit around the chest, for those who still don’t follow). They also have a matching satin stripe on the trouser which runs down the outer seam of the leg. This stripe is kind of falling out of fashion, however, and is not really that essential.
Tuxedos are usually worn at “black tie”-coded events as they are predominantly black and worn with a white dinner shirt and black tie or bow-tie. But really, as long as you have the satin on the front of the lapel it can be any colour you think you can reasonably get away with.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
There is an elusive, higher dress code than black tie. The prestigious “white tie” is rarely seen in Australia because who in their right mind would want to wear that?
White tie is where you absolutely must wear tails, white shirt, white waistcoat and white bowtie. Gloves are also recommended since you may as well after you’ve come this far. We have never in nearly three years had anyone request a white-tie outfit, so just know that it exists, what it means, and be relieved that you probably won’t ever need to go to one.
Follow the links below for a more specific guide on our suiting options:
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