We Are Suitable makes custom tuxedos and evening wear in Singapore from $599 — built for a true black-tie fit and rated 5.0 from 178 Google reviews. From the lapel facing to the trouser braid, every detail is cut to you.
WhatsApp us to book a fitting or call +65 8365 6722.
When to wear a tuxedo
A tuxedo is for black-tie and formal evening events: galas, awards nights, weddings (especially evening receptions), and balls. If the invitation says “black tie” or “formal”, a tuxedo is the right call. For daytime weddings or the office, a bespoke suit is usually more appropriate.
Black Tie Dress Code Explained
Dress codes cause more confusion than anything else on an invitation. Here is what they usually mean:
- Black tie — a tuxedo (dinner jacket) with satin details, a bow tie, and formal trousers. The classic, expected formal look.
- Black tie optional — a tuxedo is welcome, but a dark, formal suit with a tie is also acceptable.
- Creative / modern black tie — a tuxedo with room to personalise: midnight blue, a velvet jacket, or a distinctive bow tie.
- Formal / cocktail — a dark suit is usually enough, though a tuxedo still works for evening events.
If you are unsure, tell us the event and venue and we will advise whether a tuxedo or a formal suit is the safer choice.
Tuxedo vs a suit — what is the difference?
A tuxedo is distinguished by satin (or grosgrain) facings on the lapel, a satin stripe down the trouser, and formal details like a bow tie and cummerbund or waistcoat. A suit has none of these. In short: a tuxedo is a suit dressed for the evening. We can advise which suits your event.
Tuxedo Details: Lapels, Facings and Accessories
The details are what make a tuxedo read as formal:
- Lapel — a peak lapel is the sharp, traditional choice; a shawl collar is softer and classically formal. (A notch lapel reads more like a business suit.)
- Facing — satin has a high shine, while grosgrain is a subtler ribbed finish.
- Waist covering — a cummerbund is the traditional black-tie option; a waistcoat (vest) is a structured alternative.
- Finishing touches — a black bow tie, a formal dress shirt, and studs complete the look.
Choosing Your Tuxedo Colour
Classic black is the safest and most formal choice and never looks dated. Midnight blue is a popular modern alternative — under evening light it can actually look richer and “blacker” than black, while standing out subtly in photographs. For creative black-tie events, deeper jewel tones or a velvet jacket are options we can discuss.
What is included
- Made-to-measure tuxedo jacket — peak lapel or shawl collar, satin or grosgrain facing.
- Formal trousers with a satin side stripe.
- Options for a waistcoat, cummerbund, dress shirt and bow tie to complete the look.
- Premium fabrics in classic black, midnight blue and more.
Completing the Look: Shirt, Shoes and Accessories
A tuxedo is a complete outfit, and the finishing pieces matter:
- Dress shirt — a formal white shirt, typically with a marcella (pique) or pleated front and a spread or wing collar; studs and cufflinks instead of buttons for the dressiest looks.
- Bow tie — a black self-tie bow tie is the classic black-tie choice; we can match the fabric to your lapel facing.
- Shoes — black patent or highly-polished black leather, such as Oxfords or formal loafers.
- Finishing details — a pocket square, dress socks, and either a cummerbund or waistcoat to cover the waist.
We will advise on which pieces to add so the whole look is correct for the event, not just the jacket.
Tuxedo Fabric and Comfort in Singapore
Most formal events here are in air-conditioned ballrooms, so a classic mid-weight wool works well. If your reception is partly outdoors or you run warm, we can suggest a lighter-weight cloth so you stay comfortable through dinner and dancing without losing the formal drape. As with all our garments, we advise on fabric weight, not just colour.
Common Black-Tie Mistakes to Avoid
A few small things separate a tuxedo that looks right from one that looks borrowed:
- A regular business shirt or long tie instead of a formal dress shirt and bow tie — the quickest way to look under-dressed for black tie.
- A jacket that does not fit the shoulders — the most visible giveaway of a rental or off-the-rack tux.
- Brown or casual shoes — black tie calls for black patent or highly-polished black leather.
- Skipping the waist covering — a cummerbund or waistcoat finishes the look and hides the trouser waistband.
Because your tuxedo is cut to you and we guide the accessories, these are easy to get right the first time.
Pricing
| Item | From |
|---|---|
| Custom tuxedo | $599 |
| Add a waistcoat (vest) | $99 |
| Custom dress shirt | $99 |
Final pricing depends on fabric and detailing. See pricing or ask for a quote.
White Tie vs Black Tie
Occasionally an invitation reads “white tie” rather than “black tie”, and they are not the same. Black tie means a tuxedo (dinner jacket) with a black bow tie — the formal standard for almost all evening events in Singapore. White tie is a rarer, more formal dress code: a black tailcoat, white marcella shirt, white waistcoat, and a white bow tie, usually reserved for state occasions and the most formal balls. For the vast majority of galas, weddings, and awards nights, black tie is what is meant — but if your invitation specifies white tie, tell us and we will advise on the correct outfit.
Wedding tuxedos
Planning an evening wedding? A tuxedo makes a striking groom’s look, and we can coordinate it with your wedding party and groomsmen. Start 8–12 weeks ahead to allow for fittings.
How the fitting works
- Consultation at our Woodlands studio — event, dress code and style direction.
- Measurements & fabric — including lapel, facing and detailing choices.
- Fittings & delivery — typical turnaround 4–6 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a custom tuxedo in Singapore?
Custom tuxedos at We Are Suitable start from $599, depending on fabric and detailing.
What is the difference between a tuxedo and a suit?
A tuxedo has satin or grosgrain lapel facings and a satin trouser stripe and is worn for black-tie evening events; a suit does not and is more versatile for day and office wear.
Can I wear a tuxedo to a wedding?
Yes, especially for evening or formal weddings. We can coordinate the groom’s tuxedo with the groomsmen.
Should I choose black or midnight blue?
Black is the most formal, classic choice; midnight blue is a modern alternative that can look richer under evening light and stand out subtly in photos. Both are correct for black tie.
Is it better to buy a custom tuxedo or rent one?
A custom tuxedo from $599 is fitted to you and yours to keep for future formal events, where a rental is a standard size returned after the night. If you attend black-tie events more than occasionally, a custom tuxedo is usually better value and looks noticeably sharper.
Do you provide the bow tie, shirt and accessories?
Yes — we can include the formal dress shirt, bow tie, and a waistcoat or cummerbund so the whole black-tie outfit is coordinated, not just the jacket and trousers.
What shoes should I wear with a tuxedo?
Black patent leather is the classic black-tie choice, but a pair of highly-polished plain black leather Oxfords or formal loafers also works. Avoid brown or casual shoes with a tuxedo.
How long does a custom tuxedo take?
Typically 4–6 weeks; for weddings, start 8–12 weeks ahead to allow for fittings.
Where are you located?
190 Woodlands Industrial Park E5, #07-08 Woodlands BizHub, Singapore 757516 — by appointment only, daily incl. Sundays 10am–7pm.
Ready to start? Book a fitting on WhatsApp or call +65 8365 6722. See also wedding suits and pricing.