15 Sep How to Choose the Perfect Dinner Shirt for Black Tie Events
When it comes to a black tie dress code, your choice of dinner shirt can define your entire look. Often called a tuxedo shirt or formal evening shirt, this wardrobe essential is designed to complement a tailored tuxedo and bow tie, creating a polished silhouette worthy of any special occasion. But with so many options – pleated fronts, Marcella bibs, wing collars, and modern slim-fit styles – choosing the perfect men’s dinner shirt can feel overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what to look for, from fabric and fit to collar styles and cuff details, so you can step confidently into any black tie event with timeless sophistication.
Understanding Black Tie Dress Code
The term black tie refers to a formal evening dress code traditionally centred around a black dinner jacket, matching trousers with a satin stripe, a black bow tie, and polished black shoes. The dinner shirt is a key component of this ensemble, providing a crisp, clean backdrop that enhances the formality of the outfit.
Get the shirt right, and you’ll complement your dinner suit perfectly. Get it wrong, and even the most tailored jacket can lose its impact.
The Classic Dinner Shirt Features
Not all dinner shirts are the same – subtle design details can completely change the formality and overall look of your black tie outfit.
From the fastening on the front to the style of the bib, collar, and cuffs, understanding these features will help you choose the dinner shirt that best matches your style and the occasion.
FLY FRONT VS. STUD FRONT
Fly Front Dinner Shirt
The fly front has a concealed placket that hides the buttons for a clean, minimalist look. It’s modern, understated, and often preferred for contemporary black tie events where subtle elegance is key.
Stud Front Dinner Shirt
Designed with removable shirt studs instead of sewn-on buttons, this is the more traditional and formal option. Studs (usually in black onyx, mother-of-pearl, or precious metal) add a decorative touch and pair perfectly with classic black tie accessories like cufflinks and a bow tie.
Wing collar vs. turndown collar
Wing Collar
The most traditional option, featuring small “wings” at the front designed to sit behind a bow tie. It’s formal, elegant, and often reserved for the most classic black tie looks or even white tie dress codes.
Turndown Collar A more modern and versatile choice, with points that fold down like a standard shirt collar. It frames the bow tie in a softer way and is often considered the more comfortable and contemporary option for black tie events.
Pleated vs. marcella vs. plain bib
Pleated Bib
Features narrow vertical pleats on the shirt front, giving a textured, classic look that adds depth to formalwear; a popular choice for traditional black tie.
Marcella Bib
Made from a stiff, piqué-textured fabric that holds its shape and pairs perfectly with studs and cufflinks, offering the most formal and polished finish.
Plain Bib
Smooth and unadorned, this style delivers a minimalist, contemporary look, ideal if you want your tuxedo and accessories to take centre stage.
White vs. black
White Dinner Shirt
The timeless standard for black tie. Crisp, sharp, and versatile, it provides the perfect backdrop for a bow tie and is always correct for formal occasions.
Black Dinner Shirt
A contemporary alternative, often worn for creative black tie, less formal evening events, or when you want a sleek, fashion-forward look. Works best with a black dinner suit for a monochrome style, but is never used for traditional or very formal black tie.
dinner shirt brands
When it comes to finding the perfect dinner shirt, the brand can make just as much difference as the style. At Menswear Online, we stock some of the world’s finest shirtmakers:
Eton:
Known for innovative fabrics and a crisp, crease-resistant finish, perfect if you want a dinner shirt that stays sharp all night.
Simpson & Ruxton:
A heritage-inspired label that balances tradition with craftsmanship, offering timeless designs for classic black tie dressing.
Stenströms:
Swedish tailoring at its best, with refined details and luxurious fabrics that bring a modern European elegance to formalwear.
-
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Eton Contemporary Fit Piqué White Tuxedo Shirt
£210.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
STENSTRÖMS Evening White Tuxedo Shirt with Wing Collar
£150.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Eton Dobby White Tuxedo Shirt with French Cuff
£210.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Eton Slim Fit Piqué White Tuxedo Shirt
£210.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Eton Contemporary Fit Plissé White Tuxedo Shirt
£210.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
SIMPSON & RUXTON Rome White Regular Collar Dress Shirt
£85.00
Choosing the right dinner shirt ultimately comes down to the balance between tradition, formality, and personal style. If the event calls for classic black tie, a white Marcella bib with studs and a wing or turndown collar is always a safe choice. For a modern edge, you might opt for a plain bib or fly front shirt with a turndown collar.
And if the dress code is more relaxed or “creative black tie,” experimenting with a black dinner shirt can set you apart. Above all, make sure your shirt complements your dinner suit and accessories – the details should work together to create a look that feels sharp, confident, and unmistakably yours.
instantly
elevate your style
with the power of layering
Have you ever looked at someone and thought:
“Wow! Their outfit just WORKS!” That’s the power of layering for you.
In this FREE E-book we’ll teach you the skill of layering with a few simple rules and give you lots of examples for inspiration.
*by signing up you agree to our terms & privacy policy
shop Dress suits
Pairing your formal shirt with the right dress suit completes the look. Carefully selected dress suits that match these shirts perfectly, from classic black and charcoal options to modern navy and bold green styles, ensure a polished and elegant appearance for any formal occasion.
-
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Canali Pure Wool Peak Lapels Black Dress Suit
Price range: £1,500.00 through £1,700.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Canali Pure Wool Navy Dress Suit
£1,500.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Canali Pure Wool Navy Vented Dress Suit
£1,500.00
SHOP FOOTWEAR
-
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cheaney Old Classic Derby Black Calf Leather
£375.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cheaney Lime Classic Oxford Shoes in Black Calf Leather
£375.00 -
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Cheaney Fenchurch Oxford in Black Calf Leather
£375.00
explore more articles
Currently studying Marketing. I love spending time reading books, savouring coffee, and exploring new places.
- Yelyzaveta Тymchenkohttps://www.menswearonline.co.uk/author/yelyzaveta-t/
- Yelyzaveta Тymchenkohttps://www.menswearonline.co.uk/author/yelyzaveta-t/
- Yelyzaveta Тymchenkohttps://www.menswearonline.co.uk/author/yelyzaveta-t/
- Yelyzaveta Тymchenkohttps://www.menswearonline.co.uk/author/yelyzaveta-t/
No Comments