Tailcoats are the most classic form of evening wear for men. As a result, there is a specific etiquette you must follow when wearing a tailcoat. This traditional tailcoat is only worn during formal galas and elegant parties with the dress code 'white tie'. Also, at ceremonial gatherings such as a university promotion, the male doctoral candidate and the paranymphs are expected to appear in a tailcoat. As mentioned earlier, the tailcoat should never be worn buttoned up. Furthermore, you should always pair a tailcoat with black patent leather shoes and it is customary to wear a white bow tie. Hence the name 'white tie'. So absolutely do not wear a black bow tie!
Under the long tailcoat of a tailcoat suit, there should be a low-cut white vest made from the cotton fabric piqué. Under that vest, a white starched shirt should be worn. The shirt of a tailcoat suit has the most formal collar among shirts, namely a father killer collar. This is recognized by the open collar with turned-down points. Tailcoats should always be worn with an open collar.
Furthermore, there is the trousers of a tailcoat suit. The trousers are made from the same fabric as the tailcoat and are also black in color. Traditional adjustment buttons are attached to the waistband. So if the trousers are just a bit too tight, the buttons give you the option to adjust the trousers without it being visible. According to white etiquette, you do not wear a belt. Finally, the trousers of a tailcoat suit have a galon on the side, which is a satin stripe on the seam of the outside of the trousers. This also appears on the trousers of a tuxedo.
