According to a new survey, the average man experiences a 67% boost in confidence when wearing a suit or tuxedo—yet many still struggle to identify what actually qualifies as formal attire.
The poll, which surveyed 2,000 U.S. men and was commissioned by Generation Tux in partnership with Talker Research, found that while suiting up increases self-esteem, it doesn’t necessarily mean men feel confident in their fashion knowledge. In fact, only 59% of respondents said they felt “somewhat” or “very” confident about knowing how to dress for different wedding dress codes.
Despite this self-reported confidence, the results revealed some surprising gaps in understanding. When shown a list of clothing options and a picture, just 53% could correctly identify what constitutes “black tie” attire. Even fewer—41%—were able to recognize “white tie,” and only 17% could accurately pick out cocktail attire.
Interestingly, men showed much greater familiarity with more relaxed dress codes. A strong 83% successfully identified casual wedding attire, while 54% correctly chose beach or tropical-themed outfits. Additionally, 84% of men knew the difference between a suit and a tuxedo.
The study also highlighted issues men face when it comes to neckwear. Confidence in tying a necktie was shaky, with one in five admitting they aren’t confident tying one at all. Around 24% said their partner is better at tying a tie than they are, and 10% confessed to relying on a video tutorial when it’s time to dress up. Another 10% said they opt for clip-on ties.
Bowties proved even more challenging: 61% of men admitted they lack confidence in tying one. On average, respondents needed three attempts before getting it right, and 47% simply stated they cannot tie a bowtie at all.
Jason Jackson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Generation Tux, offered advice to help men navigate these formalwear hurdles. “Follow a few simple rules to make sure you nail the dress code,” Jackson said. “Black or white tie, go with a tuxedo. Formal means a classic black or navy suit. For casual, tropical, or garden weddings, a tan or blue suit works well—have fun with accessory colors.”
Jackson emphasized the importance of seeking guidance when unsure: “When in doubt, just ask. It’s better to swallow your pride and ask than show up in something that isn’t appropriate.”
As wedding season approaches, the study revealed that many men may not be fully prepared with their current wardrobe. Only 17% said they could assemble a black-tie ensemble from their existing closet, and just 27% could manage cocktail attire.
On average, American men own two suits and wear them outside of work only twice a year. Moreover, 44% admitted they’re not entirely satisfied with their current suit collection. The average man said he would be willing to spend over $1,200 on the “perfect suit.”
Jackson reinforced the importance of fit and style: “The right suit makes all the difference in how you look and how you feel. Choose a color you’re excited about, and make sure you have the right fit. A great looking suit that doesn’t fit correctly won’t have you feeling like a million bucks. And with options like rental, you don’t have to spend a million bucks to look like it. Design a suit with confidence and have an unforgettable evening.”
In conclusion, while most men feel more confident in a suit, the research shows there is still a significant lack of understanding when it comes to dressing for formal events. With the right guidance and resources, though, that confidence can extend beyond just wearing the suit—and into mastering the art of formalwear.
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