There seems to be a recurring question for cruises: Can I wear X for formal night. I think it might be helpful, for those who might not know, to explain what “formal” means for men in regards to attire.

“Formal” (also called black tie) means a tuxedo (usually called a dinner jacket outside of America – though the term also includes the trousers). Preferably, it means a black tuxedo with a white shirt and a black tie. In summer months for outside parties or in warm weather (like on a tropical cruise) you can substitute a white dinner jacket for the regular black one.

“Formal” does not mean a dark business suit UNLESS the host (in this case, a cruise ship) invites you to make the substitution if you prefer. Most, if not all, cruise ships allow this less formal option if you prefer.

“Formal” NEVER means: A sport coat or blazer, dockers, jeans, polo shirts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, “dress” shorts (like there IS such a thing), any sort of tie-less dressing, or your favorite parrot shirt. These items are never formal and are not valid options for a formal event. That’s just a fact.

“Informal” means a business suit and also includes none of the above in a technical sense, though you might reasonably get away with a sport coat, provided you are also wearing a tie and are suitably dressed otherwise (like no jeans, tennis shoes, etc.).

“Casual” means you can break out the blazers, the dockers, the polo shirts, etc. Depending on the host, jeans might be appropriate (at least nice ones). It does NOT mean washing-your-car or cleaning-the-garage casual.

Unfortunately, many men avoid dressing up for any occasion beyond their own wedding and are blissfully unaware of the above guidelines, as evidenced by some of the questions asked here regarding formal nights on cruises. This is too bad because there is very little that is cooler than a man in a well-fitting tuxedo. It is not really any more difficult than wearing any suit (it’s really just an evening suit) and worn properly, nearly any man looks good in one. But nothing can put a damper on your fun like sitting in your tuxedo at a table of people in polo shirts. It is childish and rude to dress inappropriately to a formal occasion. You can couch it in sayings (“to each his own”), but it is simply inappropriate.

If you refuse to wear a suit, or simply don’t have one, for whatever reason, then choose formal nights for dinning in the ship’s casual option. There is nothing wrong with that and that is the choice you make by not having a suit. Trying to “get by” in the formal dining room by dressing casually, even if the staff lets you in is inappropriate, even if many won’t mind.

If you do wear suits and don’t mind dressing up, consider buying a tuxedo. They are not necessarily expensive and if you wear it a few times, it will pay for itself (as compared to renting), and most importantly, it will fit you properly. A nice tuxedo outfit will run you about $400-500 for everything, which includes the black jacket and trousers, a white shirt, a black tie, suspenders and cummerbund (or vest if you are going that route), cufflinks and studs, and formal shoes. Do some research on the web first and understand the different options that you might consider for your look (i.e. wing collar vs. laydown collar) so that you can make the decision under pressure in the store. If you look around, and settle a little lower in quality, you can probably shave off another $100. Buy a classic style and it will serve you for as long as it fits you. You will look damn good and know it.

There will be some who will argue with the above, but it doesn’t matter. Formal means what it does and it isn’t worth arguing about it with anyone who would insist on wearing a polo shirt and dockers to a formal event. Hopefully this will be of some use to the reast of you.