Tuxedo shirts are the base of every formal uniform, from banquet servers to wedding staff and fine dining captains. The biggest choice you will make is the collar. The two classic options are the wing tip collar and the laydown collar. Here is how they differ and which one fits your team.
What is a wing tip collar tuxedo shirt?
A wing tip collar is a short stand-up collar with small points that fold out, like little wings, at the front. It is the most formal shirt collar and is made to be worn with a bow tie. The bow tie sits in front of the collar band and the wings tuck behind it.
Best for: black tie events, banquets, galas, weddings and very formal dining rooms.
See the Men’s Wing Tip Collar Tuxedo Shirt and Ladies’ Wing Tip Collar Tuxedo Shirt, both with a 1/4″ pleated front. We also carry wing tip tuxedo shirts in colors and short sleeve styles for warm venues.
What is a laydown collar tuxedo shirt?
A laydown collar is a regular fold-down collar, like a dress shirt, on a pleated tuxedo shirt. It works with a bow tie or a long necktie, so it is more flexible than a wing tip.
Best for: catering, banquet and fine dining teams that want a formal look but may switch between bow ties and regular ties.
See the Men’s Laydown Collar Tuxedo Shirt and the Ladies’ Laydown Collar Tuxedo Shirt.
Wing tip vs laydown at a glance
| Wing tip collar | Laydown collar | |
|---|---|---|
| Formality | Most formal | Formal |
| Ties | Bow tie only | Bow tie or necktie |
| Look | Classic black tie | Classic, more flexible |
| Best for | Galas, weddings, banquets | Catering, fine dining, banquets |
What about banded collar formal shirts?
A third option is the banded collar formal shirt, which has a stand-up band and no collar points. It looks dressy without any tie at all, which makes it popular for modern banquet and lounge staff. Read more in our guide, What Is a Banded Collar Shirt?
Other things to look for in a tuxedo shirt
- Pleats. Most uniform tuxedo shirts have 1/4″ or 1/2″ pleats down the front. Narrow pleats look sharp and modern.
- Fabric. Easy-care blends hold up to frequent washing and keep staff looking crisp through long events.
- Fit for everyone. Choose styles that come in men’s and ladies’ fits so the whole team matches.
Complete the formal look
Pair your tuxedo shirts with formal and tuxedo vests, bow ties, banquet jackets and tuxedo pants.
Shop tuxedo shirts
Ambassador Uniform has outfitted hotels, clubs and restaurants since 1995. Shop our tuxedo shirts with no order minimums and free shipping on orders over $299, or call 1-800-711-5885 for help.
