Quick Answer: What Should a Guy Wear to Prom?
Pick the vibe first, then build around it:
- Classic: a black or midnight navy tuxedo, white shirt, bow tie and polished black shoes.
- Modern: a slim fit suit in a colour you love, a crisp dress shirt and a tie or open collar.
- Relaxed: a suit, sport jacket or blazer worn without a tie, or a vest and dress pants.
Whatever you choose, get the fit right, coordinate one or two colours with your date or your crew, and start shopping at least a month before prom.
Prom is your big send-off from high school: photos, the entrance, the dance floor and the after-party. Your outfit should look great in every one of those moments and feel comfortable through all of them. Here's how to put together the perfect prom look, step by step.
Step 1: Choose Your Vibe
Before you think about colours or brands, decide on the feeling you want.
Classic and formal. Nothing beats a tuxedo for a timeless, red-carpet look. Pair it with a white tuxedo shirt, a black bow tie and polished shoes.
Modern and sharp. A slim fit suit is the most popular prom choice. Go classic with black or navy, or stand out with a pastel or a rich colour like burgundy or green.
Relaxed and confident. Not a suit-and-tie guy? Skip the tie, layer a quarter-zip sweater under your jacket, or try a vest and dress pants. Our casual prom outfits guide has more ideas, and our tuxedo alternatives cover formal looks without the tux.
Step 2: Set Your Budget
Know what you're working with before you shop. If you'll wear a suit again to graduation, weddings, interviews or a first job, buying is usually better value than renting, and it'll look and fit better too. Why rent when you can own? Shop suits and tuxes for less than a rental, compare the options in rent or buy a prom suit, and see our tips to save on your prom outfit.
Step 3: Pick Your Colours
Talk to your date first, if you're going with one. If they've already chosen their outfit, your job is easy: coordinate with it. You don't need an exact match. A tie, pocket square, vest or shirt in a complementary shade works just as well. Our guide to matching your prom date shows you how.
Going solo or with friends? Choose a colour that suits you and your personality. Want a look that breaks the usual rules? See our gender-fluid prom outfit ideas. Our guide to the best prom colours breaks down what each one says.
Step 4: Nail the Fit
A great fit makes any suit look more expensive. Look for:
- Shoulders that end where your shoulders do, with no dents or overhang
- A jacket that buttons without pulling
- Sleeves that show a little shirt cuff
- Trousers that sit comfortably at your waist and just touch your shoes
Tip Top suits come in Modern Fit and Slim Fit, and jackets and pants are sold separately so you can get the right size for each. Use our size guide, and choose a suit with stretch so you can actually move on the dance floor.
Step 5: Finish With Accessories
Accessories are where your outfit becomes yours:
- A tie or bow tie in your accent colour
- A pocket square that complements it (not the exact same fabric)
- A belt that matches your shoes
- Optional: a lapel pin, tie bar or cufflinks
- A boutonniere or floral lapel pin that coordinates with your date's corsage
Your Prom Outfit Timeline
- 6 to 8 weeks before: decide on your vibe and colours, and talk to your date or crew.
- 4 to 6 weeks before: shop for your suit or tux, shirt and accessories.
- 2 weeks before: try on everything together, including shoes, and break your shoes in.
- The week of: get a haircut, steam or press your outfit and lay out every piece.
- Prom day: polish your shoes, pack a small kit (mints, a comb, a stain pen) and have fun.
Planning for the After-Party
If you're heading somewhere after prom, plan your outfit change. A three-piece suit is a smart move: take off the jacket and the vest keeps you looking sharp. Or pack a simple change, like a clean sport shirt, dark pants and a light jacket, for the rest of the night.
If you're going solo or with your crew, coordinating your outfits makes for great group photos. Your prom suit can pull double duty, too. See these graduation outfit ideas.
FAQ
Should I wear a suit or a tux to prom?
Either works. A tuxedo feels the most formal and classic. A suit is more versatile and lets you play with colour, and you'll wear it again after prom.
What's the most popular prom suit colour?
Black and navy are always the top choices. Pastels and rich colours like burgundy and green are popular for guys who want to stand out.
When should I buy my prom suit?
Four to six weeks before prom gives you time to find the right fit and coordinate with your date without rushing.
Shop Prom at Tip Top
Explore prom suits, tuxedos and accessories, or visit the Prom Shop to plan your whole look. Proudly Canadian Since 1909. Prefer to try it on? Visit one of our 80+ locations across Canada.
