There is some historical discrepancy as to the origin of the tuxedo. Some accounts attribute the tux to Edward Albert, Prince of Wales, who commissioned a short smoking jacket from Savile Row founder Henry Poole & Co. in 1860.

Other histories pinpoint the tux's introduction to a natty gent who, frustrated by tails that interfered with his dancing, wore a tailless dress coat to New York's Tuxedo Park resort's Autumn Ball in 1886.

If you favor the latter account - let's go ahead and go with the American version - the tuxedo would mark its 125th anniversary this fall. A fine moment in sartorial history, indeed. Let's mark the occasion by tipping our hat to the tux - by far the most dashing apparel in a man's wardrobe.

When choosing a tux, look for trousers (never cuffed) that are slimmer and sport a higher waist than normal suit pants, which offers a proportion better suited for a tux jacket, formal shirt and cummerbund.

Stay away from synthetic materials - go with Super 100 wools.

Tux details can include stripes and braids on trousers and satin on lapels. Satin, with its subtle sheen, is a traditional choice for an accent fabric. Grosgrain pants stripes are quite natty.

Wing-collar shirts are best with a bow tie; lie-down collars are best with a solid silk necktie.

Don't forget: Cummerbund pleats face up; cuff links for French-cuffed sleeves; studs for exposed shirt placket.

If you're investing in a grown-up tux, you might as well spring for good shoes, too. And throw in evening hosiery.

Short, stocky guys.
Jackets with slim shawl collars are a good bet. You don’t need any of those broad-shoulder euro-style tuxes; that would be overkill. Instead jackets with natural shoulder lines are best. For pants, avoid styles that have too much break on the foot (can look sloppy); instead, try reverse double-pleated trousers.

Short, slender guys.
Skip the double-breasted styles and look at single-breasted jackets with a low button and wide lapels.

Tall, slender guys.
These folks have it easy—just about everything works. Double-breasted tuxes with those euro-style broad shoulders are fine, as are those hip three-button styles that close high on the chest. Trousers can have more break at the foot.

Tall, stocky guys.
Jacket length is a tough one here; try styles with shawl collars. Consider a jacket with a bit of room to allow for movement.