A black tie event does not mean you must wear a black tuxedo. With the ever-growing trend of non-traditional formal wear, wearing a white dinner jacket to a formal occasion is a great way to stand out from the crowd. A fan favorite of everyone’s favorite spy, James Bond, wearing a white dinner jacket is a great way to make a statement but still look as dapper as ever.
At Jaxson Maximus, we get a lot of requests to make this classic garment. Our team of custom clothiers has put together this complete guide on everything you need to know about the do’s and don’t of wearing a white dinner jacket.
History of The White Dinner Jacket
The white dinner jacket began to appear in mainstream society in the late 1930s. This jacket was a go-to vacation favorite of wealthy men on their tropical vacations. The light color and material of the jacket made high temperatures more bearable than the traditional black tuxedo. The look remained popular with the upper class throughout the Great Depression.
The trend began in the 50s after Humphrey Bogart wore the iconic jacket in Casablanca. The cinematic turn connected the white dinner jacket with Havana, Cuba’s glamorous, tropical reposts and debonair flair. In addition, travel posters often featured the signature white jacket in their advertisements.
In Goldfinger, Sean Connery’s portrayal of James Bond sported the iconic look. This moment catapulted the white dinner jacket as a classic staple in every gentleman’s wardrobe.
When Should A White Dinner Jacket Be Worn
Fall is when the leaves start to change, and the temperate gets colder for most of the world anyways! So the biggest question we get at Jaxson Maximus is if a white dinner jacket can be worn in the cooler months. The short answer is, yes, it can be.
Being located in Miami, we have the advantage of the climate being warm all year long. In other parts of the country, a white dinner jacket is still appropriate to wear, however, you do want to consider the weight of the cloth. Since white dinner jackets are more traditionally worn in warmer months, most fabrics will be lighter in weight.
No matter what time of year it is, rocking a white dinner jacket is a great way to look elegant at any formal event.
Does a White Dinner Jacket Always Mean White
The term white dinner jacket loosely encompasses the shades of bright white, ivory, and eggshell white. Instead of using other shades of white to describe the jacket, they are umbrellaed into the term “white dinner jacket.” Over time, white wool and other natural fabrics will appear yellowish.
Since bright white does not look good on all skin types (especially those with fairer skin), your clothier might recommend another shade of white that will better compliment your skin tone.
When To Wear a White Dinner Jacket
The most acceptable time to wear a white dinner jacket is when the invitation says it will be a black-tie dress code. You only want to wear a white dinner jacket on formal occasions such as a gala or wedding (granted, the wedding party is not wearing the same outfit).
At Jaxson Maximus, the most popular occasion we make a white dinner jacket for is a groom’s wedding. A white dinner jacket for your wedding is a polished and sophisticated option for any wedding theme.
When To Wear a White Dinner Jacket
Fabric:
Making our fair share of white dinner jackets at Jaxson Maximus, we have learned what to do and what not to do when making the perfect white dinner jacket. When deciding what jacket to purchase, you want to avoid synthetic fabrics since they do not breathe well. Not to mention they can make the jacket look cheap instead of classy. Instead, you want to look for natural fabrics that are lightweight to the standard worsted wool.
Lining:
When designing a white dinner jacket, you do not want to purchase a garment with any patterned or dark-colored lining on the interior. The reason is that the patterns will show directly through the jacket the second you put it on. So instead, the only lining you want to use is either solid white or an off-white solid that matches the color of the jacket’s exterior.
Pants:
White dinner jackets will follow the same rules as traditional black tuxedos would when it comes to bottoms. Your bottoms should only be solid in color, black being the most traditional color, with the color matching any additional trims you have on the jacket. For example, if you have a black lapel, you should wear solid black pants.
Since a white dinner jacket is typically worn in warmer clients, the same rules on fabric composition would apply to your bottoms.
Fit:
When choosing your white dinner jacket, the fit is everything. Your jacket should be tailored to fit you for a modern classic look. Your jacket will take center stage. If you wear a white dinner jacket that is too big on you, you risk it looking like a costume.
Accessories:
Pairing colorful accessories might give the jacket too much of a gimmicky feel. So instead, keep it simple with a classic white shirt, white pocket square, lapel flower, and a black or white bowtie (must match the exact color of your jacket).
We recommend keeping it simple with a velvet or patent leather black loafer to match for shoes. Tennis shoes or other informal shoe options should never be worn with a white dinner jacket.
Discover Our Custom Clothing services
We also offer custom outwear, jeans, and accessories. See our pricing and packages for custom clothing or our Custom clothing FAQ page.
Did you know we have a retail location in downtown Miami?! 🔥🙌
It’s not your average flagship location, it’s a luxury men’s experience— offering services like grooming, custom clothing, tailoring, alterations, and so much more!
📍 Stop in or visit our website to learn more about the experience at miami.jaxsonmaximus.com
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
Did you know we have a retail location in downtown Miami?! 🔥🙌
It’s not your average flagship location, it’s a luxury men’s experience— offering services like grooming, custom clothing, tailoring, alterations, and so much more!
📍 Stop in or visit our website to learn more about the experience at miami.jaxsonmaximus.com
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
Experience the heart of Jaxson Maximus— where bespoke craftsmanship defines our every detail.
Visit our Miami flagship for a men’s experience like no other 🪄 @jaxsonmaximusmiami
•
#Miami
#Bespoke
#mensstyle
#tailoring
#MiamiBarber
#MensFashion
#ExploreMiami
#MiamiFashion
#flagshipstore
#celebritystylist
#flagshipexperience
Experience the heart of Jaxson Maximus— where bespoke craftsmanship defines our every detail.
Visit our Miami flagship for a men’s experience like no other 🪄 @jaxsonmaximusmiami
•
#Miami
#Bespoke
#mensstyle
#tailoring
#MiamiBarber
#MensFashion
#ExploreMiami
#MiamiFashion
#flagshipstore
#celebritystylist
#flagshipexperience
Our golf collection is more than just performance wear — it’s an extension of our bespoke heritage. 🪡
Each polo, jogger, and accessory is crafted with the same care and precision as our custom suits, ensuring that every piece not only fits impeccably but also exudes quiet sophistication.
Discover our brand that moves with you, for every moment on and off the green at jaxsonmaximus.com 🏌️♂️
Our golf collection is more than just performance wear — it’s an extension of our bespoke heritage. 🪡
Each polo, jogger, and accessory is crafted with the same care and precision as our custom suits, ensuring that every piece not only fits impeccably but also exudes quiet sophistication.
Discover our brand that moves with you, for every moment on and off the green at jaxsonmaximus.com 🏌️♂️
Wherever the day leads— from milestone moments to victories on the green— Jaxson Maximus is there with you. Rooted in bespoke craftsmanship, every piece is designed with luxury at its core, delivering style that moves with you for all of life’s moments.
@jaxsonmaximusperformance
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
Wherever the day leads— from milestone moments to victories on the green— Jaxson Maximus is there with you. Rooted in bespoke craftsmanship, every piece is designed with luxury at its core, delivering style that moves with you for all of life’s moments.
@jaxsonmaximusperformance
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
Not sure what colors actually suit you? Start with your undertone ⬇️
Here are three simple steps to help you decide it, so you can dress with confidence, not guesswork.
Vein Check ✨
In natural light, observe the veins on your wrist:
- Bluish tones suggest a cool undertone
- Greenish hues point to a warm undertone
- A blend of both may indicate a neutral undertone
Sun Reaction☀️
How does your skin respond to sunlight?
- If you burn easily, you likely have a cool undertone
- If you tan quickly, you lean warm
- If it’s a mix, you may fall into the neutral range
Metal Test 💍
Hold silver and gold jewelry near your face:
- If silver enhances your features → you’re likely cool
- If gold brings out warmth and glow → you’re likely warm
- If both suit you? You may be neutral
Not sure what colors actually suit you? Start with your undertone ⬇️
Here are three simple steps to help you decide it, so you can dress with confidence, not guesswork.
Vein Check ✨
In natural light, observe the veins on your wrist:
- Bluish tones suggest a cool undertone
- Greenish hues point to a warm undertone
- A blend of both may indicate a neutral undertone
Sun Reaction☀️
How does your skin respond to sunlight?
- If you burn easily, you likely have a cool undertone
- If you tan quickly, you lean warm
- If it’s a mix, you may fall into the neutral range
Metal Test 💍
Hold silver and gold jewelry near your face:
- If silver enhances your features → you’re likely cool
- If gold brings out warmth and glow → you’re likely warm
- If both suit you? You may be neutral
Tailored from scratch or refined to fit- knowing the difference is knowing how to dress well. Discover when to go bespoke, when to alter, and how both shape the way you show up.
Swipe to learn more —>
Because true style isn’t just what you wear- it’s how it fits.
#Miami
#MensStyle
#Tailoring
#Alterations
#BespokeMenswear
#JaxsonMaximus
Tailored from scratch or refined to fit- knowing the difference is knowing how to dress well. Discover when to go bespoke, when to alter, and how both shape the way you show up.
Swipe to learn more —>
Because true style isn’t just what you wear- it’s how it fits.
#Miami
#MensStyle
#Tailoring
#Alterations
#BespokeMenswear
#JaxsonMaximus
Command every room. Tailored for the men and women who lead⭐️
Only at @jaxsonmaximusmiami
Explore our bespoke services through the link in our bio 📌
Learn more about our brand ✨
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
@jaxsonmaximusperformance
Command every room. Tailored for the men and women who lead⭐️
Only at @jaxsonmaximusmiami
Explore our bespoke services through the link in our bio 📌
Learn more about our brand ✨
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
@jaxsonmaximusperformance
With nearly 40 years of tailoring expertise, our bespoke roots run deep- woven into every stitch, every detail, and every design- it’s the foundation of everything we create.
Explore our Brands ✨
IG: @jaxsonmaximusmiami @jaxsonmaximusperformance
With nearly 40 years of tailoring expertise, our bespoke roots run deep- woven into every stitch, every detail, and every design- it’s the foundation of everything we create.
Explore our Brands ✨
IG: @jaxsonmaximusmiami @jaxsonmaximusperformance
