Few garments in menswear carry the cultural weight of the dinner jacket. Originally created as a relaxed alternative to full evening tails, it has stood the test of time, transcending generations, social classes, and fashion cycles — all while remaining a symbol of timeless elegance.

But where did it come from, and why does it still matter in 2025?

A brief origin story

The dinner jacket first emerged in late 19th-century Britain. It was reportedly commissioned by Edward VII (then Prince of Wales) who wanted a more comfortable version of the tailcoat for informal dinners. His Savile Row tailor crafted a shorter black jacket, which became the basis for what we now know as black tie attire.

The look caught on quickly among the British elite, particularly for private evening gatherings at country estates. By the early 20th century, it had made its way to the United States — where it gained the nickname “tuxedo” after being worn at the Tuxedo Park Club in New York.

Hollywood’s influence

By the 1930s and ’40s, silver screen icons like Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, and later Sean Connery gave the dinner jacket its pop culture prestige. It became synonymous with elegance, charm, and masculinity. For many, it wasn’t just formalwear — it was aspirational.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and red carpet events have brought the style full circle. Actors, musicians, athletes and even royals still rely on the classic black tie look to make a refined impact. From Daniel Craig’s razor-sharp tailoring to Timothée Chalamet’s experimental twists, the dinner jacket remains relevant, admired, and ever-evolving.

Why it’s still worn today

You might wonder: in an era dominated by casual dress codes and streetwear, why has this particular piece endured?

The answer lies in its function and symbolism. The dinner jacket marks a moment — a point in time where effort meets elegance. It’s worn not because one must, but because one chooses to rise to the occasion.

Weddings, galas, awards nights, milestone birthdays — these events deserve to be honoured. And what better way than stepping into a garment that has symbolised distinction for over a century?

The dinner jacket in modern times

Today, men have more freedom than ever to personalise their formalwear. While the traditional black or midnight blue remains a classic, we’re seeing an uptick in:

  • Velvet textures for winter events
  • Jewel-toned jackets (emerald, burgundy, navy)
  • Patterned or embroidered lapels
  • Subtle personalisation like custom lining or monogramming

Paired with polished shoes, a crisp shirt, and a bow tie, it still delivers that unmistakable black tie confidence — only now, with a personal twist.

In summary

The story of the dinner jacket is more than just fabric and fit. It’s about tradition meeting expression, and ceremony meeting self-assurance. Whether you wear it once a year or once in a lifetime, it still holds the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

And perhaps that’s why, in a fast-moving, hyper-casual world, this one piece of tailoring continues to stand tall — not just as a relic of the past, but as a quiet celebration of style done right.