Of all the attempts to improve black tie since its heyday in the 1930s there is only one innovation I would endorse unconditionally: the fly-front shirt.
Post-thirties creations first suffered from the addition of excessive flair to the original garments (coloured jackets and ruffled shirts of the ’60s and ’70s) then departed too radically from fundamental form (knee-length coats and tie-less mandarin-collar shirts of the 1980s) then stripped formal wear of its very formality (notch-collar 2-button jackets and long ties of today).
The fly-front shirt is instead reminiscent of how the regular turndown-collar shirt was enhanced in the ’30s with French cuffs, jeweled studs and a decorated bosom to elevate it to the level of refined evening wear. In fact, it could be argued that the new style is a natural evolution of the formal turndown. By hiding the fastenings with a concealed placket the shirt takes on a less fussy look suitable for today’s relaxed fashions yet maintains a more refined appearance than a regular dress shirt.
Just make sure to choose a model with a reinforced bosom that provides the shirt with its brilliant white contrast (or at least wear an undershirt). The bosom can be either plain or decorated.
BOSS "Black" tuxedo shirt with plissé bosom.
Unfortunately elegance such as this doesn’t come cheap. Currently it seems that these shirts are available only from high end shirtmakers such as Armani, Kiton and Turnbull & Asser, the latter being the creator of the shirt featured in Casino Royale. The most economical option may be Hugo Boss models available at retailers such as Nordstrom and Buy4LessTuxedos.com.
jonas åberg
January 10, 2012
My fly-front tuxedo shirt has a pleated front. I initially wondered if a pleated front definitely calls for shirt studs but I kind of assumed that this was a question of personal taste.
I’m hoping I was correct.
Peter Marshall
January 10, 2012
I would agree that the decoration of the shirt front is simply a matter of personal taste.
David V
January 10, 2012
I’ve just recently come around to thinking that the concealed button front shirt is quite nice.
Adam L
January 11, 2012
This is what I’ve gone with since I started wearing black tie. It’s the perfect middle ground. Sans decoration, it is easily cared for and doubles for businesswear.
Jovan
January 15, 2012
It is quite nice.
It should be said that some online shirt makers will make these for far less than those companies.
S. Basile A
February 10, 2012
I honeslty think the fly front Tuxedo shirt is simply classy and great for my minimalist personality. It also gives a clean look
Evan
April 8, 2012
“astor turnbull”??? please tell me that was an intentional joke.
Peter Marshall
April 9, 2012
No, I’m afraid that was a complete gaffe on my part. Thanks for pointing out the error!
Jake
December 7, 2012
I recently purchased a fly-front tuxedo shirt with a plain white bib from Express. It was very reasonably priced and I am very pleased with it.