The Art of Couture: Unveiling Franco Uomo's Smoking and Evening Jackets

What are “Smoking Jackets” and how do they differ from Tuxedos and Evening Jackets?

You’ve seen them in the movies and you’ve seen them at cheap department stores: ultra-exotic event jackets for men made out of fancy fabrics with tuxedo lapels. But what are these jackets for, what are their differences, and when do you get to wear them?

What is the difference between a Smoking Jacket, a Dinner Jacket, and an Evening Jacket?

The Smoking Jacket, Dinner Jacket, and Evening Jacket each possess unique characteristics that delineate their purpose and design. The Smoking Jacket, historically crafted for leisurely indulgences, features a softer construction and opulent materials like velvet or silk, often tailored with intricate details.

Franco Uomo Signature Smoking Jacket with Ottoman Shawl Lapel, Couture Gauntlet Cuffs, Jetted Pockets, and accessorized with a Woven Silk Paisley Two-Tone Bow Tie and Luxe Dress Shirt.

The Evening Jacket, often referred to as a Tuxedo Jacket, is tailored for formal events and typically adheres to a more structured silhouette. It's often black or midnight blue with satin lapels and has a peak lapel.

A Dinner Jacket, while sharing similarities with a Dinner Jacket, can embrace a broader range of styles, fabrics, and embellishments. It can be a versatile garment suitable for semi-formal to formal occasions.

Franco Uomo Couture Dinner Jacket with Jacquard Fabric, Ottoman Silk Peaked Tuxedo Lapel and Gauntlet Cuffs accessorized with a Black Silk Bow tie and Luxe Dress Shirt.

What occasions do you wear each jacket for?

The Smoking Jacket exudes an air of sophisticated relaxation, perfect for intimate gatherings, private soirées, or unwinding in style at home. Traditionally, men would take off their Tuxedo or Evening Jacket and put on a velvet smoking jacket to absorb the smoke from their after dinner cigar so that it didn’t get into their dinner clothes. Today, smoking jackets are good to wear for later-evening events that are slightly casual. We also commonly make them for Grooms to wear to the Reception after their wedding.

Evening Jackets are the epitome of formal attire, ideal for black-tie events, galas, elegant formal dinners, or weddings. They are also common to be worn by grooms during their ceremony.

Our groom Sergei wearing a Shawl Lapel Tuxedo Dinner Jacket for his wedding at Nestledown in Los Gatos.

A Dinner Jacket can be thought of as “after the event.” It can be a way to either “step up the fashion” with more eccentric fabrics or style options or “step down the formality.” A Dinner Jacket can be worn by a groom to his wedding reception or to a New Years Eve Party.

Our groom Sergei changed into this Signature Ivory Evening Jacket with a White Silk Shawl Lapel after his wedding ceremony for the reception.

What are "Gauntlet Cuffs," and when should a jacket have them?

Gauntlet Cuffs, a mark of luxury and detail, extend the sleeve's lining beyond the outer fabric, creating an elegant contrast. Franco Uomo's Couture Smoking Jackets offer the option of Couture Satin Silk or Ottoman Gauntlet Cuffs, adding a distinguished touch. They elevate the jacket's elegance, making it suitable for more formal gatherings or occasions where refinement is paramount.

What is the difference between a true bespoke dinner jacket and an inexpensive option from the department store?

A true bespoke dinner jacket, like those meticulously crafted at Franco Uomo, is a testament to skilled craftsmanship and individual tailoring. Each garment is made-to-measure, ensuring a flawless fit that complements the wearer's physique. The attention to detail, quality of materials, and precision in construction sets them apart from mass-produced, low-quality alternatives found at department stores. Franco Uomo's commitment to exquisite craftsmanship and personalized tailoring guarantees a garment that exudes exclusivity and refinement. Over 100 exotic designer fabrics are available to choose from at our showroom on Santana Row.

Franco Uomo Signature Evening/Dinner Jacket with Safari Ivory Fabric and an Ivory Silk Shawl Lapel with Gauntlet Cuffs, Silk Covered Buttons, Jetted Pockets, and accessorized with a Black Silk Bowtie.

How much are Franco Uomo Signature Smoking, Dinner, and Evening Jackets?

At Franco Uomo, excellence meets affordability. Our Couture Velvet Smoking Jackets start at $2,595, offering unparalleled craftsmanship and luxurious materials. Meanwhile, our Jacquard and Luxury Fabric Evening Jackets, crafted with Marzoni fabrics, start at $2,995, promising sophistication and refinement tailored to your preference.

Dinner Jackets typically take 6 weeks to create but are available in as little 3 weeks. Orders with luxury fabric must be submitted by December 3rd to be received by New Years Eve to avoid express production charges.

Embrace the pinnacle of sophistication with Franco Uomo's Signature Smoking and Evening Jackets, where style meets individuality in every stitch and fold. Book a Lifestyle Style Consultation today!