A Look at U.S. Presidents and Their Tuxedos
When we think of U.S. presidents, we often picture them in sharp suits behind the Resolute Desk or giving a rousing speech. But when the occasion calls for black tie, how have our commanders-in-chief chosen to suit up? From classic elegance to questionable fashion choices, here’s a look at how different presidents have worn the tuxedo.
The Classic Icons: Kennedy and Reagan
Few presidents exuded style quite like John F. Kennedy. His tuxedos were sleek, tailored, and routinely paired with a thin bow tie, reflecting the slim silhouettes of the early 1960s. Kennedy’s effortless elegance cemented his status as a fashion icon, proving that good tailoring never goes out of style.
Ronald Reagan, a former Hollywood leading man, knew how to wear a tuxedo with panache. He favored classic, structured black tie ensembles with wide lapels and a crisp white pocket square—always looking red carpet-ready at state dinners and White House galas. His background in film undoubtedly influenced his presidential wardrobe, making him one of the most polished dressers to ever sit in the Oval Office.
The Rule-Breakers: Carter and Obama
Not every president has stuck to tradition when it comes to tuxedo etiquette. Jimmy Carter, known for his casual Southern charm, sometimes looked a little uncomfortable in formalwear. At his inaugural ball, he opted for a black tux with a wide bow tie—very much in line with the 1970s fashion trends, but not exactly timeless.
Barack Obama, on the other hand, took heat for something seemingly minor: wearing a notched-lapel tuxedo instead of the traditional peaked lapel. Fashion critics were quick to point out that the notched lapel is typically reserved for business suits rather than formal evening wear. But if anyone could pull it off with confidence, it was Obama.
The Outliers: LBJ and Trump
Lyndon B. Johnson wasn’t exactly a style icon, and his tuxedo choices reflected that. He often wore ill-fitting, slightly baggy formalwear, prioritizing comfort over sleek aesthetics. At one state dinner, he famously sported a white dinner jacket with oversized lapels—bold, but perhaps not in the way he intended.
Donald Trump, known for his preference for oversized suits, often carried that look into his formalwear. His tuxedo jackets tended to be a bit longer and looser than the typical form-fitted style of the day, but overall, it’s a classic, understated look that makes perfect sense when you simply accept that your beautiful, stylish wife is going to be the focus of all of the fashion headlines. 
The Timeless Approach: Roosevelt and Biden
Franklin D. Roosevelt, who had local ties to the region (proposing to his wife Eleanor in Fairhaven), set the standard for presidential black tie with his impeccably tailored tuxedos, often with a white pocket square and a perfectly tied bow. His look was formal yet comfortable, setting the bar for generations to come.
Joe Biden, much like Reagan and Kennedy before him, embraces a classic approach to formalwear. He opts for well-tailored tuxedos with traditional peaked lapels and a properly sized bow tie—proof that sticking to the rules can still look great.
A Lesson in Timeless Style
If there’s one takeaway from presidential tuxedo history, it’s that classic tailoring always wins. Whether your style leans toward Kennedy’s sleek sophistication or Reagan’s Hollywood polish, a well-fitted tuxedo never goes out of fashion. And if you’re looking for your own presidential-worthy black tie look, Main Street Formals has you covered.
This Presidents’ Day, celebrate in style—because if history has taught us anything, it’s that a great tuxedo is always a winning choice.
