Overview
Pique and Pinwale tuxedo shirts are formal shirts that have a special
stitching or pattern to the fabric or bib of the garment. Pique tuxedo
shirts are worn at ultra formal evening weddings and white tie events
while pinwale simply adds a bit of depth to the styling of the shirt.
Both styles accentuate sophistication and elegance more than any other
shirt, formal or not. They are the pinnacle of formal shirts.
Styles
Both pique tuxedo shirts and pinwale tuxedo shirts are available in wing
collar, laydown collar and sometimes banded / mandarin collar. 100%
cotton pique or pinwale shirts typically have French cuffs while the
poly/cotton blends have barrel cuffs.
Pique
The pique tuxedo shirts fabric is made with a tightly woven fabric
with various raised patterns. Typically these patters are diamond like
shapes that continue through either the bib of the shirt or the entire
shirt. The less expensive formal pique shirt will have only the pique on
the bib (front of shirt) while higher end tux shirts will be made
entirely of a pique cotton.
Pinwale
The term used for "pinwale" refers to pinwale corduroy
with is a fabric that is made with narrow ribs. Don't worry, it doesn't
make noise when you walk like corduroy pants do. The ribs are so tight
that they it's hard to notice beyond a few feet, but they certainly add
sophistication and elegance to the tuxedo shirt.
Fabric and Blends
The actual fabric used to make pique and pinwale formal shits is almost
always 100% cotton, though you may find them in poly/cotton blends. We
recommend all cotton. The cotton accentuates the details of the pique
and pinwale fabric and provides a more elegant and sophisticated look.
Colors
Pique tuxedo shirts are available in white only. Pinwale formal shirts
are available in white and at times other colors. Since these are ultra
formal shirts, adding color changes their formal level to simply formal
and not ultra formal.
Durability and Comfort
In 100% cotton both of these shirts are long lasting and very
comfortable, in blends (if you can find one), they are highly durable
but a little rigid. We suggest all cotton.
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