The Ultimate Guide: What to Wear to Prom in 2025 - Best Prom Suit & Outfit Ideas

Prom season has finally arrived! It’s time to roll out the “promposals” and get the guy or girl of your dreams to accompany you on one of the school year’s most memorable events. While most girls have a clear picture in their head of how they want to look for the night, many guys are left without a clue where to begin.

If you’re wondering what do guys wear to prom to stand out and not pass off as a regular Joe, we’ve put together a short list that will help you achieve just that. From choosing between suits and tuxedos to adding unique accessories, we’ve got you covered through our ultimate 2025 prom guide!

What Do Guys Wear To Prom?

Proms typically require guests to show up in their best formal wear. Girls would often steal the spotlight in beautiful gowns and dazzling jewelry, while boys would show up in stunning suits or tuxedos. Some schools may also go for a more relaxed alternative to set a laid-back vibe, giving students the option to show up in blazers and dress pants instead. The best way to determine what level of formality you’re going for is by confirming the dress code, which would usually be detailed in the prom announcement. From there, we can get to work!

How To Choose The Perfect Prom Suit Or Tuxedo For 2025

Boys can wear almost any suit or tuxedo to prom. It can be hard to fail with either, as they are both generally safe bets. Both types can fall under the formal category, and depending on how you style your suit, you can also give off a more relaxed aura. This section details how you can choose one or the other for this year’s prom night.

Understanding the Difference Between Suits vs. Tuxedos for Prom Night

Suits and tuxedos have a lot in common, but they also have very distinctive styles. Starting off with tuxedos, these would have satin or silk detailing, which would include the lapels, buttons, and a stripe that flows down from the hip to the ankle on each side of the trousers. Speaking of trousers, the ones on tuxedos don’t have belt loops, so make sure they fit snug! Tuxedos are best for formal events and are often paired with a bow tie, a waistcoat, leather shoes, and other accessories.

Now, onto suits. These don’t have satin detailing as every inch is often cut from the same fabric. The trousers will have loops as your belt will often be a standout accessory, along with the option to add a vest and/ or necktie. Suits are great for formal events, but could also work for less dressy occasions.

Prom Suit Trends: Colors, Patterns, and Statement Styles

Suits are a great way to show off your personality. If you’re looking to spice it up but still want to play between the lines, we recommend sticking to bold colors this year. Classic black, emerald green, distinguished navy, dusty blue, or sophisticated burgundy are some of 2025’s top picks.

Getting a suit with patterns or textures is also acceptable. We suggest going for subtle and classic, like pin stripes, subdued jacquards, herringbone, or solid colors, but velvety.

How To Showcase Your Personal Style While Maintaining Formal Elegance

While we believe less is more, we won’t rule out a good accessory or two that can showcase your personal style and get you prom king ready on your own terms. One of our go-tos for a touch of mystery and flair is a prom masquerade mask. Choosing one that matches or complements your suit color works every time!

Top Prom Suit and Tuxedo Styles to Make a Statement in 2025

Are you on the fence about how to style your suit or tuxedo? Let’s take a look at the main contenders side-by-side so you can get a better feel of what works for you and how far you can stretch out your comfort zone for an unforgettable look.

Classic Black Tux vs. Colored Suits: Which Is Right for Your Prom Look?

Bluntly put, if you want to display timeless elegance with a no-brainer of an outfit, the classic black tux is the one for you. With this ensemble, you will look structured, sophisticated, and dignified.

However, if you want a more modern, versatile take that can express your personal style, the colored suit is the perfect prom outfit in 2025.

Velvet, Satin, and Patterned Jackets: Bold Choices for the Confident Prom-Goer

We’re going for the suit? Great choice. Now, let’s talk details.

For a polished look, boys would wear a velvet jacket to prom. For a classic touch, we recommend a satin alternative, and for a unique finish, we would go with a subtle pattern.

Slim Fit vs. Traditional Cut: Finding the Most Flattering Silhouette

You’ve probably seen those videos on TikTok about choosing the right fit in modern times. Don’t let that pressure you into getting a cut that won’t make you feel good. Instead, prioritize comfort and how it feels when you move around wearing it.

However, if you’re curious as to which one works for your body type, that’s an easy take. Those with an athletic build could look better in a streamlined slim fit, while those with a more relaxed demeanor who value flexibility and wiggle room should opt for the traditional cut.

Essential Prom Outfit Accessories to Elevate Your Look

Earlier, we mentioned that the men’s prom masquerade mask is our favorite accessory. While that holds true, you also have a wide range of choices that can help boost your already-winning fit.

Bow Ties, Neckties, and Pocket Squares

The age-old bow tie vs neck tie will never die down, and we totally get it. Neckties are much more versatile and can work for formal or more relaxed settings. If you’re looking for a safe choice, this won’t let you down. However, our rule of thumb is that if it’s a formal event that calls for a fancier energy, go with the bow tie.

When it comes to pocket squares, don’t let them match exactly with your bow tie or neck tie. Instead, opt for complementary colors and fabrics.

Cufflinks, Watches, and Jewelry

Silver or gold cufflinks are great choices, but if you want to get one with more colors, patterns, or made with other materials, this can be a small yet great way to add complementary details. Always keep your cufflinks simple, as these are never meant to overshadow other parts of the look.

For watches, choose one with a clean dial, leather or metal strap, and a slim profile. Don’t wear those that are bulky or too sporty. Lastly, if you want to add more jewelry, having a classic band or statement ring can make you look even more distinguished.

Coordinating Your Corsage to Complement Your Date's Dress

A staple prom accessory is the boutonniere (bought by the girl to give to the guy) and the corsage (bought by the guy to give to the girl). The latter is like a small bouquet worn around the wrist, and should match the girl’s attire. 

The easiest way to choose the right corsage is to find out your date’s gown color and match the flowers to it. If you want it to be a surprise, picking flowers that are either white or red works every time.

Rent vs. Buy: Making the Smart Decision for Your Prom Tux or Suit

Proms are a time for good fun and relaxing after a packed school year. While it’s expected to set aside a budget for it, this doesn’t mean putting a strain on your finances. Weigh out your priorities and make decisions that align with them. We guarantee these adjustments won’t take anything away from your night!

When Renting Makes Sense: Budget-Friendly Options Without Sacrificing Style

Renting is a cost-effective option for choosing your prom attire. Depending on the styles and stores available in your area, you can end up paying significantly less than what you would have spent on a brand-new suit. Moreover, suit rental shops often stock a lot of modern fashion to keep up with market demands. This means you can get the latest trend at a fraction of the price. Lastly, if you are the type who doesn’t want to repeat an outfit too often, it can be impractical to invest in too many suits. Bonus benefit? It’s good for the environment to rent as it promotes the reuse of clothing.

Investment Pieces: Which Prom Suit Elements Are Worth Buying

If you have yet to acquire a suit and foresee a future of multiple occasions that need one, investing in your first could also be a good choice. We suggest getting one that is highly versatile in color and pattern so you can maximize it at varying events.

Tailoring Tips: Ensuring Your Prom Suit Fits Perfectly

If you’ve made the decision to purchase a suit, having one tailored to fit you is the best way to get an accurate and flattering shape. This doesn’t mean having one made from scratch either, as store-bought suits can be altered to meet your needs and preferences. 

Essential Alterations That Make Any Suit Look Custom-Made

To have that custom-made finish, some essential alterations include hemming and tapering the trousers,  making sure the jacket hugs the shoulder right, trimming and slimming the sleeves, taking in the waist, and finally, minding the collar gap.

Timeline for Tailoring: When to Schedule Fittings Before Prom Night

Depending on how much of your off-the-rack suit needs tailoring, you should be able to have your first fitting at least six weeks before prom night.

Prom Night Footwear: Completing Your Ultimate Prom Outfit

We’ve covered a lot, and you’re almost set for prom... almost. Let’s not forget the key finishing touch to any outfit: your footwear!

Classic vs. Contemporary: Choosing Between Patent Leather, Loafers, and Statement Shoes

We know you may have a lot of decisions weighing on the suit alone, so we’ll make this easy on you.

If you’re going with a tux, we recommend the patent leather as these are the perfect pair for any formal event. If you are going with a suit, either the patent leather, loafers, or oxfords are all great choices.

Finally, if you want your shoes to stand out more than the rest of your suit, footwear with subtle texture, embellishments, designs, or even unique material would make for a great conversation starter. No matter what you choose, just make sure you can dance in them!

How To Look Great While Dancing Throughout The Night

At the end of the day, you are guaranteed to look your best so long as you love what you’re wearing, are among great company, and have the mindset to enjoy the night. We recommend thinking less about what guys wear to prom and more about what YOU want to rock this season. No matter the choice, rest assured you can count on The Masquerade Store to hook you up with the best prom accessories in 2025, including the latest prom masks for men and the best matching prom masks for couples.