Short answer
A dinner jacket commonly refers to the jacket worn with black-tie evening dress. The precise garments and terminology vary by country; use the invitation’s stated dress code and ask the host if it is unclear.
Is a dinner jacket the same as a tuxedo?+
Essentially yes in modern usage — "dinner jacket" is the British term for the jacket; "tuxedo" is the American one. Both refer to black-tie evening tailoring with silk-faced lapels.
When is a dinner jacket required?+
It is required when the invitation specifies black tie. “Black tie optional” allows another dark formal suit as an alternative, while “evening formal” can mean different things to different hosts; check if uncertain.
Answer reviewed by Bonturberg Editorial Review and dated 2026-09-08. For a question not covered here, write to sales@bonturberg.com with the garment, city or order details that would help us answer.