white wing collar tuxedo shirt with pleats

[MacInLaw]

What a timely and interesting thread. I say it is timely, because I just purchased a new tuxedo shirt yesterday (without having the benefit of reading this threat). I did however have the chance to consider much of the debate and opinions shared here. Here is where I ended up:

10+ years ago when I purchased my mess kit (Royal Canadian Navy), it was de rigour to have a pleated front wing collar tux shirt. I bought one, and I was fashionable. Some of the old salts still had fold down collars or plain fronts but anyone who had bought a shirt within the previous 10 or so years had the same shirt I did. Now that variation was not because of uniform regulations: the regulations called for a "tuxedo shirt" without specifying specifically whether pleats or what collar was necessary. The variation had to do with fashion trends.

Now this summer, I've been invited to a black tie wedding. Having purchased a civilian tuxedo for the occasion, I wanted to know what shirt I should wear with it. Not trusting the Internet wit large, I turned to the people I trusted the most: my former ship mates. I figured these guys still wear black tie at least a few times a year (far more than any one else I know well). Rather than call my friend, the Cox'n (RSM), I did what any self-respecting Man-of-Fashion would do… I looked up recent pictures of the young, handsome Killicks (Corporals) in their bib and tuckers. Turns out, these guys who (i) still have the physique and bravado to want to look good (b) have wives and girlfriends who make sure they dress well and (c) have bought their kit within the recent past all are wearing plain front, roll collared shits.

Guess what I ordered?

Ultimately, I think the style of shirt one wears is a matter of fashion-- and fashion is subject to the taste of wearer, the time, and place.