Right away, I am making the assumption that you are not a large man. Larger men should never wear anything patterned, because it only accentuates the body. Especially not a patterned tuxedo. Stick to a dark, or black tux which has a slimming effect, and if possible try to find a subtle pinstripe.
There are four main types of pattern. Everything you can buy is either one of these patterns or is a variation. These are called solid, pinstripe, windowpane and checked. Any of these need to be matched with your character as well as the accessories you choose to wear it with.
The pinstripe tuxedo is under the almost exclusive ownership of the business community. It should never be worn socially, and should always be worn with a plain white shirt and a dark tie.
Pinstripe patterns , which are essentially a power suit type of look, ought not to be worn by those with small frames, as the stripes only make you look even skinnier.
The Windowpane tuxedo is so called because of the placement of the buttons, lapels, and pockets which give it a windowpane look. The Windowpane look is not a pattern in the fabric but rather a visual effect created by the positioning of the fabrics.
While a windowpane and a checked tuxedo may appear similar, they are different due to the fabric. In the checked tuxedo, the checks are actually part of the fabric, while in the windowpane they are not.
While it can be hard to put together the right ensemble, by following a few basic guidelines you can’t really go too far wrong. Just remember that slim men should stay away from stripes, and big men need to avoid big and bold patterning.
If your physique doesn’t match a particular style, steer well clear. You will be wearing it to important functions and will always be wanting to look your very best. It takes a little thought to successfully wear a patterned tuxedo. Always bear in mind never to accentuate any part of your face or frame that needs no emphasis.