White tie is the most formal of all dress codes. It requires a black evening tailcoat, white waistcoat, white dress shirt with stiff front, white bow tie, black dress trousers and patent leather dress shoes. It is worn for state dinners, debutante balls, formal galas and certain royal occasions.

Evening tails — the evening tailcoat — is white tie, the most formal dress code. A tuxedo (dinner suit) is black tie, one level below. The tailcoat has a horizontally cut front with long tails at the back, worn with a white waistcoat and white bow tie. A tuxedo has a conventional jacket length and is worn with a black bow tie.

A morning coat has a single-breasted front that angles diagonally, worn with striped trousers — it is formal daytime dress. An evening tailcoat cuts horizontally across the front with tails at the back, worn with a white waistcoat — it is evening white tie, reserved for the most formal occasions after six o'clock.

Your hire includes the black evening tailcoat, dress trousers, white waistcoat, white dress shirt, white bow tie, dress studs and cufflinks. All fitted and pressed on the premises. Dress shoes can be added for $50.

Evening tails are required where an invitation specifies 'white tie'. In Sydney this includes certain charity balls, debutante presentations, formal university events and diplomatic functions. They are occasionally requested at the most prestigious gala dinners and opera opening nights.