Definition

Noun: A formal, white shirt specifically designed for men to wear as part of traditional evening attire, typically featuring a stiff, starched front panel. It is conventionally worn with a tuxedo (dinner jacket) for black-tie events.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • He changed into his evening shirt and bow tie before the gala.
  • A proper evening shirt should have French cuffs for cufflinks.
  • The dress code requires an evening shirt with the tuxedo.

Advanced Usage

• "to don an evening shirt": To put on an evening shirt, often implying preparation for a formal event.
  • The gentlemen retired to don their evening shirts before the banquet.

Variants and Related Words

• Dress shirt (n): A formal shirt for men, but not exclusively for evening wear; it can be worn with suits for daytime events.
• Tuxedo shirt (n): Often used synonymously with "evening shirt," emphasizing its pairing with a tuxedo.
• Wing-collar shirt (n): A type of evening shirt with a wing-tip collar, traditionally worn with white tie attire.

Synonyms

• Dinner shirt: A synonym, particularly in British English.
• Formal shirt: A broader term that can include an evening shirt.

Related Phrases

• Black-tie attire: The formal dress code for which an evening shirt is a standard component.
• Starched front: Refers to the stiffened panel on the front of a traditional evening shirt.

Noun

1. a man's white shirt (with a starch front) for evening wear (usually with a tuxedo)