How to Choose the Right Button Studs for Your Tuxedo Shirt
By The Black Tux | Premium Online Suit & Tuxedo Rentals | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick tuxedo shirt studs by metal tone, inlay, and occasion. Compare silver vs gold and onyx vs pearl to match your formal look.
Quick answer
Choose button studs that match your tuxedo's metal tone—silver for cool tones, gold for warm tones—and pick onyx for classic black tie or pearl for a softer, festive look.
Match the metal tone to your tuxedo and accessories
Your studs should coordinate with the metal accents you're already wearing—your watch, belt buckle, and shoe buckles. If your tuxedo has silver-toned buttons or a silver bow tie bar, silver studs will look cohesive. Gold studs pair best with warm-toned accessories and can add a touch of richness to a classic black tuxedo.
Consider your skin tone as well. Silver tends to flatter cooler undertones, while gold enhances warmer undertones. When in doubt, match the metal of your most prominent accessory—that's the safest route.
Onyx vs. pearl: what the inlay says about your look
The inlay—the center of the stud—changes the overall feel. Onyx is deep black and reads as formal and traditional, making it a natural fit for black tie events. Pearl has a subtle sheen that catches light and works beautifully for festive occasions like weddings or holiday parties, where a bit of brilliance is welcome.
Think about the shirt you're wearing. If your shirt has a placket that covers the studs, the inlay matters less; if it's a French-front style that shows the studs, the inlay becomes a visible style statement.
Decision rules for choosing your studs
- Metal tone: Match the stud metal to your tuxedo's buttons and your primary metal accessory. Silver for cool tones, gold for warm tones. Check your watch or belt buckle before deciding.
- Inlay style: Choose onyx for a classic, understated black tie look. Choose pearl for a brighter, more festive appearance. Consider the event type: formal vs. celebratory.
- Shirt front: If your shirt has a covered placket, studs are mostly functional—pick by metal tone. If the studs are visible, let the inlay be part of your style statement. Look at your shirt's placket before finalizing.
- Buy vs. rent: All four stud options are available to buy or rent. If you attend formal events rarely, renting is cost-effective; if you'll reuse them, buying may be better. Estimate how often you'll wear them.
Stud options from The Black Tux
- Silver Onyx Button Studs: Silver Onyx Button Studs feature a silver tone finish with polished brass and a black onyx center, available to buy or rent. The silver finish pairs with cool-toned accessories, and the onyx center keeps the look classic for traditional black tie.
Silver Onyx Button Studs - Silver Pearl Button Studs: Silver Pearl Button Studs pair a silver tone with a mother of pearl center, part of The Black Tux cufflinks and studs collection. The mother of pearl adds a gentle sheen that suits festive events like weddings or holiday parties.
Silver Pearl Button Studs - Gold Onyx Button Studs: Gold Onyx Button Studs bring a gold tone with onyx detailing, made with polished brass and an onyx center. The gold finish works well with warm-toned accessories and still keeps a formal edge with the dark onyx center.
- Gold Pearl Button Studs: Gold Pearl Button Studs feature a gold tone polished brass setting with a mother of pearl center. This combination offers a warmer, shinier look that stands out in festive settings.
Who should choose which
Best for
- Silver onyx studs for traditional black tie events with cool-toned accessories
- Gold pearl studs for weddings or festive occasions where you want a warm, shiny accent
Not for
- Silver pearl studs if you prefer a matte, understated look—pearl adds sheen
- Gold onyx studs if your accessories are silver or cool-toned—mixing metals can clash
