Helpful Tips: Buying Vs Renting a Tuxedo

We are often asked by our customers if they should buy or rent a tuxedo. Some go to events, some are attending a wedding, sometimes we have a groom who is thinking about buying his own tuxedo but a lot of our customers are not sure if it is worth it. We can give you our professional opinion about when it is better to rent or buy your own tuxedo.

The first reason to buy your own tuxedo is if you want it to fit a very specific way. We will do minor alterations such as coat sleeve length and pant length and if a new size in a garment is needed we will order a new size, but we are NOT a tailor. We typically do not do anything more major than tapering the coat and it is very rare that we have to do this. The reason for this is because we need these garments to fit a range of people with different body types so altering garments too often would wear them out and make them unable to be rented. If you buy your own tuxedo and have it altered to your liking you will never have to worry about getting it altered again, you will be comfortable, and you may not need to even rent a tuxedo again.

The second reason that you may want to buy your own tuxedo is if you frequently go to events or weddings. Instead of having to get measured every single time and picking up the tuxedo everytime, you can get measured once and we'll order the tuxedo in and you'll be set. We have a good number of repeat customers who go to yearly events who eventually decided to just buy their own tuxedo instead. The tuxedo ends up paying for itself the first couple times that you have to wear it. Even if you buy your own tuxedo you can still rent a different color vest and tie if you want to mix it up each year instead of wearing the same thing. Also, you should only purchase your tuxedo if you are attending a wedding and not if you are in the wedding party. The bride and groom will want a very specific style that you may not like later on in the future, so if you rent you will not have to worry about having to keep it.

We sometimes have grooms ask us if they should buy a tuxedo or rent one for their wedding, but the answer is just going to depend on what you are looking for. Certain tuxedos that we carry are not for purchase because they are still needed for rentals and they are no longer being made, so in that case you would have to rent. The other coats that are available for purchase will range in price so it will also depend on how much you are willing to spend. Sometimes a groom is looking for a very specific style that we may not rent, but it is possible that we may have it for purchase. Regardless, just remember that it is your day and that you should be happy with what you are wearing.

Renting a tuxedo is typically best for members of a wedding party, for prom, for one time events. It would also be beneficial for younger kids who are still growing as well as adults who may fluctuate in weight because we can do minor alterations and also provide replacement garments. This way they will not be stuck with garments that do not fit.

If you are interested in purchasing a tuxedo, you are able to do so through us and we have a nice selection of styles you can choose from. Just be aware that not all of the tuxedos that we can sell for purchase will be the exact same styles that we rent, since they have stopped making certain styles. We also have a nice selection to choose from if you decide that renting is best for you.