The age old question for any guy in need of some uber formal digs is whether to rent a tuxedo for your next event or buy one. Renting vs. buying each have their pros and cons and in this article, Styleguyde will help you navigate your decision making process and if renting is the clear winner, we list 7 great places to rent a tuxedo.
Tuxedo Fit
Two issues to think about when considering the fit of a tuxedo. If you want the best fitting tux for your next event, buying a tux is the right way to go. When you rent a tuxedo they typically offer alterations but these are not the same type of alterations you would get at a tailor. Why? because the next guy who rents the tux will have to have it re-altered so they can’t go too crazy with customization.
That being said, tuxedos are typically not worn very often. We all know that in between wears your body is going to change. Gain a few lbs. and that awesome looking trim fit tux of yesteryear won’t be looking so dapper. For this reason, one consideration of fit and the rent v buy questions should be how often you are planning to wear the tux in the next two years.
Cost
Cost is relative. If you buy a $1000 tuxedo and wear it 10 times this is a much better deal that buying a $500 tux and wearing it once. For this reason we break down cost into CPW (cost per wear).
The typical tuxedo rental CPW will clock in around $150. You may pay more or less depending on how many tuxes you rent (volume discount for groomsman), etc. You also get all the goodies with it as well, shirt, cummerbund, cufflinks, sometimes shoes but unlikely.
When buying your tuxedo, the total cost is not just the tux. This cost depends on which designer you choose and the fabric quality. Nordstrom has tuxedos that range from $250 to $3000 and that is just the suit. Then you need the accessories so prepare to add on another $200 to $500 plus shoes.
When it’s all said and done let’s use the nice round number of $1000 as your total cost to buy everything for easy math-sake. If you can get more 7 or more wears out of a tuxedo, it would make sense to buy it. 7 times $150 = $1050. If you are one and done, don’t drop the $1K when you can get away for 15% of that and spend the other 85% of that fatty italian espresso maker that will pay dividends in the long run. Unless of course it’s a keepsake.
Keepsake
If your tuxedo is for a special event, one that you want to remember, buying may be the better choice. I bought my tuxedo for my wedding. I still have it but rarely wear it. To be honest, I don’t really about the CPW as that wasn’t the point. I knew I was going to keep it so buying was my only choice.
If you are not personally tied to the event, renting your tux is probably your best bet. Bonus: you wont have to have it cleaned.
Style
Style is kind of an offshoot that will determine cost and also has the same issues as “fit” above. First off, if you are a guy that loves the spotlight, then you may want to rent. You can get the latest style in crazy colors and then send it back. The velvet purple tux may be cool in Vegas in your 20’s but it is not going to go over very well at the fundraising gala for {enter cause of choice}.
If you buy, you want to go timeless, classic. Think Brando, James Bond, Elvis or whoever you choose. One to two buttons. Black or Navy. Mid-width lapel. Lean to far to get the latest fashion trends and your CPW will be limited to at best 5 years then reserved to the throwback parties as a costume.
Matching
One question that may make a difference in the rent vs. buy argument is do you have to match other people? Look groomsmen, it’s not your choice. Just Do what the groom asks If you need to match everyone else for an event, renting a tux is the way to go. Bottom-line, if you have flexibility in individuality, buying may bump up in the ranks.
If you still cannot decide, just rent your tux. You can always buy one later and the style/fitment clock won’t start until you do. If you do plan on renting here are the 7 best places to rent a tuxedo.
1. Menguin
The easiest way to rent a tux or so they say. Great concept! Get your measurements, order online and the tux shows up at your door a couple weeks before your event. Don’t use for spur of the moment tux rentals, like when your GF drops the last minute Friday night gala invite but if you have time to plan. This service offers everything you need.
Check out our coupons page for current Mengiun Coupons.
2. Mens Warehouse
Men’s Warehouse has an online/in-store tux rental model. Customers can schedule a fitting online then go in-store for your appointment. Works well for both last minute events and those where you have time to plan.
3. GenerationTux
Well, never count a George Zimmer out. GenerationTux is George’s revenge on his firing. Want to know how to get back at your former company that has the wherewithal to fire the face of the company? Take your experience and start your own company, then directly compete with them.
GenerationTux is an online only model similar to Menguin and has a lot of experience behind it. I mean George has been doing this since 1973.
4. Jos. A. Bank
Known for traditional suits, sportcoats and accessories, Jos. A. Bank also offers a tuxedo rental program. They compete in the in-store appointment space where you can schedule a fitting and go into a physical location. They also offer lot’s of deals, free shipping, etc. which we have posted on our coupons page.
5. The Black Tux
Another online only tuxedo rental shop with a stunning website and scheduled delivery. The Black Tux offers a great visual experience for its customers. Website features include scheduled delivery at a preset time before your event, guaranteed fitment and easy, no hassle returns.
6. The Tux Shop
The Tux Shop has been around since I was a kid. Before online was online and the cell phones were in every pocket.
A member of Savvi Formalwear, you go into the store, pick your tux, get fitted then pick it up before you event.
7. Jim’s Formalwear
We love the build a tux feature. Create a tux that is all about you. How awesome is that? They also offer a local tux shop finder which we thought was pretty slick. If you are researching, definitely check them out.
If you have any more spots you would recommend as a place to rent a tuxedo, leave a comment.