the Price of Tuxedo Rentals

For the money I spent I got a tux and patent leather wingtip shoes for a weekend. The tux was sized and then reversibly altered to fit me (meaning the tailoring could be undone). They also rented suits and dresses of varying complexity and formality in many styles from a variety of eras. Cost varied with the complexity of the services and the duration of the rental.

They also offered tailoring of the customer's clothes, but the fees were higher than the local dedicated alterations shop.

My sister was getting married and I got tagged to be part of the ceremony, so rather than going in Arizona Formal of a light button-down shirt and slacks, I ended up looking like a penguin, but one in a well-tailored, perfectly black and white tux.

I'll admit the clothes didn't quite feel like they fit right, as they were lumpier about my shoulders and hips than my suits. It probably had to do with the extra fabric that the tux had to have to allow for undoing the tailoring. The alterations and resulting extra fabric, however, were invisible from the outside and I received a lot of compliments on my tux.

I have no doubt that if I'd bought a tux from the company that it would look perfect, and isn't that really the point when it comes to formal clothes?

Look for well-maintained inventory without stains, fading, loose stitching, or frayed hems. Look for a place with a variety of modern styles in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of clients' bodies and tastes. Alterations, if necessary, should be minimal and invisible.

Expect to pay far more for tuxes from brand-name designers, but don't expect the most expensive tux to necessarily be the best tux in the shop for you. Don't be afraid to ask the tailor what he has that will best suit your body and budget.