The Cost To Expect Renting A Suit Or Tuxedo

An invitation arrived, but there’s a problem; the messaging says the event is formal dress or semiformal. Either one doesn’t matter because you don’t have a suit at all. Now what? Well, you rent one, of course. There are plenty of options for renting a tuxedo or suit, and it can be done in-person or online. Each one has its requirements to get a suit that fits and works for your event, but technically you can be finely dressed for a special day without owning a darn thing. Of course, there is a cost.

Special Event Means “Special”

Showing up in slacks and a Hawaiian shirt doesn’t count as a semiformal. Remember, special events are usually someone else’s special day unless you are specifically the guest of honor. So, be respectful and dress up. It’s easy with a suit rental, or even a tuxedo rental if needed for a fine attire festivity. That said, most events will do fine with a business suit, which is basically a business jacket, business shirt, tie, office slacks and a pair of business shoes (canvas sneakers don’t cut it).

Is Buying a Possibility?

Sometimes, people take the opportunity of an event to get their first suit, expecting it will be used again and again later. This is common with parents dressing up their teenagers. However, if you don’t see a suit being used in the next month for anything, don’t spend the money on it. You’re better off with a rental when you need it the few times every few years. The difference can be hundreds of dollars when done completing a full outfit. And that means all the accessories, shirt, shoes, cufflinks and belt too.

The Cost of a Rental

A mens suit rental generally is about $100 to $150 per event based on a week’s worth of borrowing. This is a generic value and can fluctuate from vendor to vendor. There may be a few additional items you may need beyond that, such as the belt, tie, dark socks, and inner shirt; these are typically not provided by a rental shop. Expect to spend an additional amount close to $100 for those items as well. The difference, however, is that the accessories will be items you keep versus send back to a rental agency. The one difference with this would be renting special tuxedos like Stroller suits for a wedding. Those come with the vests, ties and additional items included. Standard tuxedos may include bow tie and pocketfold, or not, depending. So, overall, the cost to rent a suit will probably be in total something like $200 to $250 per person. You may be able to obtain a package deal if renting a group, such as a special event for five or ten tuxedos or a groomsmen package for a wedding.

Don't Forget the Deposit Cost

It's almost unheard of that a suit or tuxedo rental vendor today would rent a suit without a deposit. So, expect to need a credit card to charge both the deposit and rental payment. The deposit will come back or be voided if the suit is returned without any problems, stains or damage. Otherwise, you can expect the recovery cost to add another $300 usually from the compromised deposit. 

Renting a suit is not hard. Just give yourself plenty of time to try things out and aim for a comfortable fit, especially if the event is going to go all day or well into the night.