Buying vs Renting a Tuxedo: Which Makes Sense for You

Whether it is a black tie wedding, a formal gala, or a one time event, a lot of men default to renting a tuxedo without considering that buying might actually make more sense, depending on how often you expect to need one.

The Case for Renting

Renting makes sense if you genuinely expect to need a tuxedo once and are not sure when the next formal event will come up. It avoids storage and long term care of a piece you may not wear again soon, and rental shops typically offer a range of styles to try.

The Case for Buying

If you attend even two or three black tie events over a few years, weddings, galas, milestone birthdays, buying often costs less over time than repeated rental fees, and you get a tuxedo that is actually built for your size rather than a rental fleet's approximate fit. A tuxedo you own also does not come with the fit compromises common in rental inventory, since rental pieces are built to accommodate the widest range of bodies rather than yours specifically.

Fit Is the Real Difference

Rental tuxedos are generally limited to whatever sizes happen to be in stock at your local shop, often requiring last minute alterations. A made to order tuxedo is produced in your selected standard size, giving you a cleaner fit without the scramble of rental alterations before an event.

Long Term Value

A well made tuxedo, properly cared for, can last many years and many events. If black tie occasions are a recurring part of your life, whether professionally or socially, owning one is usually the more practical long term choice.

Shop Made to Order

Explore our made to order tuxedo collection, made fresh in your standard size and shipped nationwide in about three to six weeks.