Renting a Tuxedo: What to Expect

In the modern age of food delivery at your fingertips within minutes and Amazon deliveries sent to your door within 24 hours after you place your order, the tuxedo rental industry can be a bit hard for us in the younger generations to understand. Let’s face it, we’re accustomed to not waiting for things. The modern world has adapted to accommodate our need for immediate gratification. That is, except when you’re talking about renting a tuxedo. For the most part, the tuxedo rental industry has yet to evolve to cater to this need. So, what exactly should you expect when renting a tuxedo? What’s the timeline? And what can you expect when visiting different tuxedo rental providers? We’ll run down everything you need to know about renting a tuxedo. Keep reading.

Choosing a Provider:

This decision is probably the most important that you’ll make throughout the tuxedo rental process because after you decide on who you’re buying from, every other step will be different. Understanding the pros and cons of the benefits of different tuxedo rental providers can help you choose which company is right for you and your needs.

Local:

Shopping local when renting a tuxedo probably means three things: 1.) You’re getting a more affordable price, 2.) You don’t need an appointment, 3.) You get a more personalized shopping experience. If you’re someone who prefers in-store shopping, as opposed to online, and doesn’t trust yourself to know or take your measurements, choose a local provider. Most likely, they’ll have walk-in service and provide that personalized shopping experience that individuals without formalwear experience will value. Hint: We also recommend asking if your provider has local inventory, so if replacement pieces are needed, you know you’ll get them in time for your event. 

• Rondinelli Tuxedo Co.
• *Tuxedo Junction

*Tuxedo Junction was recently acquired by Tuxedo by Sarno, the largest tuxedo rental provider on the eastern seaboard, so ‘local’ in this instance is used loosely. 

Nationwide:

Not only do nationwide tuxedo providers have convenient locations all over the country, but they also offer a large selection, so you’re likely to find the style you’re looking for. And, with both of these companies, you do not need to make an appointment to get measured and start the rental process. A downside of a nationwide provider is the pricing; therefore, we recommend shopping around if you’re conscious of your budget.

• Men’s Wearhouse
• Jos. A. Bank

* Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank Clothiers are in partnership and owned by the same parent company, Tailored Brands.

Online:

Ahh yes, the online option – a gen z-er’s dream! And we can’t deny, the convenience of this option is second-to-none, especially if you love to shop exclusively online, if you can help it. The timeline is also quite convenient, as you’ll receive your rental sooner than you would with the other two options (in most cases). Here are the two drawbacks: 1.) This option is not ideal for individuals who don’t have an ‘off-the-rack’ body type 2.) Replacements can be stressful and leave you without another option.

• Generation Tux
• The Black Tux

Timeline:

The timeline of renting a tuxedo can vary widely depending on which tuxedo rental provider you choose. But, industry-wide, you can expect to receive your tuxedo rental about two days before your event. We know, we know, it’s cutting it close. Keep in mind, though, that this is how the tuxedo rental industry has continuously operated, so they’re well-versed in meeting expectations with tight timelines.  If you prefer to receive your rental sooner, consider exploring other options that can accommodate this timeframe. The Black Tux ships your rental to you approximately 10 days before your event. However, if you need replacement pieces, you must ship the return items back to them and wait for replacements. Hint: Local tuxedo rental companies can accommodate two-week rentals that might be a better option for anxious customers.

Cost:

On average, tuxedo rentals cost between $165 and $300, which includes shoes, shirt, vest, cummerbund, or suspenders, as well as accessories such as studs and cufflinks.

Returns:

Depending on the provider you choose, tuxedo rentals must be returned within one to two days of your event. Some providers will charge late fees for rentals not returned within the required return window.

Why Choose Rondinelli?

Local Inventory & Business: Our inventory warehouse is located within an hour of every single storefront, so replacement pieces are only a few hours away at most, making us a very convenient option for customers. We’re also celebrating 75 years as a family-owned business this year, so we have a long history of quality tuxedo rentals.

Pricing: We offer the most affordable option for tuxedo rentals in our area and strongly encourage customers to compare prices and shop around for the best deal on men’s formal wear. We’re THAT confident we’re the best deal in town. Visit any of our locations to shop our exclusive collection today.