4. FIGURE OUT WHERE TO SHOP
Chain stores
Smaller boutiques
Every purchase you make should be thoroughly researched, and a tuxedo rental is no exception. Experts in the industry recommend that you rent only from a dealer that "makes you feel confident." A reliable outlet will give you the peace of mind that your order will be filled on time and that the alterations will be done properly.
A reliable tuxedo shop will guarantee that your order will be ready when you need it. To find such a vendor, you should begin your research early. Ask friends and relatives who have rented formalwear and had good experiences. Word of mouth is really the only way to find a company that you know will fit you in the proper monkey suit for any occasion. If youre feeling particularly risky, there are always Internet sites, including tuxedosonline.com and Tuxedo House, but we suggest that you find a real store.
Don't expect to go into a shop and spend $15. (What do think this is, cheapo? 1962?) The consensus among formalwear professionals is that you should expect to spend between $50 and $150, which is pretty steep considering you have to give the darn thing back two days later. For the simple black cookie cutter tux, you will pay the bare minimum. If, however, you decide to go with a designer look or an upgraded silhouette, you can expect to spend more. If you want to dress to impress, youre going to have to lay out some bucks.
There are two main types of tux shops: large chain stores and smaller boutiques.
Chain stores
These kinds of places offer a wide range of sizes and styles and are usually the most reasonably priced. Most tuxedo rentals will range between $50 and $100. Of course, you could always choose to spend $9.99 and get yourself one of those lame tuxedo T-shirts. But that would make you a loser. Large chains are inexpensive, quick and painless. They will usually have many basic styles and colors of ties and cummerbunds.
Smaller boutiques
Small boutiques offer a greater selection of designer looks and classic, elegant accessories. Attention is more personalized and the alterations may be slightly more precise. The cost is usually a little higher at these destinations, but for the debonair, money-is-no-object type of gentleman, boutiques are an ideal choice. Of course, if you were a debonair, money-is-no-object type of gentleman, youd own your own tuxedo already. Our verdict: go to a large chain store.
