Tuxedo Rentals - Baaaahhh

[Phil_Stein]

So I went in yesterday to pick up the tux I had rented for my brother's wedding.

A few weeks ago I drove 10 miles to the mall, waited 45 minutes for the one guy working at the store to deal with two other people, then me, so I could be properly measured for this. And I put down $25.

I show up yesterday, and first the woman says I have to pay the balance (~$85) before I can try on the resulting tux. It's "store policy". Annoying, but they've got me - what am I gonna do?

I try it on. The jacket (44) is much too big. She offers me another jacket they have laying around (42). It's the right size, but the sleeves are an inch too short. So I need a 42 long - the same jacket I've been wearing for 20 years. It's a good thing I came in for a measurement.

Also, the pants are an inch too long (even hitched up close to my belly button). The shoes are too narrow.

So basically every single thing they measured for is wrong, and I will need to make my third trip to this store today, and a fourth trip next week to return it all. And I get to pay $110 for this privelidge - the rental fee is probably about what the wholesale cost of it all was for the store to BUY, much less rent.

My last tux rental was for another wedding two years ago. Out of town wedding - fly in Friday, get to the tux place ~30 minutes before it closes. My tux is there, with a ginormous milky white stain on the jacket that I REALLY don't want to know what it is. Glaringly obvious, and disgusting. They steam cleaned it (they said) and I picked it up the next morning.

My other brother got married in Corning, New York back in the early 90s. Same deal - fly in (and drive many hours thereafter - Corning is isolated). They have no tux store, so the local general men's clothing store rents tuxes that they ship in from some distant locale. Arrive, and my pants are two inches short and another groomsman is in even worse shape. No way to get properly fitted tuxes in time (again, they're shipped in from a store hours away), so the shop tweaks a few things and we go our merry way in badly fitted tuxes.

Out of ~8 times in my life I've rented a tux, 3 have been really bad. And each time, you pay $80-$110 for this miserable, time consuming experience.

[/rant off]

[Elton]

I hate renting tuxes too. I guess the solution is just to buy one. My gut impression is usually that it would be a lot of wasted cash for something I'd barely wear, but as long as your measurements don't change too much and you go to weddings & other formal occasions every few years, it probably pays for itself relative to renting.

I'm going to a wedding in Edinburgh in the fall and I've been encouraged to rent a formal kilt to wear to it. There is a place in Edinburgh that lets you reserve a formal kilt outfit online, although it requires that you measure yourself and submit your dimensions in an online form, a process which I suspect is just ripe for trouble with the fit when I get there. I also suspect (since I'm told I have to go commando under the kilt) that photos of my bare ass will end up on the internet, but that's a risk I'll just have to take.

[Phil_Stein]

I'm going to a wedding in Edinburgh in the fall and I've been encouraged to rent a formal kilt to wear to it.

See, if I got to go to a wedding wearing a kilt and no underwear, I'd be happy to pay $100 for the privelidge (at least once).

The problem with buying a tux is that wedding parties want everyone to match. In fact, my middle brother already has a tux and wanted to wear that to the upcoming wedding (of oldest brother), thus sparking a fairly serious disagreement between them. It's best to just suck it up and do what the bride/groom want for the day. Then come to QT3 and complain about it.

[Nick Walter]

Interesting, I've never had a problem with a tux rental using various local shops. Maybe I'm an extremely common size or something but I always go in, get measured, and get a tux that is a pretty good fit. Usually the pants are a tad long but the whole hitch-em-up-the-bellybutton trick will solve that and frankly mens pants don't look that bad if they are a little bit long.

[Elton]

The problem with buying a tux is that wedding parties want everyone to match.
Oh, you're right that is a problem. Almost every time I've rented a tux it's had to be part of a matching groomsman's set. Whenever I get married I'd be happy to just let people wear whatever -- kilts, homemade tuxes, wookie costumes -- but my girlfriend will probably be more picky about this stuff.

At least I get to pick my own kilt. The whole outfit includes brogues, knee-high socks, kilt, jacket, a sporran on a chain strap and a gay little tie. It'll most definitely be worth the 35 to 65 GBP for the chance to get all gussied up like this (http://www.nicolsonhighlandwear.co.uk/index.cfm?action=pdet&a=4&b=2&c=1&d=10&g=TEK&s=LOM01).

Edit: Holy shit, the outfits also come with a "Sgian dubh", which I had to look up -- somehow RPGs include every type of obscure dagger except this one (http://www.oregonknifeclub.com/dubh.html).

[Jasper]

We used to use tuxes for ballroom dance events, and it made much more sense to buy them used. It cost less than renting them even once, and the only downside was that the style might be a bit older (which was good for us), and that it was hard to get them to match (less noticeable from a distance, and we just didn't care).

Unfortunately lots of anal retentive wedding organizers need to have everyone's tuxes match, which is how tux rental businesses stay afloat.

[Robert Sharp]

You only need a tux if you are part of the wedding party right? So, just don't have so many close friends, especially unmarried ones. The solution is so simple!

[Old Man Gravy]

Unless you participate in LOTS of events where you need to be in a tux (like Jasper used to), it makes much more sense to just rent them on an "as needed" basis. At most other formal events, the dress will most likely be black-tie optional, and showing up in a tuxedo to these will only guarantee that people will mistake you for the waitstaff and ask you to fetch them drinks. A nice dark suit is as appropriate and much more versatile, and actually, more distinguished in these days when people's association with tuxes is either as the uncomfortable, itchy things they rented for prom or the uniform the service staff sported at some awkward social event they attended in the Crystal Gala Room at the Broadway Marriott Inn & Suites.

And, dude! The Scots-getup wedding is cool, but if I was having to rent a kilt, I'm not sure I'd wear it highlands style.

[Old Man Gravy]

Oh, and I still have my sgian from my best friend's highlands-style wedding in 1999. And the the picture of the groomsmen asses.

[Elton]

And, dude! The Scots-getup wedding is cool, but if I was having to rent a kilt, I'm not sure I'd wear it highlands style.

In what style would you wear it? I've never worn a kilt before so I've no idea what the choices are ... ghetto style? Drunken monkey style? At least the shindig will be full of decked out Scots so I don't think I'll be conspicuous in my Highlandishness.

[BobJustBob]

I just don't wear a tux ever for any reason. Problem solved.

[Old Man Gravy]

Highlands style = going commando (although I don't know why they call it that... did lowlanders wear underoos?)

If you do decide to go Highlands - if anyone asks you if there's anything under the kilt, the proper response is "The future of Scotland" or "The once and future king"

[metta]

Highlands style = going commando (although I don't know why they call it that... did lowlanders wear underoos?)

If you do decide to go Highlands - if anyone asks you if there's anything under the kilt, the proper response is "The future of Scotland" or "The once and future king"

I'm an Irishman who wears a kilt with some frequency. For weddings, I pair it with a Prince Charlie (the jacket with all the silver buttons) and some smart, black brogues, and a 'formal' sporran, which usually has a bunch of dead animal glued to it.

When I wear it casually I throw on any old sweater, a 'day' sporran (just leather and no fur), and a pair of Doc Martens.

Never once, in over 20 years or kilt ownership, have I worn underwear with it, and nor should you. If anyone asks what you have under it, say "That's between me and the almighty... Gimme yer hand! :p

I like never having to fuss with what I'm going to wear to weddings and funerals, and I already know what I'll be cremated in.

The Irish pray on their knees, the Scots prey on their neighbours.

[Jasper]

Unless you participate in LOTS of events where you need to be in a tux (like Jasper used to), it makes much more sense to just rent them on an "as needed" basis.
You missed the part where I mentioned it was cheaper to buy a used tux than to rent one, even once. I rented one for a wedding once, and was shocked at the ridiculous price.

[Old Man Gravy]

Naw, I didn't miss that part. It's just that, as Phil mentioned above, most events that create the necessity for someone to don a tuxedo also require that the tux match those worn by the other unlucky shlubs in the party. So, in most circumstances, one that you own most likely won't do you any good and you'd have to rent anyway.

[Elton]

Highlands style = going commando (although I don't know why they call it that... did lowlanders wear underoos?)

If you do decide to go Highlands - if anyone asks you if there's anything under the kilt, the proper response is "The future of Scotland" or "The once and future king"

Heh, funny lingo. Anyway, the Scots who are getting married AND my girlfriend have forbidden me from wearing anything underneath the kilt. I'll work on my witty replies to the inevitable queries.

[Timemaster Tim]

Well, I own a tuxedo. I bought it for my wedding. The way I figured it, the bride is buying a new wedding dress, why should I settle for used clothing for my wedding? I have in fact, worn the tuxedo since the wedding.

[fire]

Did you wear it to... another wedding? Yours, or someone else's?

[Timemaster Tim]

Did you wear it to... another wedding? Yours, or someone else's?

No, I wore it to a posh New Year's Eve soiree. I was not at all out of place as the entire joint was filled with tuxedo wearing dudes who were not waiters. The waiters did not wear tuxedos by the way.

[Charlatan]

You dudes are obviously not in any kind of orchestra or concert band. Or you'd own your own tux.

You losers! Everyone knows the band kids are the cool ones...

[Bill Dungsroman]

Whatever you do, don't forget to remember to empty all of your shit out of the pockets before returning it.

[RepoMan]

I rented an ivory tux for my wedding from Selix, after nearly totally fucking up with some mall tux shop. Selix actually knew their shit, and gave me the *perfect* tux. I'd recommend them again in a heartbeat. It's a tux shop for grown-ups. Of course, it is right in the professional district in downtown San Francisco, so that's probably why.

[Jasper]

Naw, I didn't miss that part. It's just that, as Phil mentioned above, most events that create the necessity for someone to don a tuxedo also require that the tux match those worn by the other unlucky shlubs in the party. So, in most circumstances, one that you own most likely won't do you any good and you'd have to rent anyway.
Ah, true enough. :-/ But hey, if the bride and groom are planning to fork out thousands of dollars for the wedding, what's an extra hundred per guest?

[Athryn]

I rented an ivory tux for my wedding from Selix, after nearly totally fucking up with some mall tux shop. Selix actually knew their shit, and gave me the *perfect* tux. I'd recommend them again in a heartbeat. It's a tux shop for grown-ups. Of course, it is right in the professional district in downtown San Francisco, so that's probably why.

Selix rocks. I used them for my wedding party, and all the guys said they were good.

I wish wedding dresses were as reuseable as tuxes. I still have mine, I'd like to like, use it for halloween or something. I paid enough for it.

[Jasper]

Wedding dresses are as reusable as tuxes, provided you get a sensible one, rather than a "need to spend money for the big event" one. The same way wedding rings can be sensible, if you don't get a big hard rock in case you have a sudden need to cut some glass.

Most of the married women I know (including my wife) got dresses they can reuse.

[Stroker Ace]

My rental car had 139 miles on it total when I picked it up. Last night my wife discovered a scuffed-up pair of white Lugz shoes behind my seat.

[fire]

Wedding rings can be sensible in the same way that wedding dresses can be reusable? That's a little unsettling. "Hey, hon, mind if we just use my ex's ring in the vows? I think you guys have the same size."

[Stroker Ace]

I think the idea is that not everyone needs to buy a DrDel special, fire.

Edit: Left out an 'a'.

[Athryn]

Wedding rings can be sensible in the same way that wedding dresses can be reusable? That's a little unsettling. "Hey, hon, mind if we just use my ex's ring in the vows? I think you guys have the same size."

I've considered having mine melted down and reworked into something else. Or I might just sell it.

[Met_K]

Specifically, don't forget to empty your pockets of your cell phone, DSLite and 360 before returning it. Some people learned this the hard way.

[Lunch of Kong]

My rental car had 139 miles on it total when I picked it up.

Did a double take on this. For a split second, I thought you were talking about your wife. I need glasses :-)

[Stroker Ace]

I lift the cars in this family.

[Jerry Sizzler]

Phil, was the rental place After Hours? That's who my husband and I used for our wedding, and they were balls-out awful.

...well, not literally.

[Phil_Stein]

Phil, was the rental place After Hours? That's who my husband and I used for our wedding, and they were balls-out awful.

...well, not literally.

Yes, as a matter of fact that is the place.

Went again today to get the 'refitted' clothes. They had told me to come after 11:00. I came at 1:30 pm. They weren't ready. Said come back in 20 minutes. 30 minutes later, I have the stuff - looks ok, but what a pain in the butt.

[Alan Au]

The one time I had to rent a tux, they had a tailor on-site.

- Alan

[Kalle]

Since tuxes are pretty commonly used for student parties in Uppsala (you can easily go to parties requiring formal dinnerwear 10 times a semester if you have the cash/inclination for it) I got a used one when I was studying there. I got good use out of it, and I still have wine stains on the vest to remind me of a kickass free 4-course dinner and dancing event I got to go to as reward for my hard work here. (http://kalmarnation.com/index.php?menu=welcome)

[shift6]

About a year ago I went to Vegas for a wedding as a member of the wedding party. I rented my tux at the same place I had used way back in the day during high school over 15 years ago (proms, etc). The service was still just as awesome and the tux was excellent (fit, condition, etc).

I guess the moral is: when you find a good tux place, stick with it. They won't go out of business and you can always get what you need later.

[stusser]

$100? You should count yourself lucky, I rented a tux 3 months ago for my friend's wedding and it cost me ~$300. However, they were flawless. Tailor on site, no wait, perfect fit, impeccable professionals. If you need a tux in the city, go there. (http://www.eisenbergandeisenberg.com/) No surprises.