The Definitive Guide to Renting a Suit or Tuxedo for Prom

For many parents, this is the first time their school-age child will rent a tuxedo or suit for prom. Most people have no idea what to do about prom suits or prom tuxedo renting.

Well, you are in luck!

When we started, the owners of Suits Unlimited had kids going to prom, and now we have grandchildren going to prom, so we understand what you’re going through.

We rent hundreds of prom tuxedos (and suits!) every year, and we hope this tuxedo and suit rental guide will help!

It should be simple, fun, and stress-free, and we are a local, family-owned business, so we want to keep it that way.

Here are some rules of thumb to help you know what to expect when renting a tuxedo or suit, which will help make the entire experience as painless as possible for you and your prom-goer.

The Basics of Renting a Tuxedo or Suit for Prom

Though you may not want or need all the rental-bit pieces, this is generally what you can expect to receive with tuxedo or suit rental packages (Each formal wear company rents tuxedos, suits and the accessories differently):

• Jacket

• Pants

• Vest

• Shirt

• Long tie or Bow Tie

• Pocket Square

• Shoes

• Cufflinks

• Studs

Don’t get overwhelmed by how many things there are to choose from. 

Suits Unlimited will walk you through it by summarizing your selections.

When selecting a suit or tuxedo to rent, you must pick styles and colors for each of the above. Typically, when you choose a designer or tuxedo/suit style, you’ve effectively selected the jacket, pants, and vest. 

The rest are accessories, shoes, and a shirt. Most tuxedo and suit designers create matching pants, jackets, and vests for every style they design and produce. For instance, if you select an Ike Behar navy tuxedo, this designer offers coordinating navy slim-fit and skinny pants and a navy vest to accompany the jacket. The rest are accessories, shoes, and a shirt.

Other prom-goers seeking to match a long tie or a bow tie and pocket square may want a vest that matches the color and style of their attire. Our experience says that nearly half wear suits, and the rest wear tuxedos. Many junior high school students and parents ask other parents and students what other students are doing. 

Are Tuxedo Rentals More than Suit Rentals?

The rental price for the tuxedo and suit depends on the designer you select, and the fabric used. A Michael Kors tuxedo is on the pricier end, rent-wise. But a Michael Kors suit rental could be, and is often, just as expensive as a tuxedo rental. You are paying for the designer’s label, the high-quality design of the suit or tuxedo, and the high-price fabric used to make the suit or tuxedo. 

Generally, the thicker and more high-quality fabrics used to make the suit/tuxedo, the more comfortable it will be. But you could also find tuxedos cheaper than some suit rentals because the designer isn't as recognizably named, and the fabric and design quality aren’t as developed.

We recommend that you first decide whether you want to rent a suit or a tuxedo for prom and then select an accordingly priced option that fits your aesthetic.

Is It Better to Rent a Tuxedo or Suit for Prom?

Suits are a perfect option for a junior prom. Why? Junior prom is the not-so-formal dance, and when you’re a senior, it is your last stab at turning out the perfect look and going out with a bang! If you get a nice suit for your junior prom, it will allow you to match most attendees to your junior prom and make sure you hardly go clubbing. Senior prom is more formal and celebratory, and it is one time when you should be allowed to stand out and shine with a tuxedo.

How Much Should I Spend on a Tuxedo or Suit Rental for Prom?

That’s a great question! Around prom time, many parents and students call our store wondering how much it costs to rent a suit or tuxedo. That is when we like to sound the alarm for students and parents. 

The initial pricing often quoted is “bare bones,” which doesn’t cover most of the gaps; more on that in the next section.

Suits Unlimited has always offered package pricing. We include everything with the rental and pricing: jacket, pants, vest, shirt, bow tie or long tie, and damage waiver—no surprises! 

Yes, we provide shoe rental for $30! Extras are accessories, such as cuff links. We have five different price points: $99 (not including tax) to $199 (not including tax).

At Suits Unlimited, we price differently. The price is set once you select the tuxedo or suit style, regardless of the accessories or shoes you choose. We prefer pricing this way so there aren’t any surprises after you have picked up all your rental options.

Renting Items Piece-Meal

Other parents call us every year and let us know that their son owns a tuxedo jacket, pants, and shirt and only needs to rent a bow tie, pocket square, colored vest, and shoes. Going on this route is an excellent idea if you can use your own tuxedo or suit. 

Piece-Meal is perfect if you just need a vest or tie or just the jacket alone.  However, if you need pants and a shirt and maybe one more rental item.  It’s more cost effective to rent an entire ensemble and piecing these items together. 

Renting Your Suit or Tuxedo Early

It’s a hectic time of year for formal wear and tuxedo rental stores, with prom season upon us. Besides many prom rentals, stores are also quite busy with spring weddings. Popular styles and colors can become limited when tuxedo and suit inventory suffers during prom rental season. Our experience is that larger and smaller sizes have limited availability this time of year.”

Is It Okay for a Woman to Wear a Suit or Tuxedo?

Of course, she can! We have fit many ladies who choose to wear formal suits or tuxes instead of dresses. We train experts who take measurements and dimensions of the females to make them look good. We will ensure that they fit correctly! Although do keep in mind that these are garments that are cut for men.  There are no darts or tapers that conform customly to a woman’s figure.  It will have a slightly boxier fit.

How to Pick Up Your Tuxedo or Suit Rental

On the Thursday leading to your event, come in and try on your rental and pay your balance. We want to ensure you look great and maybe get a few issues before you go.

Returning Your Tuxedo or Suit Rental

Enjoy your event and bring it back to us the following day. Just hang it back up on the hangers and put it back in the bag. We are open on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.