I have a black tie event coming up. Should I buy, or rent a tuxedo? Renting isn’t exactly cheap. And having one on hand would make it easier to attend events on short notice. On the other hand, I made it this far without one. Maybe just rent it and forget it.

What are your experiences?

Rent it.

Rent.

Unless you're in a social circle or position that entails multiple black tie events each year.

Rent, rent, and rent.

Yep, rent.

Jim

I rented for my sister's wedding and for the first formal concert I sang in (chorus), but when the chorus became a regular item (2 concerts a year) I bought a cheap one.

Renting each time does have the advantage of always having one that fits (bodies do change size over time, you know. . . .)

flashguy

Buy. My wife found a good quality tuxedo on sales at Macys for the same price as I would have paid to rent one for a single occasion.

Check for sales around you.

buy, they're like 200 bucks. I've got 2.

A close friend bought one years ago at a rental place, end-of-season sale, he wears it a couple times a year or more for various affairs. Said it was cheap. Next time I'm up by him, I want to co-ordinate it with a sale so I can get one for myself. I don't have any real use for it, but it would be neat to dress up like James Bond on occasion.

I vote to compare prices, rent-vs-buy, then most likely, buy it!

Don't forget you'll also need a shirt or two, cummerbund, shoes and jewelry to go along with it. One guy I know, who was in my friend's Reserves Unit, wears his uniform dress shoes with his tux.

Buy one. You never can tell when you're going to get a vasectomy on short notice.

Buy. It's not much more than renting it.

I recently paid $200 to rent one..I was surprised it was that much. I'd consider buying.

Rent. I have only needed a tux a few times in my life. If I had bought it, I would have needed a new one each time due to weight change. If you are in a wedding, then you have to wear what the groom picks out.

I do not rent clothing.

Buy one, you won't regret it.

I had to rent one for a company event, which is very common in DC. I bought it, but got a receipt for the price to rent. So my company reimbursed me and I was about $40 out of pocket. After that it was free, and I did use it for some non-company events. Later on I donated to Goodwill. I hope to never again attend a black tie event.

Friend of mine was in a wedding that required a tux. He rented. And got drunk and into a fight at the reception. The rental tux was torn. The rental place wanted 1400 bucks for what should cost around 250 bucks.
Of course, you will be the soul of decorum and sober conduct.
That said.... Damage it, you bought it.
So buying may be best in the long run.
You want to rock the 007 look anyway. Who doesnt! PPK not included.

Rent one. Preferably one in a maroon velour that looks like upholstery from a 1968 Buick.

Never mind, you can buy this beauty for $150. You never know when you’ll be invited to a fancy funeral or wedding.

I attend a formal event about 1.5 times a year. Invest in a good tux. May cost $400-$500. Each year you rent, it is $100+. Pays off in four events.

Brooks Brothers has some reasonable items in that price range as does Men's Warehouse. Nobody is looking at the tag.

A decent pair of shoes will cost about $120.

I used to have three tuxes. the only difference is the jacket. Regular, tails, morning suit.

I dont run in those circles any more

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
I do not rent clothing.

So you BOUGHT a powder blue tux for your prom way back when.... Wowsers.