So you’ve decided to rent a tuxedo for a big day. Maybe it’s a wedding, a prom, a gala, or a fancy date night. Whatever the reason, you want to look sharp and classy in your attire. But how do you take care of a rented tuxedo? After all, you don’t want to ruin it and pay extra fees or damage your reputation with the tuxedo rental services. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you some tips and tricks on how to care for a rented tuxedo, from the moment you pick it up to the moment you return it. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be fine.
Pick the Right Size and Style
The first step to caring for a rented tuxedo is to pick the right size and style for you. You don’t want to wear a tuxedo that is too big or too small, too flashy or too boring. You want to find a balance between comfort and elegance, and match the dress code and the theme of the event, especially on your wedding day. When selecting a rented tuxedo, it’s important to consider the wedding colors or theme to ensure a cohesive look for the entire wedding party, including the groomsmen . Use interactive tools offered by most online rental brands to mix and match pieces and create your perfect look. Here are some things to consider when choosing a rented tuxedo for your groomsmen :
Measure yourself
Before you go to the tux rental store, measure your chest, waist, inseam, neck, and sleeve length to determine your body profile and fit profile. You can use a tape measure or ask someone to help you. Write down your specific measurements and bring them with you to the store, including your shoe and jean size. This will help you find the perfect fit and avoid tailoring by measuring yourself accurately.
Try it on
When you get to the store, try on the tux or black tux that you like. Make sure it fits well and feels comfortable. You should be able to move freely and breathe easily. Check the length of the pants, the jacket, and the sleeves. They should not be too long or too short. The pants should break slightly at the top of your shoes, the jacket should cover your buttocks, and the sleeves should show about half an inch of your shirt cuff. If the tuxedo needs some adjustments, ask the staff to do them for you within a few business days. They should be able to make minor alterations on the spot or within one to two business days. Once they arrive, an email confirmation will be sent to you (if you previously provided an email address) to confirm the details of your rental.
Choose your accessories
A tuxedo is not complete without the right accessories. You’ll need a shirt, a bow tie, a cummerbund or a vest, suspenders, a pocket square, cufflinks, studs, and shoes to complete your tuxedo style. Depending on the occasion, you may also need a hat, a coat, a scarf, or a boutonniere. The accessories should complement the color and style of your tuxedo, and match the event’s mood and tone. For example, if you’re going to a formal black-tie affair, you may want to stick to classic colors like black, white, and silver. If you’re going to a more casual or fun event, you may want to experiment with brighter or bolder colors and patterns. The staff at the rental store should be able to help you pick the right accessories for your tuxedo, and you can also request complimentary swatches from brands like Generation Tux to ensure the perfect color match.
Store It Properly
The second step to caring for a rented tuxedo or wedding suit from Generation Tux is to store it properly. You don’t want to leave it lying around or crumple it in a bag. You want to keep it clean, neat, and wrinkle-free to ensure a positive rental experience. Here are some things to do when storing rented formal wear:
Hang it up
As soon as you get home with your rented tuxedo or wedding suit, hang it up in a safe and dry place. Use a sturdy wooden or plastic hanger that can support the weight of the formalwear. Avoid metal or wire hangers that can damage the fabric or leave marks. Hang the jacket and the pants separately, and make sure they have enough space to breathe. Don’t hang them in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can fade or shrink the fabric. Don’t hang them in a damp or humid place, as this can cause mold or mildew. Don’t hang them in a crowded closet, as this can cause wrinkles or creases.
Cover it up
To protect your rented tuxedo or wedding suit from dust, dirt, or insects, cover it up with a garment bag or a plastic sheet. Make sure the cover is clean and dry, and has some holes or vents to allow air circulation. Don’t use a plastic bag that is too tight or too loose, as this can cause wrinkles or moisture. Don’t use a colored or dyed bag, as this can stain the fabric. Don’t use a bag that has any sharp or rough edges, as this can snag or tear the fabric.
Keep it away from pets and kids
To avoid any accidents or mishaps, keep your rented tuxedo or wedding suit away from pets and kids. Pets can chew, scratch, or shed on your wedding attire, and kids can spill, stain, or rip your wedding attire. If you have pets or kids in your house, make sure you store your rented tuxedo or wedding suit in a closed or locked room, or in a high or hard-to-reach place. If you have to leave your rented tuxedo or wedding suit unattended, make sure you check on it regularly and inspect it for any damage.
Wear It Carefully
The third step to caring for a rented tuxedo is to wear it carefully. You don’t want to ruin it or soil it while you’re wearing it. You want to keep it fresh and pristine for the duration of the event date. Here are some things to do when wearing a rented tuxedo for formal occasions like a wedding party or a black tie event:
Put it on at the last minute
To avoid any wrinkles or stains, put on your rented tuxedo as close to the event as possible. Don’t wear it while you’re driving, eating, or doing any other activity that can mess it up. If you have to travel with your rented tuxedo, pack it in a garment bag or a suitcase, and hang it up as soon as you arrive at your destination. If you have to wear it for a long time, take it off during breaks or intervals, and hang it up or fold it neatly.
Be gentle with it
To avoid any tears or rips, be gentle with your rented tuxedo. Don’t pull, tug, or stretch it. Don’t sit on it or lean on it. Don’t button or unbutton it too often. Don’t put anything heavy or sharp in your pockets. Don’t step on it or drag it. If you have to move around a lot, lift it up or hold it in place. If you have to dance or perform, make sure you have enough room and freedom to do so.
Avoid any spills or stains
Naturally, spills and stains are bad news here, so don’t eat or drink anything that can drip, splash, or smear on your tuxedo. Don’t smoke or vape near your tuxedo. Don’t use any perfume, cologne, or lotion that can stain or discolor your tuxedo. Don’t touch anything that can transfer dirt, grease, or ink to your tuxedo. If you do get any spills or stains on your tuxedo, don’t panic. Blot them gently with a clean cloth or a napkin, and dab them with some water or club soda. Don’t rub them or scrub them, as this can spread them or set them. Don’t use any bleach, detergent, or stain remover, as this can damage the fabric or cause discoloration.
Return It Promptly
The fourth and final step to caring for a rented suit is to return it promptly. You don’t want to keep it longer than you need to or forget to return it. You want to respect the rental agreement and avoid any late fees or penalties. Here are some things to do when returning a rented suit:
Check the deadline
Before you leave the rental store, check the deadline for returning your rented suit. Write it down or set a reminder on your phone or calendar. Make sure you return your rented suit on or before the deadline, preferably during the store’s opening hours. Don’t return your rented suit too early or too late, as this can cause confusion or inconvenience for the staff or other customers.
Check the condition
Before you return your rented suit, check the condition of the suit. Make sure it is clean, dry, and intact with no fit issues. Make sure there are no stains, tears, or missing buttons. Make sure there are no personal items or accessories left in the pockets or attached to the suit. If there are any damages or defects on the suit, report them to the staff and explain what happened. Be honest and polite, and offer to pay for any repairs or replacements if necessary.
Check the receipt
When you return your rented suit, check the receipt that the staff gives you. Make sure it matches the original receipt that you got when you picked up the suit. Make sure it shows the correct date, time, and amount of the return and refund. Make sure it shows any fees or charges that you may have incurred for damages, late returns, or extra services. If there are any errors or discrepancies on the receipt, point them out to the staff and ask for a correction or clarification before proceeding to the checkout process.
Can I Iron or Steam a Rented Tuxedo if it Becomes Wrinkled?
No, you should not iron or steam a rented tuxedo if it becomes wrinkled. Find professional help for tuxedo care to avoid causing any damage to the fabric or altering the tuxedo’s shape. It’s best to consult the rental company for guidance on how to address wrinkles.
Conclusion
Renting a tuxedo can be a great way to save money and time, and to look stylish and sophisticated for a special occasion. However, renting a tuxedo also comes with some responsibilities and expectations. You have to take good care of the tuxedo that you rent and return it in the same condition that you received it. By following the tips and tricks that I shared with you here, you can ensure that you care for your rented tuxedo properly, and avoid any problems or hassles with the rental company. Remember, a rented tuxedo is not yours to keep, but it is yours to enjoy for a limited time. So make the most of it, and have fun in your suit.
If you ever need to rent a tuxedo, reach out to us at Rose Tuxedo, and we’ll do you right. Just make sure you take good care of your tux until you get it back to us.