Renting a tuxedo: what to check before you take it

Before you take a rented tuxedo home, check four things: that you have tried it on at the showroom and had it altered to fit, that there are no stains, loose buttons or faulty zips, that the accessories included are complete, and when exactly it must be returned. All four are done at the counter, and they spare you the kind of trouble that always seems to surface on the evening you need the suit. Here is a list to work through.

Try it on at the showroom and have it altered

A rental is only worth wearing if it fits you. At Mon Amie you try the suit on at the showroom and, if needed, it is altered to fit. While you try it, check the main points:

• Shoulders and collar. The shoulder seam sits on your shoulder point and the collar hugs your neck.
• Sleeves. About one to one and a half centimetres of shirt cuff shows.
• Waistband and hem. The waistband fits without being hauled up, and the hem just touches the top of the shoe. Bring your real shoes so the tailor can set the length.
• Movement. Sit, raise your arms, walk a few circuits, as described in tuxedo fittings: what each one checks.

If the suit does not fit yet, say so during the fitting. Do not take it home thinking you will fix it on the day, because last-minute changes are hard.

Look for stains, buttons, zips and seams

A rental has passed through other hands. Even though it has been cleaned and pressed, give it a careful look under good light, in this order:

1. Collar and lapels. Where skin touches and where satin tends to discolour. View the lapel from several angles, because glossy satin shows marks at a slant.
2. Underarms and lining. Look for marks, odd smells or loose lining stitches.
3. Buttons. Jacket, sleeve and satin-covered buttons should all be present, firm on their shanks, with the covering unscratched. The sleeve and waistcoat buttons should be complete too.
4. Zip, hook and waistband. Run the zip up and down several times, fasten the hook and the waistband button. A stuck zip or a loose hook is a real embarrassment in the middle of a party.
5. Hem and satin braid. The braid runs straight, is not frayed and the edge has not lifted; the hem has not come undone.
6. Pockets. Put a hand in and check the lining is not torn and the pocket mouth lies flat.

If you find a fault, point it out and ask for it to be dealt with, or for another suit, before you leave. Recording the condition when you collect also keeps things clear for both sides at return.

Accessories included: ask exactly

A complete tuxedo is more than a jacket and trousers. Ask what the rental covers and tick each item:

• Jacket and trousers
• Waistcoat or cummerbund, if the style has one
• Shirt, if rented with it
• Bow tie or tie, pocket square
• Cufflinks, studs
• Shoes, if offered

Anything not in the rental you will need to arrange yourself. Knowing the minimum set helps you avoid a missing piece at the last moment; see the minimum tuxedo accessory set. Rental prices depend on the style and on what the set includes, so ask your consultant for specifics.

The return date and other questions

This is the point people forget until the deadline has passed. As soon as you collect, ask clearly:

• Return date and time. Which showroom, and by what hour.
• Late return. Is there an extra charge and how is it calculated.
• Damage or marks. What counts as normal wear and what you would be responsible for. Red wine spilled on the jacket and a cigarette burn are two common examples.
• Deposit. Whether one is asked and when it comes back.
• Adjustments after you take it home. If it does not feel right when you try it on at home, whom to contact and within what period.

Write the answers down, or ask the consultant to confirm them by message on Zalo. When everything is clear from the start, returning the suit takes a few minutes.

When to consider having one made instead

If you hire a suit several times a year, or want one that fits your frame exactly, a bespoke suit may make more sense. Should you rent or have a tuxedo made and renting, buying off the rack or going bespoke help you weigh it by how often you will wear it and by budget.

Book a rental fitting at Mon Amie

Look through the options on the tuxedo rental page, then book a fitting at a showroom so your consultant has the suit and accessories ready. Bring this list when you collect, checking and asking as you go, and the consultant will answer each point.