| Should I Rent or Purchase a Tuxedo? | |
| It's important for you, as a consumer, to make informed purchasing decisions. If you are on the fence about renting or purchasing a tuxedo, the brief article below will give you some important points to consider before you make your decision. | |
| In recent years, you may have noticed that many 'big box' and chain retailers are carrying inexpensive retail tuxedos. In many of these stores, you can purchase a coat and pant for $99. These garments have been termed 'disposable tuxedos' by many because of the poor quality in which they were constructed. Before you consider purchasing one of these tuxedos, we ask that you become aware of the following points: | |
| » | The advertised $99 price only includes a coat and pant. Adding a shirt will cost an additional $20-$30, a vest and tie will cost an additional $30-$50, and a pair of shoes will cost about $50. The total cost for a complete tuxedo ensemble can be over $200. |
| » | Typically, retail tuxedo accessories (ties and vests) are only worn once, to match a dress: bridesmaid, prom or other. Assuming your date will be wearing a different colored dress to each event, you will likely have to purchase a $30-$50 vest and tie set every time you attend a function. |
| » | Prior to purchasing a tuxedo, you should take into consideration the cost of maintaining the garment. A typical dry cleaner will charge over $20 to clean the entire tuxedo (coat, pant, shirt, tie and vest). Don't forget that there is an ongoing expense every time you wear your own tuxedo. |
| » | If you wear a tuxedo rental to each of your functions, you have the flexibility to change both tuxedo and accessory style for each event. Simply choose different styles when you place your order! |
| » | Depending on how often your weight fluctuates, there is the possibility that your tuxedo will not fit the next time you need to wear it. |
| » | You should also consider the useable life of a tuxedo that can be purchased for only $99. In a recent experiment, JFW purchased a $99 retail tuxedo from an undisclosed retailer. After five dry cleanings, the tuxedo experienced some de-lamination in the frontal area (this is when the fabric on the outside becomes separated from the fusing on the inside of the jacket.) This de-lamination causes a "puckering" effect on the outside of the tuxedo. While the garment can still be worn, it is a matter of personal preference as to whether or not it is acceptable for continued use. It is also important to remember that this was simply dry cleaning the garment, and didn’t take into consideration the abuse that occurs when the tuxedo is actually worn. |
| » | It is important to remember that the times in your life when you'll be wearing a tuxedo are some of the most special times in your life! These are the times that you should look and feel your very best. The quality of the rental tuxedo you'll receive from any Jim's Retailer is far superior to the quality of any tuxedo you can purchase for $99. There's no question - you will look and feel better in a higher quality tuxedo. |
| If you are certain that purchasing a tuxedo is the best thing for you, keep in mind that you can purchase tuxedos from Jim’s. In addition to many of our rental garments being available for sale, new tuxedos are available for purchase as well. Our tuxedos will last much longer than some of the cheaper alternatives in the marketplace, and you will look and feel much better when you're wearing it! | |
| See our Options to Purchase A Tuxedo page | |
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