When it comes to formal events, most men would agree that a tuxedo is the best option. They're sharp, they're stylish, and they make you look like a million bucks.
But there's one problem: tuxedos can be expensive. Really expensive. So why are tuxedos so expensive? And is there any way to get around paying those high prices?
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the reasons why the cost of tuxedos can be so high and explore some ways to save money on your next formalwear purchase. We'll also provide some tuxedos from Flexsuits that won't break the bank and fit right into your body and budget. So whether you're gearing up for prom or your next black-tie event, read on for all the information you need to get a great deal on a killer tuxedo.
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How Much Does It Cost to Buy A Tuxedo?
The cost of a wedding tuxedo varies, similar to a wedding dress. The biggest factor that determines price is whether you rent or buy the tuxedo. Tuxedo rentals begin at around $200, whereas buying a tux may be more expensive - $500 to $1,000. Although it may seem like renting would be cheaper in the long run, if you plan on wearing it to formal events frequently, investing in your own personal tux could pay off. Not to mention, you can tailor it to fit your body perfectly and style it exactly how you want.
6 Things That Make the Tuxedos Expensive
Letting the cost of a tuxedo rental or purchase stop you from looking your best at your next formal event is no way to live. However, we understand that tuxedos are a significant investment. To help you understand why tuxes come with a high price tag, we've compiled a list of six factors that contribute to the cost of these dapper garments.
1. Wedding Suits Need Alterations
When you buy a tuxedo off the rack, chances are it is not going to fit you perfectly. You may end up buying a tux that it:
- Too big in the shoulders.
- Too long in the arms.
- Too tight in the waist.
- Too loose in the legs.
That's why most people who buy tuxedos have them altered by a tailor. Alterations can add up quickly, especially if you need more than just a hem or sleeve length adjustment. If you want your tuxedo to fit like a glove, be prepared to spend a little extra on alterations.
Some retailers include the cost of alteration in the purchase price while others do not, so be sure to ask before you buy.
2. Custom Made Tuxedos Can Be Heavy on The Pocket
While there are many "off the rack" tuxedos available, some people prefer to have their tuxedo custom-made. A custom-made tuxedo is going to cost more because you are paying for the designer's time and the materials used.
A custom-made tuxedo is the best way to get a perfect fit. If you are planning on wearing your tuxedo frequently or if you have an unusual body type, a custom-made tuxedo is worth the investment.
The more intricate the design, the higher the price tag is going to be. If you want a tuxedo with embroidery, special stitching, or other unique details, you can expect to pay a premium.
3. Premium Fabric Used
Tuxedos are usually made with premium fabrics such as satin or silk. The most expensive tuxedos use satin made of silk fibers. Silk is a luxury fabric that is used in high-end fashion garments. While you can find less expensive (and less luxurious) fabrics such as polyester, these fabrics are not as common in tuxedos.
No matter what fabric your tuxedo is made of, you can expect to pay more for a tuxedo than you would for a pair of jeans or a casual shirt.
4. Tuxedos Truly Are A One-Time Investment
When you buy a tuxedo, you're making a long-term investment. A well-made tuxedo should last you for many years, even decades. And if it's properly cared for, it will only become more valuable over time. So when you compare the cost of a tuxedo to the cost of renting one every time you need one, it's really not that expensive. In fact, it's quite a bargain!
5. The Perfect Cuts Call for Long Hours of Labor
A tuxedo is not just any old suit. It's a work of art. And like any masterpiece, it takes many hours of painstaking effort to create. From the initial consultation with the tailor to the final fitting, there are dozens of steps involved in creating the perfect tuxedo. And all of those steps require skilled labor, which doesn't come cheap.
6. Tuxedo Accessories Might Cost You An Arm and A Leg
A tuxedo is not complete without the proper accessories. And those accessories can add up quickly. A quality shirt, cummerbund, bow tie, cufflinks, and shoes can easily set you back a few hundred dollars. But trust us, they're worth it! After all, you want to look your best on your big day.
7. Tailoring a Tuxedo is Tricky
Tailoring a tuxedo is not like tailoring a regular suit. It's a much more complex process, and it requires a higher level of skill. That's why it's important to find a tailor who is experienced in tailoring tuxedos. Otherwise, you run the risk of having a poorly fitting tuxedo.
And that's why tuxedos are so expensive. They're intricate, detailed garments made with premium materials and require hours of skilled labor to create. But trust us, they're worth the investment.
8. The Tuxedo Rental Industry is Expensive
Huh? You read that right. The tuxedo rental industry is expensive. In fact, it's one of the most expensive industries out there.
The average cost of renting a tuxedo is $100. And that's just for the basic package. If you want to add on accessories like a shirt, cummerbund, bow tie, cufflinks, and shoes, you're looking at an additional $50 to $100.
Related read: How to Pick the Right Tuxedo for Wedding According to Your Body Type [Interlink: How to Pick the Right Tuxedo for Wedding According to Your Body Type]
How Much Does It Cost to Rent A Tuxedo?
The average cost to rent a tuxedo is $150-$400, but the price depends on which brand you want to wear. For example, a Calvin Klein rental might be cheaper than a Joseph Abboud, which in turn might be less expensive than renting something from Ralph Lauren.
In most cases, the price of a tuxedo rental already includes accessories like a shirt, shoes, cufflinks, and studs. So, you're actually getting quite a lot for that cost. If you're the groom and have enough groomsmen to help pay for their own rentals, it might not cost you anything at all, depending on where you rent from.
Some rental companies even offer discounts if the entire wedding party rents their tuxedos from the same place.
When it comes down to it, the cost of a tuxedo is really a matter of personal preference. If you want the very best, be prepared to pay for it. But if you're on a budget, there are plenty of options available to you as well.
Whatever your budget, there's a tuxedo out there that's perfect for you. So start shopping around and find the one that makes you look and feel like a million bucks!
Should I Rent Or Buy A Tuxedo?
If you attend black tie events frequently, we suggest you purchase a tuxedo instead of renting one. Although the initial investment may be higher, rental prices will add up over time, and it is ultimately more convenient to own your own tuxedo. There is some hassle with tuxedo ownership--you will need to get it dry cleaned and pressed after each wear and store it properly--but we think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Plus, owning your own tuxedo means that you'll always have it on hand when you need it. No more last-minute scrambling to find a rental! And if you take good care of your tuxedo, it will only become more valuable over time.
So if you're ready to make the investment, we say go for it!
You won't regret it.
Tips To Save Money When Buying A Wedding Tuxedo
If you're shopping for a tuxedo on a budget, there are a few things you can do to save money.
1. Check Out Rental Companies First
Rental companies typically have a wide selection of tuxedos to choose from, so you're sure to find one that fits your budget. Plus, the price of a rental already includes accessories like a shirt, shoes, cufflinks, and studs. Again, it is not uncommon for the groom's rental to be free with a certain number of groomsmen rentals.
2. Shop Online
There are a number of online retailers that sell tuxedos at a fraction of the cost of traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Just be sure to read the fine print before making your purchase. Some retailers charge exorbitant shipping and handling fees, so it's important to factor that into the total cost of the tuxedo. Online stores like Flexsuits offer great deals on tuxedos without breaking the bank.
Also, you have versatile options to compare pricing within a single screen which is a big time saver.
3. Buy Off-Season
If you're not in a rush to buy a tuxedo, we suggest waiting until the off-season to make your purchase. Tuxedos go on sale after peak wedding season (usually late summer/early fall), and you can often find great deals on clothing and accessories.
3 Affordable Tuxedos You Can Buy Online
Since we're all about helping you save money, we've rounded up three affordable tuxedos that you can buy online [Interlink: The Best Men’s Tuxedos for Any Formal Occasion].
Formal occasions can be expensive, but they don't have to be. If you're looking for a stylish, affordable tuxedo that won't break the bank, look no further than the Black 2 Button Notch Lapel Slim Fit Tuxedo from Flexsuits. This tuxedo is perfect for any formal occasion, and it comes in a variety of sizes, so you're sure to find the perfect fit.
The Black 2 Button Notch Lapel Slim Fit Tuxedo is made from a wool touch, stretch fabric that is wrinkle resistant. The jacket has a narrow notched satin-faced lapel, and it fastens with two buttons in the front. The trousers have a flat front and are unhemmed so that you can tailor them to your exact specifications. This tuxedo also includes a black bow tie and pocket square.
The White Notch Lapel Modern Fit Tuxedo is perfect for formal occasions. The tuxedo comes with a full-lined jacket with a two-button closure, and the pants are flat front and tapered. The tuxedo has a modern fit, and the lapels are notch. There are side vents and flap pockets in the front. The two-button single-breasted closure makes it easy to put on and take off. The fabric is polyester/rayon/spandex and is wrinkle-resistant.
In the market for a sharp, well-fitting, and affordable tuxedo? You're in luck! We've found the perfect tuxedo for you. The Blue 1 Button Shawl Lapel Slim Fit Tuxedo is one of the best tuxedos you can buy online.
Here's what we love about it:
First and foremost, this tuxedo looks great. It has a low-cut front and flat front pants that give it a slim, modern silhouette. The jacket is full-lined and features a shawl lapel made from satin fabric. And speaking of fabric, this tuxedo is made from a wool touch stretch fabric that is wrinkle-resistant. That means you'll look sharp no matter what.
What's more, this tuxedo is also very affordable. You can buy it online for under $140. And if you're looking for a tuxedo to rent, this one is also available for rental at many formal wear stores.
FAQs
Is a tuxedo better than a normal suit?
A tuxedo is a specific type of suit that is worn for formal occasions. A tuxedo typically has a satin lapel, and the trousers usually have a satin stripe down the side. A tuxedo is generally more expensive than a regular suit because it is considered more formal.
Do I need to wear a tuxedo to a black-tie event?
Yeah, a tuxedo is pretty much required for black-tie events. You might be able to get away with wearing a dark suit, but it's always best to err on the side of formality when it comes to these types of events.
How much should I spend on a tuxedo?
How much you spend on a tuxedo depends on a few factors, such as how often you plan to wear it and whether you want to buy or rent it. If you're planning to wear a tuxedo occasionally, we suggest renting one for around $100-$200.
Conclusion
Tuxedos can be expensive, but there are good reasons for it. If you are planning on buying a tuxedo for your wedding, keep in mind that you will likely need to factor in the cost of alterations and, potentially, the cost of customizations.
In addition, the fabric used in a tuxedo is usually of a higher quality than what you would find in an "off the rack" suit. All of these factors contribute to the higher price tag of a tuxedo, but ultimately, it is up to the individual bride and groom to decide if the extra expense is worth it for their big day.
