The Knot Chicago Weddings Spring Summer 2020_downmagaz.com

FASHION + BEAUTY
It’s no secret tuxedo rentals have a bad rap for
being ill fitting and outdated. Factor in the
multiple trips to a rental shop to buy and later
tailor your look (not an easy feat when you have
an entire party to outfit), and the whole process
can seem even more daunting. So what’s the good
news? Brands like The Black Tux, Generation Tux,
Men’s Wearhouse and Stitch & Tie are reinventing
the rental game. With little more than a measuring
tape, internet connection and spare half hour,
you can pick out a tux or suit (plus shoes and
accessories, if you’re so inclined) and have it all
shipped directly to your doorstep. Below, our
rundown of the new way to rent formalwear.
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THE BLACK TUX
THE SELECTION With the largest
collection of the bunch, The Black Tux
boasts 48 suit and tuxedo rentals
guaranteed to fit any and every wedding
style with options in tried-and-true
neutral shades, plus more fashionforward
colors and prints.
THE FIT Most styles come in a range of
sizes, for a made-to-order look. If you
don’t know your size, use their Fit
Formula to help find what’s best for you
based on answers to a few questions like
your height and weight. You can also visit
any one of their 29 showrooms across
the country to be measured in person.
Your outfit will ship two weeks prior to
your wedding to give you enough time
to make alterations (should they be
necessary). But plan ahead and secure
your rentals at least three months in
advance. The Black Tux will cover minor
alterations to the length of jacket sleeves
or pants—without cutting the fabric—up
to $15 with a receipt. If the thought of
renting a tux or suit without first seeing
it in person makes you nervous, take
advantage of The Black Tux’s free,
at-home try-on. You’ll get to test drive
one of its rentals for up to 48 hours
before you commit.
THE PROCESS The multistep rental
process takes about 25 minutes to
complete. First, choose your tux or suit
and a name for it (like groom). If you’re
looking to differentiate your best man’s
outfit from the rest of your groomsmen,
this will help keep you organized. Next,
build your look with a shirt and
accessories. Then add all your event
details and your measurements. If you
don’t know your size, use their guide.
Shipping is free, unless you’re placing an
order within two weeks of your event date,
in which case it can cost up to $40. Once
the party is over, you have three days to
return the rental with prepaid postage.
STANDOUT SERVICE If you feel like
making a fashion statement at your
wedding, The Black Tux offers plenty of
unexpected suiting options like mixed
tartan prints, gingham, oversize
pinstripes and bold jackets in fun colors
like plum, rose and emerald.
PRICE From $110, TheBlackTux.com
GENERATION TUX
THE SELECTION While Generation Tux has
a smaller lineup of formalwear styles,
with a selection of 21 suits and tuxedos
in classic shades like blue, gray and black,
its extensive collection of accessories
more than makes up the difference. ››
TIME IT RIGHT AVOID COSTLY RUSH-SHIPPING FEES BY STARTING THE RENTAL PROCESS
AT LEAST THREE MONTHS AHEAD OF YOUR WEDDING DATE. THAT WILL GIVE YOU ENOUGH
TIME TO CHOOSE YOUR SUIT OR TUX AND ACCESSORIES, SCHEDULE AN AT-HOME TRY-ON,
COORDINATE WEDDING PARTY RENTALS AND MAKE MINOR ALTERATIONS.
AMY DONOHUE PHOTOGRAPHY