Whether you decide to rock a suit or tux to prom, most prom-goers are scratching their heads wondering: Should I rent or should I buy?
If you’re on the fence about which option to choose, here’s your guide to looking your best and saving a couple bucks along the way! Because isn’t that what we all want?
Does Renting a Prom Tux or Suit Save Money?
It depends. A rented suit for prom can save money if you plan on only wearing a suit once in your life.
When it comes down to the numbers, the average cost of a prom suit rental is $100-200. Buying a suit from Tip Top ranges between $200-450 depending on the designer and style.
Take the stain and wrinkle-resistant slim-fit suits from G Grafton, for example. Made with a dancefloor-ready 2-way stretch, you’ll be comfortable all day long. Plus, you get the pants for free when you buy the jacket, meaning you get both for under $300.
So, if you’re planning to attend anything after your prom that requires a suit - like a wedding, family party, or job interview - you’ll be saving money.
And while we’re on the topic of saving moolah, if you buy a suit, you can pick up a shirt and tie for $20.23 (in-store only).
Looking For Other Ways to Save Money?
5 Budget-Friendly Prom Tips
How Do Rented Suits Look and Feel?
You know that expression, “any man looks good in a suit.” We beg to differ. Take these ill-fitting moments by everyone’s favourite normcore dad, Adam Sandler.
You don’t want to look like this. But on the off chance that you do want shoulders that fall off your body and pants that drag the floor, you can always rent. Reason being, rental suits are not tailored to fit your exact measurements. Rather, they’re meant to fit thousands of guys across Canada. Those rental pants have been worn by hundreds of guys… literally, hundreds…
Rental suits fit everyone, so they don’t really fit anyone.
So, if you want something that looks like it was made just for you - you’ll have to purchase something tailored.
Plus, rental suits tend to be made of tough, rugged materials to keep up with the constant wear and tear of renters. The result: a suit that’s more stiff and boxy. This means you won’t look as great as you envisioned.
For the best looking and fitting suit, a purchase is the way to go. 2 points - Owning; 0 - Renting.
Is Renting a Suit Convenient?
Sorry, but this is a “No” as well… You may think that we’re biased at this point but who really wants to worry about returning a suit the next day, when you’ve stayed out late and planned on sleeping in.
Most suit rental companies have 24-48-hour return policies. Later than that, you’re incurring late fees… which could have just gone towards buying a well-fitting suit in the first place.
Why not just hang your suit up in your closet and call it a day?
When is a Good Time to Rent?
Despite everything we’ve said, there are occasions when renting makes sense. The most obvious is if you want to wear something bright and costume-y. If you want a bright purple suit or milkshake-inspired tux, a rental is perfect for over-the-top impressions. If you don't imagine yourself wearing something like that regularly, a rental avoids purchase regret.
Another reason is money. Sure, owning a suit pays for itself after 2-3 wears but if you absolutely only have $200, a rental will work. But on the flip side, you don't even have to wear a suit to prom. If you’re open to something more casual, there are tons of options that can work within your budget.
There are also payment plan options like Klarna. Spread out your suit payments over 6 weeks in 4 equal parts. Why not take some stress off your bank account?
Finding the Perfect Prom Suit for Your Budget
Whether you want to wear a tux, 3-piece suit, or a simple ‘fit, Tip Top has the options to help you look your best for prom - and any afterparty that you’re hitting up. If you need some style tips to match your prom date, we have you covered.
With over 80 locations across Canada, you’re never too far from a Tip Top. See what we have in store!