Hiring a suit can open up a whole new level of style and confidence for a gentleman, whether it’s for a black-tie event, a day at the races, or a wedding. However, approaching the suit hire process without the right knowledge can quickly turn an exciting experience into a stressful one. From poor fit to last-minute decisions, there are several common mistakes that can impact how you look and feel on the day.
By familiarising yourself with the most common pitfalls people encounter when they hire a suit, you can avoid unnecessary issues and feel confident in the suit that you find.
Last-minute planning
Although suit hire is often seen as a convenient way to attain a suit for an event, leaving the ordering, collection, or try-on until the last minute is a major mistake.
Many suit rental services experience seasons of high demand, such as wedding season, race events, and end-of-year celebrations for schools and businesses. This means that late ordering can result in your ideal suit not being available.
In our opinion, it is best to be organised. Book your consultation ahead of time and ensure your peace of mind. We recommend booking your hire suit at least 2 months in advance of your event, as you will have access to a larger range of suits and have time for suit fittings.
Learn more in our Complete Guide to Luxury Tailored Suit Hire.
Choosing style over fit
After looking online or seeing friends’ suits, you may be set on the style of suit you’d like to wear. However, sometimes, the suit you like will not complement your body shape. An experienced tailor knows how to dress an individual in a suit that exudes class and confidence, even if that means compromising on your desired style.
Ensure you prioritise fit over style, and not vice versa. The most important thing is for your suit to fit you well, and not seem too large or small, whilst enhancing your features. The wrong type of suit can do the opposite, and you want to avoid this.
Not trying on the suit
One of the last steps in the suit hire process is to try on your ensemble. If you leave it until the day of the event, when it’s too late to change anything, what are you meant to do if something is not right?
Don’t wait until the very last moment to find that the suit is too tight around your shoulders, or that the suit jacket sleeves are too short. Try the suit on at the earliest opportunity to prevent this from happening.
However, you can avoid this altogether when hiring from a professional suit tailor, as you will attend several fittings to alter your chosen hire suit.
Forgetting the dress code
If you’re attending a formal event, there will likely be a dress code; you mustn’t ignore it. Wearing the wrong style of formal wear will make you stand out for all the wrong reasons.
Consult your invitation or ask the organiser for the dress code. The event may ask for black tie, white tie, morning suits, or a traditional three-piece.
Suit Hire from a professional tailor
If you’re looking for suit hire in Manchester or the North West, Phillip Alexander is a world-class bespoke tailor based in Cheshire and Savile Row. Prepare ahead of time, whether it’s for a wedding, black-tie event, or another special occasion.
Our tailors will assist you in finding the perfect suit, then tailor it to your measurements to ensure you feel like your best self.
We have been tailoring gentlemen’s suits since 1876. Are you ready to stand out at your special occasion?
