Why hire a suit?
Suit hire is an attractive option if you don’t want to buy a suit outright. It makes sense to use a hiring service if you are attending a one-off event or if you don’t often wear suits. It can be a cost-effective way to still look smart and not have invested a lot of money.
If you hire from a professional tailor, you will have access to their expertise, high-quality fabrics, and original handcrafted suits (that they tailor to fit you).
In summary, hiring your suit is:
- Cost-effective
- Not a compromise of quality
- Flexible, as you can hire for any length of time
- Opening your selection of suits to choose from
Tailored suit hire achieves a sophistication that high-street tailors would not be able to compete with. You can understand why from reading about the hire process…
The tailored suit hire process
Book your initial consultation
Making the initial appointment is the first step in the process. You can visit a physical store or request an online consultation.
Before attending this meeting, it is good to have an idea of what type of suit you are looking for, but it is not imperative. Take with you to the appointment: the event date, the invite (if you have one), dress code information, and venue details.
Measurements taken
At your first consultation, your tailor will take your measurements. If you have booked an online appointment, they will talk you through the required steps.
Making decisions
At your consultation, there are several decisions you will have to make, one being the style of suit. You can choose from a whole range, from dinner suit, tuxedo, morning coat etc. This will depend on what type of event you are going to, as you wouldn’t wear black tie to a white tie event. Explore different suit hire styles in our Complete Guide to Tailored Suit Hire.
You will also be asked what type of fabric you want to wear. If it is a winter event, you may want to wear wool or tweed. For a summer occasion, something cooler such as linen or seersucker would work best.
Ultimately, a good tailor will help you decide what style complements your body shape, and which colours complement your complexion too.
Fittings and alterations
The tailors select a suit matching your preference of style, fabric, and colour then begin making alterations using your measurements. This way, a whole new suit is not created but instead reused. This part of the process does not compromise exceptional fit, as the tailoring ensures the suit looks like it has been made for you.
You will likely have a fitting to try on your hire suit, to allow for the final alterations and adjustments to be made.
Collect your suit
Once alterations have been made, you will be contacted to collect your suit. Depending on the provider, you may be required to leave a deposit.
Wear your ensemble
Feel confident in a suit that has been tailored to you. Enjoy your event knowing you are one of the best dressed in the room!
Return it
To complete your rental agreement, return the suit. It is unlikely you will be asked to wash the suit, so make sure to read your rental agreement carefully and make note of what you have and have not got to do. In the case of the suit being stained, marked, or ripped, consult your provider and act from there, as hire services vary.
Suit rentals from a bespoke tailor, like Phillip Alexander, value the customer’s experience. It is not solely the suit that the hire process regards, but your complete experience.
When should I hire a suit?
It is always advised that the further in advance, the better. Reserving your hire suit sooner rather than later allows you to choose from the whole selection of ensembles, instead of what is left. It also leaves time for the required adjustments to be made without a rush.
High demand around wedding and event seasons also should spur you on to book your initial appointment.
Once you have a suit prepared, you can relax.
Where can I hire a suit?
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. Whether you’re preparing for a wedding, black-tie event, or another special occasion, the right suit should make you look and feel exceptional, even when it’s hired.
We have been tailoring gentlemen’s suits since 1876. Are you ready to stand out at your special occasion?
Book an online appointment with our tailors today.
