<p>Son has two proms to go to and wants to wear a tux. My friend’s son just rented his for $160!!! (For ONE NIGHT) Is this reasonable??! We’re going shopping tonight- hopefully friend’s son rented the cadillac of all tuxes.</p>
<p>Five and six years ago, my son paid about $95 or $100 to rent a basic tux and shoes (from a different place each year.) We thought we could get away cheaper, but after adding the shoes and I don’t remember what else, this was the unavoidable cost. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the cost has increased since then. The whole prom thing is a huge expense!</p>
<p>OMGOMGOMG
Last year my oldest wore a black suit he owned, so we’ve never done this before. If he rents for 2 different weekends, it’s going to cost a fortune! And dinner plus tickets on top of that!</p>
<p>You should be able to rent a standard tux with shoes for about $55. Any more $$ than this is for special colors,styles, shoes etc. Did you know you can rent a tux at Boscov’s for about $55?</p>
<p>We don’t have that store (Florida). I was going to go up to a Mens Wearhouse up the street. He’s just going to do black. Do you have to wear special shoes (he already owns a pair of black mens dress shoes)?</p>
<p>I didn’t know Mens Wearhouse rented tuxes - maybe we should have checked there. We went to formal rental places. I hope that it is true that you can get one for $55!</p>
<p>As a jr i realized that if I was going to wear a tux more than two or three times in high school then it would be cheaper to buy one. There are some great deals on ebay for tuxes, and I was able to get a tux that retailed for 450 for only 200 dollars. This way I paid less, and I ended up with a tux that I can wear many times, or re-sell to get some money back. It’s worth investigating.</p>
<p>You can buy a plain tux on sale for just a little more than the cost of one rental. I know several boys who did this in their junior year of high school. By the time they graduated most wore them at least 4 times.</p>
<p>I’ll agree with the buying option. In general, after two uses, the tux is paid for. I’ve seen designer tuxes (Calvin Klein, etc…) online for under $300 and you can definitely pick up an ‘After Six’ package for under $150.</p>
<p>Formal shoes are usually black patent. But there’s no reason you can find something at a inexpensive shoe store (think Payless). They aren’t really noticeable…no one is going to be able to tell if they are expensive or not.</p>
<p>My 15 yo son just bought a basic tux for $150 at Men’s Warehouse. He needed it for orchestra receitals and it was more economic to buy vs. rent.</p>
<p>Men’s Warehouse was running a special selling 2 tuxes for $300. My S and a friend each needed a tux so we split the cost and paid $150/each.
You might want to check and see if stores are still running these specials since it might work out costing the same to buy as rent.</p>
<p>As a bonus, we won’t have to run around looking for tuxes to rent when S goes to his Prom.</p>
<p>^They are running a two for $350 right now. (Classic notch/no vent)</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.menswearhouse.com/menswear/browse.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=1408474395560138&bmUID=1176234924244[/url]”>http://www.menswearhouse.com/menswear/browse.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=1408474395560138&bmUID=1176234924244</a></p>
<p>Yep, son bought his as a junior in high school on ebay. Came with everything, $125 included shipping. He has wore it 8 times. Make sure it includes cumberbun, vest or tie (he got both), cuff links, buttons and shoes. I sent it up with him in the fall for college and I think he mentioned needing it soon. That will be 9 in 2 years.</p>
<p>Kat</p>
<p>Kat is right about making sure it includes everything. The basic tuxes at Mens Wearhouse may not include most or all of the items she listed. Also, the special shirt that is worn with tuxes.</p>
<p>My son had to have a tux Freshman year for his musical performances. We bought a really nice, well cut designer one, for $75 at a second hand store. It is so well cut, it looks terrific.</p>
<p>He will have it for proms too (with some different tie and cumberbund, which he will rent).</p>
<p>I say go for buying, and even looking at resale stores!</p>
<p>Son’s also came with the shirt (special tuxedo shirt, pain to iron). It now costs more to have it all cleaned then to wear it!</p>
<p>Kat</p>
<p>Doubleplay - If you’re in S. Florida, PM me and I’ll tell you a great tux rental place where S got the whole outfit, including shoes and accessorites, for $90.</p>
<p>“(Classic notch/no vent)”</p>
<p>The notch lapel is not acceptable for semi-formal wear (too much like a business suit), let alone being “classic”, but then I suppose those who wear them also feel that it is acceptable to wear a full length tie rather than the bow. </p>
<p>If you want “classic” you have only two choices in lapels, either shawl or peaked.</p>
<p>Lots of ‘notched’ lapels here…
<a href=“http://www.afterhours.com/create_a_tux.html[/url]”>http://www.afterhours.com/create_a_tux.html</a></p>
<p>Notched is acceptable…it’s a more up-to-date look, but certainly not against the rules for semi-formal wear. It is considered a traditional look.</p>
<p>I second the motion to buy a second hand tux. It comes in handy for fancy weddings and other festive occasions.</p>
<p>We rented the tux for son’s prom last year and for everything (vest, shirt (colored), shoes, cuff links, jacket, pants) it was about $120-$140.</p>