Formal Clothes Rental: The Smart Way to Rent a Suit for Any Occasion
Updated: Mar 6
Think about the last time you bought a suit for a wedding, prom, or formal event. How many times have you actually worn it since? If the answer is once—or not at all—you’re not alone. The reality is, most formalwear gathers dust in closets, taking up space and wasting money. Even worse, the fashion industry’s obsession with new outfits for every occasion fuels a cycle of overproduction, textile waste, and environmental harm.
But what if you could look sharp, save money, and reduce fashion waste—all without committing to a purchase? That’s where formal clothes rental comes in.
Renting a suit is no longer just a last-minute solution for groomsmen. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to embrace sustainability without sacrificing style. Whether you need a sleek tuxedo for a wedding, a tailored suit for a gala, or a polished ensemble for prom, renting lets you access high-end fashion at a fraction of the cost—without the guilt of wasteful shopping.
In this guide, we’ll break down why renting a suit is a smart, sustainable choice, compare it to buying, and highlight top rental platforms worldwide. Plus, we’ll share expert tips to ensure your rental experience is smooth and stress-free. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to suit up sustainably for your next big event.
Why Renting Formal Clothes Makes Sense
Investing in a formal suit might seem like a smart decision, but for most people, it’s an expensive purchase that rarely gets worn. Whether it’s for a wedding, prom, or corporate event, suits often end up sitting in closets, taking up space, and going out of style before they get a second use. Instead of spending hundreds—or even thousands—on a suit that may only see the light of day once, renting offers a practical, stylish, and sustainable alternative.
The Sustainability Factor
The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters in the world, and formalwear contributes to the problem. Many suits are made from synthetic fabrics that require significant resources to produce and often end up in landfills. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the equivalent of one garbage truck of textiles is wasted every second.
By renting a suit, you’re actively participating in the circular economy, where clothing is reused rather than discarded. This reduces:
Textile waste, as fewer new suits need to be produced.
Carbon emissions, since clothing production is energy-intensive.
Water consumption, as suit production requires thousands of liters of water per garment.
Cost-Effectiveness
Formal suits are expensive, especially for high-quality brands. A well-tailored suit can cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,500. If you only wear it once, that’s a huge cost for minimal use. Renting allows you to wear a designer suit at a fraction of the price—often for less than $100—without the financial commitment.
Renting also eliminates the need for costly maintenance, including dry cleaning and storage. Many rental services take care of cleaning and minor repairs, ensuring that your suit arrives in perfect condition and is ready to wear without extra effort.
Convenience & Flexibility
Renting a suit is no longer a hassle. Many online rental platforms offer:
A wide selection of styles and sizes to suit different body types and fashion preferences.
Home delivery and return services, eliminating the need to visit a store.
Flexible rental periods, so you can keep the suit for as long as you need.
For people who frequently attend formal events, renting also provides access to new styles and trends without the guilt of fast fashion. Instead of owning a single suit that might look outdated in a few years, renting lets you refresh your look for every occasion.
By choosing to rent instead of buy, you’re making a smarter, more sustainable choice—one that benefits both your wallet and the planet.
Renting vs. Buying: A Detailed Comparison
Investing in a high-quality suit can feel like a rite of passage, but does it always make financial or practical sense? In today’s world, where sustainability and cost-effectiveness are key considerations, renting a suit offers a compelling alternative. Let’s break down the key differences between renting and buying a suit so you can decide what works best for your needs.
Cost: Renting Saves You Money Upfront
A well-made suit can cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,000, and that’s before factoring in tailoring, dry cleaning, and accessories. If you only wear formal attire occasionally, renting is the more budget-friendly choice. Rental prices typically range from $50 to $200, depending on the style and designer, making it a fraction of the cost of buying.
When renting makes sense: If you need a suit for a one-time event like a wedding, prom, or gala, renting allows you to look sharp without making a long-term financial commitment.
When buying makes sense: If you attend multiple formal events a year and prefer a tailored fit, investing in a suit could be more cost-effective over time.
Sustainability: Renting Reduces Fashion Waste
The fast fashion industry produces 92 million tons of textile waste annually, much of it from clothing that is rarely worn. Buying a suit you’ll only wear once or twice contributes to this problem. Renting extends the life cycle of clothing by ensuring suits are worn multiple times before they are retired, reducing both waste and resource consumption.
Additionally, many suit rental services are embracing eco-friendly practices such as using green dry cleaning methods and sustainable packaging. By choosing to rent, you’re making a conscious choice to reduce fashion’s environmental impact.
Variety and Access to Designer Styles
When you buy a suit, you’re often limited by budget, meaning you may have to settle for something less than ideal. With rentals, you can access high-end, designer suits that might otherwise be out of reach. Whether you’re aiming for a classic black tuxedo or a modern velvet blazer, rentals offer the flexibility to experiment with different styles for different occasions.
Bonus: Rental services frequently update their collections to reflect current trends, so you’ll always have access to fresh, stylish options.
Maintenance and Storage: Hassle-Free with Rentals
Owning a suit comes with responsibilities. You’ll need to dry clean it regularly, store it properly, and possibly get it altered over time. On the other hand, rentals typically include dry cleaning services and hassle-free return policies, saving you time and effort.
Why renting wins: If you don’t want to deal with long-term maintenance, renting takes care of everything for you.
Long-Term Value: Investment vs. Convenience
If you attend formal events frequently, a well-chosen suit can be a good long-term investment. However, for those who rarely need formal attire, renting is a more practical and sustainable option. Instead of letting a suit sit unused in your closet, you can rent only when needed, ensuring your wardrobe stays minimal and efficient.
Final Verdict: When to Rent vs. When to Buy
Factor | Renting | Buying |
Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
Sustainability | Eco-friendly, reduces waste | Can be wasteful if rarely worn |
Variety | Access to trendy, designer options | Limited to budget |
Maintenance | No dry cleaning required (usually included) | Must clean and store |
Long-Term Value | Ideal for one-time use | Cost-effective if worn frequently |
For those who only need a suit occasionally or want access to premium styles without the price tag, renting is the clear winner. However, if you regularly attend formal events and prefer a tailored fit, investing in a well-made suit could be worthwhile in the long run.
No matter which option you choose, being mindful of sustainability and cost ensures you make a smart fashion decision.
Where to Rent a Suit
When it comes to renting suits, several platforms cater to both men and women, offering a range of styles suitable for various formal occasions. Below are some notable services to consider:
SuitShop
Founded in 2016 by Jeanne Foley and Diana Ganz, SuitShop aims to revolutionize the suiting industry by offering affordable, size- and gender-inclusive suits for every body and occasion. Their mission is to elevate the special occasion outfitting experience for all, providing stylish and accessible suiting options that cater to men, women, nonbinary individuals, and children.
Environmental Commitment
SuitShop is dedicated to sustainability, striving to minimize the environmental impact of their manufacturing processes. They exclusively partner with certified socially responsible factories that adhere to high labor and safety standards, ensuring fair and humane working conditions. In 2021, SuitShop introduced their Eco Stretch fabric, crafted from recycled poly thread, with 38% of its composition made from plastic bottle waste. This innovation reflects their commitment to creating durable, stylish suits while promoting environmental responsibility.
Why Choose SuitShop?
Affordability: Offering high-quality suits at prices often lower than traditional rentals, SuitShop ensures you can own your suit without breaking the bank.
Inclusivity: With a broad size range and designs for all genders and ages, SuitShop provides suiting options that make everyone feel confident and stylish.
Sustainability: By focusing on eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices, SuitShop allows you to make a fashion choice that's both stylish and environmentally conscious.
Convenience: With user-friendly online shopping, virtual appointments, and showrooms in multiple cities, SuitShop makes the suiting experience seamless and enjoyable.
Choosing SuitShop means supporting a brand that values inclusivity, sustainability, and quality, ensuring you look and feel your best for any occasion.
Rent the Runway: Empowering Sustainable Fashion Choices
Rent the Runway (RTR) was founded with a transformative vision: to democratize access to high-end fashion and empower individuals to feel their best every day. By pioneering the concept of the "Closet in the Cloud," RTR enables customers to rent, subscribe to, or purchase secondhand designer apparel and accessories, offering unparalleled flexibility and variety. This innovative approach allows members to explore diverse styles, whether for daily wear or special occasions, without the commitment of ownership.
Environmental Commitment
At its core, Rent the Runway is dedicated to promoting sustainability within the fashion industry. The company's business model encourages customers to "buy less and wear more," effectively reducing the demand for new garment production. Key environmental initiatives include:
Carbon Emission Offsetting: Since fiscal year 2022, RTR has offset 100% of estimated carbon emissions from shipments to and from customers, mitigating the environmental impact of transportation.
Waste Reduction: RTR aims to divert 90% of waste from its warehouse operations from landfills by the end of fiscal year 2026. This commitment extends to nearly 100% of unusable clothing, which is redirected through resale, donation, or recycling programs.
Displacement of New Production: By promoting rental over ownership, RTR plans to displace the need for the production of at least half a million new garments by fiscal year 2026, thereby conserving resources and reducing environmental strain.
Why Choose Rent the Runway?
Opting for Rent the Runway offers numerous advantages:
Sustainable Fashion: RTR's rental model provides access to designer fashion without the environmental costs associated with manufacturing new clothing. By choosing RTR, you're actively participating in a circular fashion economy that prioritizes sustainability.
Diverse Selection: With a vast array of designer brands and styles, RTR caters to various tastes and occasions, ensuring you can find the perfect outfit without the commitment of purchase.
Empowerment Through Style: RTR's mission is to empower individuals to express themselves confidently through fashion. By offering flexible rental options, RTR enables you to experiment with styles and trends, enhancing your personal expression.
By choosing Rent the Runway, you're not only accessing high-quality fashion but also contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future in the fashion industry.
Nuuly: Fashion Forward with a Sustainable Vision
Nuuly, launched by URBN in 2019, aims to redefine the relationship between consumers and clothing. By offering a subscription-based rental service, Nuuly provides access to a diverse array of styles, encouraging individuals to experiment with fashion without the commitment of ownership. This model promotes a dynamic wardrobe that evolves with personal tastes and trends.
Environmental Commitment
Nuuly is dedicated to minimizing its environmental footprint through several key initiatives:
Circular Fashion: By facilitating the rewearing of garments, Nuuly extends the lifecycle of clothing, reducing the demand for new production and thereby conserving resources. Garments are meticulously inspected, mended, and treated for stains to ensure longevity.
Re_Nuuly Program: Damaged or retired rental items are repurposed into new designs through the Re_Nuuly initiative. Collaborations with designers like Zero Waste Daniel have led to unique capsule collections crafted from upcycled materials, exemplifying innovative approaches to waste reduction.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Nuuly utilizes reusable shipping totes made from post-consumer recycled materials. Each tote replaces approximately 40 traditional cardboard boxes, significantly cutting down on packaging waste. These totes are also responsibly recycled at the end of their lifecycle.
Why Choose Nuuly?
Opting for Nuuly offers several advantages:
Sustainable Style: Embrace fashion flexibility while contributing to environmental conservation. Nuuly's rental model reduces the need for new garment production, thereby lowering your personal fashion footprint.
Diverse Selection: Access a wide range of clothing from various brands and designers, allowing you to explore different styles without long-term commitment.
Cost-Effective Fashion: For a monthly fee, enjoy a rotating wardrobe of high-quality pieces, making it an economical choice for those seeking variety without the expense of purchasing new items.
By choosing Nuuly, you're not only enhancing your personal style but also participating in a more sustainable and responsible fashion ecosystem.
FashionPass: Elevating Your Wardrobe Experience
FashionPass aims to provide an ever-changing wardrobe that allows individuals to look and feel their best without breaking the bank. Their mission is to make fashion accessible and enjoyable, offering a rotating closet delivered right to your door.
Environmental Commitment
By offering a rental service, FashionPass promotes a circular fashion economy, reducing the demand for new garment production and minimizing textile waste.
Why Choose FashionPass?
Diverse Selection: FashionPass offers a wide range of clothing items, allowing you to experiment with different styles and trends without the commitment of purchasing.
Convenience: With their user-friendly app, you can easily browse, select, and manage your rentals on the go. The service includes free shipping both ways, free dry cleaning, and insurance, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Affordability: For a flat monthly fee, you can rent multiple items per order, making it a cost-effective way to keep your wardrobe fresh and exciting.
FashionPass offers a practical solution for those looking to enjoy fashion responsibly.
How to Rent a Suit: Step-by-Step Guide
Renting a suit is easier than ever, but to ensure a seamless experience, it's important to plan ahead. Whether you're renting for a wedding, prom, or formal event, following these steps will help you find the perfect fit, avoid unexpected fees, and make the most of your rental.
Choose the Right Rental Platform
Start by researching suit rental services that fit your needs. Consider factors like:
Location & Shipping – Some platforms only operate in certain countries, while others offer international shipping.
Suit Styles & Sizes – Look for a service that offers a variety of styles, fits, and sizes, including options for women’s suits.
Rental Duration & Pricing – Some rentals last a few days, while others offer weekly or monthly options. Compare pricing to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Sustainability Practices – Opt for companies that use eco-friendly dry cleaning, reusable packaging, or carbon offset programs.
Select Your Suit
Once you've found the right rental service, browse their collection and choose a suit that matches your occasion. Consider:
Fit & Style – Slim-fit, classic, or modern? Double-check size charts and reviews to ensure a proper fit.
Event Dress Code – Make sure your selection aligns with the formality of the event.
Accessories – Some rental services offer dress shirts, ties, pocket squares, and shoes as add-ons.
Check Rental Duration & Fees
Before confirming your rental, carefully review the terms and conditions. Pay close attention to:
Rental Period – Make sure the rental timeframe allows enough time for delivery, wear, and return.
Deposit & Late Fees – Many services require a security deposit, refunded upon return. Late returns can incur additional charges.
Cleaning & Damage Policies – Some companies include dry cleaning, while others expect you to return the suit in a certain condition.
Try It On Early
Order your suit well in advance to allow time for any necessary adjustments.
Check the Fit – Move around in the suit to ensure it’s comfortable. If the fit isn’t quite right, some platforms offer free exchanges.
Look for Any Issues – Inspect for stains, loose stitching, or other imperfections as soon as it arrives.
Return It On Time
After the event, follow the return process to avoid late fees.
Use the Original Packaging – Most companies provide a prepaid return label—be sure to use it.
Follow Cleaning Instructions – If dry cleaning is required before return, factor that into your timeline.
Confirm the Return – Keep any tracking receipts until the company confirms they’ve received the suit.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a hassle-free rental experience while saving money, reducing fashion waste, and making a sustainable choice. Next, we’ll explore some of the top suit rental services worldwide.
Tips for First-Time Renters: How to Get the Best Experience
Renting a suit for the first time? Whether you're preparing for a wedding, prom, or formal event, knowing what to expect can make the process smooth and stress-free. Follow these expert tips for first-time renters to ensure the perfect fit, avoid hidden fees, and make the most of your rental.
Choose a Reputable Rental Service
Not all rental platforms are created equal. Look for services with high customer ratings, clear policies, and a wide selection of styles and sizes. If possible, choose a platform that specializes in suits for your specific event—some focus on weddings, while others cater to business or black-tie attire.
Know Your Measurements
The key to a great-looking suit is the fit. Many rental services provide size guides, but don’t rely on guessing. Instead, get professionally measured at a tailor or use a measuring tape to check your chest, waist, shoulders, sleeve length, and inseam. If you’re renting online, check the platform’s fit guarantee—some offer free exchanges if the suit doesn’t fit perfectly.
Book Early to Secure the Best Options
Popular suit styles and sizes sell out quickly, especially during wedding and prom season. To avoid last-minute stress, reserve your suit at least 3-4 weeks in advance. This gives you enough time for adjustments if needed and ensures you get the style you want.
Understand the Rental Terms and Fees
Before committing, read the fine print. Pay close attention to:
Rental duration – How long can you keep the suit? Is there an option to extend?
Late fees – What happens if you return it late?
Damage policies – Are minor alterations allowed? What if the suit gets stained?
Deposit requirements – Some platforms charge a refundable security deposit.
Knowing these details upfront can help you avoid unexpected charges.
Try It On as Soon as It Arrives
Don’t wait until the day of your event to try on your suit. As soon as it arrives, check the fit, fabric quality, and condition. If something feels off, contact customer service immediately—many rental services offer size swaps or minor alterations.
Plan for Accessories
Some rental packages include ties, pocket squares, and cufflinks, while others don’t. Make sure you know what’s included so you can coordinate accessories in advance. If you’re looking for a fully styled look, consider renting shoes and belts as well.
Return It On Time and in Good Condition
Most rental services require you to return the suit in its original garment bag. Avoid extra fees by following these steps:
Remove stains immediately using a damp cloth—never try to wash or dry clean it yourself.
Pack everything (including accessories) as instructed.
Ship or drop it off on time to avoid late fees.
By following these tips for first-time renters, you’ll not only look your best but also enjoy a hassle-free, sustainable alternative to buying a suit. Next, let’s explore the best platforms where you can rent high-quality suits worldwide.
Conclusion: Suit Up Sustainably with Formal Clothes Rental
Renting a suit isn’t just a convenient alternative to buying—it’s a smarter, more sustainable choice that saves money, reduces textile waste, and gives you access to high-quality styles without long-term commitment. Whether you're preparing for a wedding, prom, gala, or business event, suit rental allows you to look sharp while making an eco-conscious decision.
By choosing a reputable rental platform, knowing your measurements, and planning ahead, you can ensure a seamless experience. Plus, with rental services available worldwide, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect fit without adding to the wastefulness of fast fashion.
If you’re ready to embrace a more sustainable approach to formalwear, explore our recommended rental platforms and find the perfect suit for your next big event.
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