The 5 Most Common Suit Rental Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

May 13, 2025

How to Get the Smoothest Suit Renting Experience

When it comes to formal events such as weddings, galas, or special celebrations, choosing the right suit can make all the difference in ensuring you look your best. However, renting a suit comes with its own set of challenges. At The Ballroom Outfitters, we’ve helped countless customers navigate the world of suit rentals, and we’ve noticed a few common mistakes that many people make. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the top 5 suit rental mistakes—and show you how to avoid them—so you can look sharp and confident for your next big event.

1. Renting a Suit That Doesn’t Fit Properly

One of the biggest mistakes people make when renting a suit is not ensuring it fits properly. A poorly fitted suit can make you feel uncomfortable and look sloppy, which is the last thing you want for a formal occasion. It's important to remember that every body is different, and a one-size-fits-all suit won't cut it.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Always schedule a fitting appointment with a professional. At The Ballroom Outfitters, our expert stylists will take your measurements to ensure the suit fits you perfectly.
  • Make sure to try on the suit well in advance of the event. This gives you time for any necessary alterations, ensuring the suit is comfortable and flattering.

2. Ignoring the Dress Code

When renting a suit for a formal event, it’s essential to pay attention to the dress code specified on the invitation. Some events may require a black tie or white tie dress code, which dictates specific suit styles. Renting a suit without considering the dress code could lead to an inappropriate or out-of-place look.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Read the invitation carefully for any mentions of the required dress code. If you're unsure about what’s expected, ask the event organizer or consult with your rental provider at The Ballroom Outfitters.
  • For black tie events, a traditional black suit with a black bow tie is expected. For white tie events, you may need a more formal tailcoat suit.

3. Not Considering the Fabric and Climate

Many suit rentals are offered in a variety of fabrics. While wool suits are classic and timeless, they may not be the best option for a summer wedding or an outdoor event. Choosing the wrong fabric for the season or venue can leave you feeling overheated or uncomfortable throughout the event.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • When renting your suit, talk to the rental experts at The Ballroom Outfitters about the event’s location and season. Lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton are ideal for warmer climates, while wool or velvet is perfect for colder months.
  • If you're attending an outdoor event, consider renting a suit made from breathable fabric to stay cool and comfortable.

4. Renting Accessories at the Last Minute

It’s easy to focus on the main suit, but often, people forget to plan for the accessories that complete the look, such as cufflinks, a pocket square, and a bow tie. Renting these accessories at the last minute or neglecting to order them can result in a mismatched or incomplete look.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Be sure to rent your suit accessories at the same time as your suit. The Ballroom Outfitters offers a wide range of elegant accessories, including cufflinks, pocket squares, and bow ties, that perfectly complement your rental.
  • Always check that you have all the necessary accessories in your rental package, and confirm their availability well before your event.

5. Not Accounting for Proper Shoe Fit

Suit rental companies often offer shoes as part of the package, but many people make the mistake of not properly considering the fit of the rental shoes. Ill-fitting shoes can be just as uncomfortable as a poorly fitting suit, and uncomfortable shoes can ruin your entire evening.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • When selecting your suit shoes, make sure to try them on beforehand to ensure they fit comfortably. If possible, wear them for a few hours to break them in before the event.
  • The Ballroom Outfitters offers a wide variety of stylish formal shoes to complement your suit rental, so you can choose the style and fit that best suits your needs.

Conclusion

Renting a suit can be a hassle-free and affordable way to ensure you look your best at any formal event. However, by avoiding these common suit rental mistakes, you can ensure a flawless, stylish appearance. Whether it's ensuring the perfect fit, choosing the right accessories, or selecting the appropriate fabric, The Ballroom Outfitters is here to help you navigate every step of the suit rental process.

If you’re preparing for an upcoming formal event, visit The Ballroom Outfitters for expert guidance and a wide selection of suit rentals. We’ll help you avoid these common mistakes and ensure you look sharp, confident, and ready for the occasion.

Explore Our Styles now!
Monthly Newsletter
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.