There is something classic and magical about wearing a tuxedo, but these days owning one’s own tuxedo doesn’t make much sense. So when the special occasion arises, it’s important to know where to go to get your dapper on. If you’re in the Windy City, here are some of the best places to rent a tuxedo in Chicago.
Sometimes referred to as a penguin suit, the tuxedo or tux came about as the shorter jacket became a replacement for the more formal tailcoat. Though it may seem that there is only one kind of tuxedo, there are in fact a set of standards that accompany the traditional tuxedo. However, since modern times have allowed for a loosening of standards and a reinterpretation of tradition, it is up to the wearer to decide just how he will wear his tux. Some of these choices include style of the white collared shirt, vest or cummerbund, tie color and knot type, and accessories such as top hat, gloves or spats. When you are choosing where to rent your tuxedo, make sure you know of any accessories you wish to have so you can ensure that the rental shop has what you want.
For a tuxedo rental shop with history, legacy, and established quality, look to Norman’s Formal Wear. A family-owned business, Norman’s has been helping blokes look well-groomed since 1951, and to this day prides itself on fitting anyone of any size with the right tuxedo. Since Norman’s warehouse is in Tinley Park and not in a nationwide catalog, you can try on the tux you’re thinking of instead of pointing to a picture of it. Norman’s has modern and classic styles and labels such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, Jean Yves, and more.
Norman’s also offers custom tailoring, same day dry-cleaning, bridal gown alterations, and heir looming. There are two Norman’s locations: Tinley Park at 17702 Oak Park Avenue, phone number (708)532-4312; ad Orland Park at 9630 W. 143rd Street, phone number (708)349-8323. You can also visit their website.
A 2011 pick for The Knot’s best of Weddings and a Wedding Wire Bride’s Choice Award winner, Black Tie Formalwear has your tuxedo and wedding bases covered. A staple of Chicago’s formalwear scene for over 30 years, Black Tie is family owned and family run and continuously aims for superior service and elite formalwear selections at affordable prices. In addition to their selection of affordable designer tuxedos, Black Tie also has a selection of shirts, vests, ties, and shoes, and can match any wedding’s color scheme. Experienced in the wedding business, they offer deals on invitations, wedding party gifts, and offer wedding specials to help you stay in your budget. Black Tie even allows you to submit your measurements online. Black Tie has numerous locations throughout Chicago and Illinois, which you can find on their website, or by calling (866)425-2280.
Offering formal garments of great style and quality, Formally Modern Tuxedo aims to revolutionize shopping for men’s formalwear. The stores feature plasma televisions, Wi-Fi, on-the-ball sales staff, and great deals. An independently owned company, Formally Modern aims to get you the style and service you want and need, not just the tuxedo you see on everyone else. If it’s just a tuxedo for one or for a whole wedding party, Formally Modern will take care of it. Their large collection of suits, vests, and shirts will guarantee that you’ll look your most suave. With four locations, Formally Modern makes tuxedo shopping convenient. Visit their website to see tuxedo styles and find the addresses of their four locations.
This ubiquitous national chain has plenty of Chicago locations. Though they don’t offer the broadest selection or the most cutting-edge styles, Men’s Wearhouse has become the go-to for affordable tuxedo rentals and a simple shopping experience. They’ve got accessories (even shoes) on hand to help you get suited up for your special occasion, and carry a range of sizes from short through big and tall. The best thing is, they’re everywhere, so there’s sure to be a location convenient to you, and if one store doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they can send it from another store. Plus, if your groomsmen are all in different locations, you can rest assured that everyone gets the right tuxedo style and fit without being in the same part of the country.