What The Black Tux is and how rental works

The Black Tux is an online formalwear rental service that ships tuxedos and suits to your home, lets you try them on, and handles returns by mail. You order online, receive your outfit several days before your event, keep it for a set number of days, and mail it back in a prepaid box. The company handles cleaning and inspection after return.

The rental period typically runs from the day the outfit arrives at your door through a return important date — usually five to seven days depending on the package you choose. You pay one flat fee upfront that covers the rental, shipping to you, and return shipping. There are no additional per-item charges or hidden fees added at checkout.

The Black Tux operates in all 50 states and ships from distribution centers in major cities. Delivery time depends on how far you are from the nearest center and how soon you order — ordering further in advance generally means faster, more predictable delivery windows.

Key Takeaways

  • The Black Tux charges one flat rental fee that includes both outbound and return shipping, with no additional charges for alterations or cleaning.
  • You receive your outfit several days before your event, try it on at home, and have a set window (usually five to seven days) to return it by mail.
  • Sizing is done by entering your measurements on the website; the company sends a fit may provide form so you can request adjustments if something doesn't fit when it arrives.
  • Return shipping is prepaid and included — you pack the outfit in the provided box and drop it off at any shipping location before your important date.
  • Damage beyond normal wear (stains, rips, missing buttons) may result in a damage fee charged to your original payment method after return inspection.

Sizing and fit may provide

You provide your measurements on The Black Tux website — chest, waist, inseam, jacket length, and sleeve length. The site includes a measurement guide with photos showing where to measure. If you are unsure of your measurements, you can visit a tailor or menswear store to have them taken professionally, then enter those numbers.

When your outfit arrives, you try it on when ready. If something doesn't fit, The Black Tux includes a fit may provide form in the box. You fill it out, take photos of the fit issue, and email it back within a short window (usually 24 hours). The company then ships you a replacement size at no charge, though you may need to return the original outfit as well depending on the situation.

The fit may provide covers sizing mistakes on The Black Tux's part — if you ordered a 38 chest and received a 40, or if the inseam is visibly too short. It does not cover changes you decide to make after trying the outfit on, such as wanting a different color or style.

Rental pricing and what's included

The Black Tux pricing varies by the specific outfit you choose. A basic tuxedo rental typically ranges from around $60 to $150 depending on the jacket style, fabric, and whether you add accessories. Premium or designer options cost more. The price you see at checkout is the total amount you pay — shipping both directions and cleaning are included.

Most packages include the jacket, pants, dress shirt, and bow tie or necktie. Shoes, cufflinks, pocket squares, and vests are usually add-ons with separate fees. You can browse the full outfit and see which pieces are included in your base rental and which cost extra before you complete your order.

The Black Tux occasionally runs promotions for first-time renters or for orders placed during certain windows. Checking the website directly or signing up for their email list may show current offers, though base pricing is available year-round.

Delivery timing and what happens if you're late

Delivery time depends on when you order and your location. Ordering at least two weeks before your event gives you the most flexibility and the best chance of receiving your outfit with time to spare. Ordering closer to your date is possible but carries more risk — if there are shipping delays or sizing issues that need a replacement, you have less buffer time.

Your return important date is printed on the paperwork that comes with your outfit. If you miss the important date, The Black Tux charges a late fee — typically a flat amount per day or a percentage of the rental price. The exact late fee structure is shown in your order confirmation. You can return the outfit at any shipping location (UPS, FedEx, or USPS depending on the prepaid label) before the important date to avoid these charges.

If you know you will need the outfit for longer than your rental period, you can contact The Black Tux before your return important date to request an extension. Extensions are not always available and may carry an additional fee, but it is worth asking rather than risking a late charge.

Damage fees and what counts as normal wear

The Black Tux inspects every returned outfit. Normal wear — minor wrinkles, light creasing, or small marks that come out with cleaning — does not result in charges. However, stains that don't come out, rips, missing buttons, broken zippers, or burns are considered damage and may trigger a fee.

The damage fee amount depends on the severity and the specific piece. A small stain on the shirt might be $15 to $25, while a large rip in the jacket could be $50 to $100 or more. If damage is extensive, The Black Tux may charge the full replacement cost of that piece. You are notified of any damage charges after the outfit is inspected, usually within one to two weeks of return.

To minimize the risk of damage charges, treat the outfit as you would your own clothes — avoid eating or drinking in it if possible, be careful with the fabric, and store it on a hanger rather than crumpled in a bag. If an accident does happen during your event, let The Black Tux know when you return the outfit so they can assess whether it is damage or normal wear.

How The Black Tux compares to other rental options

The Black Tux is one of several online formalwear rental services. Rent the Runway offers similar mail-based rental but focuses more on women's dresses and has a subscription model alongside one-time rentals. Indochino specializes in custom-made suits and tuxedos ordered online with made-to-measure sizing, which takes longer but may fit better if standard sizes don't work for you. Local tuxedo rental shops let you try on in person and pick up the day before your event, which eliminates shipping risk but limits your selection to what's in stock nearby.

The Black Tux's main advantage is the combination of a large selection, flat pricing with no hidden fees, and the ability to try on at home before committing. The main trade-off is that you depend on shipping timelines and cannot see the exact outfit in person before it arrives. Local rental shops offer the opposite — you see everything in person but have a smaller selection and may pay more per item.

Returning your outfit and what happens next

Your return box and prepaid shipping label arrive with your outfit. After your event, place the outfit back in the box, seal it, and drop it off at any UPS, FedEx, or USPS location (depending on which carrier The Black Tux uses for your return). You do not need to clean the outfit yourself — The Black Tux handles that after inspection.

Once The Black Tux receives your return, they inspect it for damage, clean it, and process any damage charges if needed. This inspection usually takes one to two weeks. You receive an email confirmation when the outfit arrives back at their facility and again if any charges are applied to your account.

Keep your return tracking number in case you need to confirm the outfit was delivered. If your return goes missing in the mail, contact The Black Tux with the tracking information and they will work with the shipping carrier to locate it or discuss next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return my outfit early if my event is cancelled?

Yes. Return the outfit as soon as possible using the prepaid label. The Black Tux does not refund rental fees for early returns, but returning early avoids late fees and damage charges that might occur if the outfit sits around longer. Contact their customer service to let them know the outfit is on its way back early.

What if the outfit doesn't fit when it arrives and I don't have time for a replacement?

Use the fit may provide form included in your box to request a different size when ready. If The Black Tux can ship a replacement in time, they will. If not, contact their customer service team directly — they may be able to offer a refund or work out another solution depending on how close you are to your event date.

Do I need to iron or steam the outfit before wearing it?

The outfit arrives ready to wear, but it may have light wrinkles from shipping. You can steam or iron it if you want a crisper look. Avoid ironing directly on delicate fabrics like silk bow ties — use a pressing cloth or have a tailor press it if you are unsure.

What happens if I lose the prepaid return label?

Contact The Black Tux and they will email you a replacement label or provide instructions for returning the outfit. You are responsible for return shipping costs if you cannot locate the label and do not get a replacement, so reach out to them as soon as you realize it's missing.

Can I rent from The Black Tux if I live outside the United States?

The Black Tux ships to all 50 states but does not currently ship internationally. If you live outside the US, you would need to use a local rental service or explore other online options that serve your country.