Hiring a suit can be a game-changer for those big, memorable occasions. Whether it’s a wedding, black-tie event, cruise formal night, or a day at the races, hiring allows you to wear a high-quality, well-fitted suit without committing to the cost of buying. But if you’re new to the process, it’s easy to stumble into a few avoidable mistakes that can affect your comfort, confidence, and overall look on the big day.

This guide is here to walk you through the most common pitfalls people face when hiring a suit for the first time — and how to avoid them so you can look and feel your best

1. Leaving It Too Late

The Mistake:

One of the most common and easily avoidable errors is leaving suit hire until the last minute. Many people underestimate just how busy peak seasons can be, especially during wedding season, prom months, and major racing events like Royal Ascot.

The Fix:

Give yourself plenty of time. Ideally, you should start looking at suit hire options 6 to 8 weeks before your event. This ensures the best choice of styles and sizes, allows time for fittings, and gives you peace of mind. Early planning also helps avoid the stress of scrambling for a suit when options are limited or alteration windows are tight.

2. Ignoring the Dress Code

The Mistake:

It’s easy to assume that all suits are created equal, but wearing the wrong style for the event can make you feel out of place. For example, showing up to a black-tie event in a standard lounge suit, or wearing a tuxedo to a semi-formal garden wedding, might draw the wrong kind of attention.

The Fix:

Always read the invitation carefully or ask the event organiser if you’re unsure. A professional suit hire specialist can help you interpret the dress code and recommend the appropriate outfit, whether it’s a morning suit, tuxedo, dinner jacket, or classic three-piece. Dress codes exist for a reason, and following them shows respect for the occasion and hosts.

3. Prioritising Style Over Fit

The Mistake:

We all want to look fashionable, but choosing a suit based purely on style — without considering your body type or comfort — is a common rookie mistake. That slim-fit, super-modern look might be trending, but if it doesn’t flatter your shape, it won’t look or feel right.

The Fix:

Fit should always come first. A classic, well-tailored suit will elevate your appearance far more than a trendy cut that doesn’t sit properly. When hiring a suit, always try it on.

4. Overlooking the Finishing Touches

The Mistake:

You’ve picked the suit, but what about the shirt, tie, cufflinks, belt, and shoes? Forgetting these finishing touches can lead to a mismatched or incomplete look. Some people assume they can pair their own accessories, only to find they clash with the hired suit.

The Fix:

When hiring a suit, ask about complete packages that include all the essential accessories. This ensures everything coordinates perfectly and saves you time hunting for extras. If you do want to bring your own items, bring them to the fitting to make sure they work with the suit.

5. Not Trying the Suit On in Advance

The Mistake:

Collecting your suit and not trying it on until the night before the event (or worse, the day of) is a mistake that could ruin your plans. Maybe the trousers are too long, the jacket’s too snug, or the wrong size was packed. Discovering these problems too late can be a disaster.

The Fix:

Always try the full outfit on as soon as you collect it. Walk around in it. Sit down. Check that it feels comfortable and fits well. Any issues can usually be fixed quickly if you catch them early enough. Don’t wait until it’s too late to make changes.

Final Thoughts: Hire With Confidence

Suit hire is a brilliant option for those looking to look sharp for a special event without the commitment of buying a full outfit. When done right, it can leave you feeling stylish, confident, and fully prepared for any occasion.

At Salters, we specialise in helping customers find the right suit for every event — from weddings and cruises to race days and formal dinners. Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a perfect fit, a coordinated look, and a stress-free experience.

Ready to suit up? Book your fitting today and make your next big event your best-dressed one yet.