When it comes to final fitting day on rentals – we sometimes do encounter problems such as shorter/longer length or wrong size ordered. Whether the customer was measured wrong elsewhere or unknowingly gained or lost weight, the three most common questions asked are: can you adjust the length for me?…or can you take this in?…or can you let this out?
There are two (2) most important and distinct differences to remember why there are limitations on alteration requests with rental garments compared to none with purchased garments.
PURCHASED GARMENTS – Ownership, is the key word for this particular matter. Any purchased garments “CAN” be altered or customized to fit you “like a glove,” or how you want it to look once purchased. Unless the fabric is elastic or meant to fit loosely, you do not need to worry about any adjustments or alteration expense(s).
RENTAL GARMENTS – Lease, is the key word to remember. Since you have no true ownership other than designated time of use of these items, you have no right to alter or custom fit it to your liking without the rental’s knowledge and approval. You might be allowed to temporary hem the length of the garment(s) but “NOT” to cut permanently any part of the rental clothing nor permanently change the shape/form of any rentals. Rentals are designed to fit the general population and not to a specific customer. Therefore, it is very important to remember that rentals are made/cut to fit in standard sizing scale.
KNOWING HOW TO GET SIZED OR MEASURED PROFESSIONALLY IS CRUCIAL TO HAVING A BETTER FITTING OUTFIT.
When renting garments, it is VERY IMPORTANT to DO; get measured professionally at a tuxedo or suit shop. DO NOT; trust a new trainee with just a tape measure. DO; try the coat at the least and if allowed, pants and shirt as well – instead of just agreeing on what was written on the form. Double check and make sure that the sizes you were assigned to wear is not too tight or too loose, nor too short or too long especially, if you are an out-of-town renter. By doing this, it will increase the likelihood of a proper fit. For tuxedo and suit sizing; DO NOT get measured by a seamstress unless, you have specific instructions for her. If you are an out-of-town renter who lives in a town that does not have these specialty shops, DO: view our website page on how to take measurements. Follow the instructions carefully. If in doubt, DO: give us a call and we will be glad to help guide and walk you through the steps over the phone. DO NOT: GUESS YOUR SIZE!
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT BODY SILHOUETTES IS HELPFUL ON HOW YOU GAUGE RENTAL FITTING EXPECTATIONS AND LEARN HOW TO ADDRESS SOLUTIONS IN A POSITIVE & EFFECTIVE MANNER.
Generally speaking, there are five (5) major shapes to consider on how we can accommodate these rental alterations requests without permanently changing or compromising the garments intended size, shape and/or form. Knowing one’s body shape and form is always helpful. The following are easy and simple temporary solutions to make both the rental customer and renter happy.
1.) Athletic or V-cut = Expect: a wide upper body with smaller waist and hip line. Do: order a size that will fit the widest part of the body. If necessary, move the button(s) temporarily to make the waist line appear smaller and fit tighter. Don’t: cut or take in permanently any part of the waist line and/or lower body areas. Otherwise, this will deemed damaged rental garment.
2.) Hourglass shape = Expectation: not much – when it comes to body circumference. This silhouette is considered the most proportionate specifically, for a female shape. Do: look and feel great with a smile 
! Don’t: touch anything unless, you want to be “in a sack” or “look like squeezed sausage links”.
3.) Diamond shape = Expect; a wider waist line with narrow chest and hips. Do; order a size that accommodates the widest part of the body. If this is a suit, the shoulders will be really big/wide but at least able to button the waist line without looking like a “squeezed sausage links”. Otherwise, temporarily move the button(s) to the maximum space allotted to give extra room. This is definitely learning how to compromise at its best. Don’t; let-out or take-in any part(s) of the fabric permanently or this will be considered damaged rental garment.
4.) Pear or spoon or bell shape = Expect; lower part of the body to be wider than the upper body. Do; order a size that will accommodate the widest part of the body. Of course, the garment’s upper body will be bigger/looser. The temporary solution, is to move the button(s) to tighten areas where needed. As you do this, the rental garment will have a feel and look of a better outfit. Don’t; take-in or let-out permanently any part(s) of the garment as this will cost the renter a replacement fee.
5.) Rectangle or straight or banana shape = Expect; the upper, mid-section and lower body to be relatively similar. Do; move button(s) temporarily if any, to tighten areas where needed. By doing so, this will make the garment have the appearance and feel of a better fitting rental outfit. Don’t; permanently cut any part of the garment to either take in or let out. Otherwise, this will cost a renter to pay damaged fees.
The above suggestions are mostly on how to address the body’s circumference or dealing with weight change solutions.
Length adjustments are considered minor and are common occurrence on rentals. Therefore, it is the most common adjustments allowed using temporary hemming stitch.
BEING AWARE OF DIFFERENT RENTAL FEATURES TO ENSURE A DECENT FIT.
Renters should be aware of or need to look for these rental features to achieve proper fit.
- One very common feature is an adjustable waist line (sliding track) on rental pants. This feature could either work for you or against you. Each set of rental pants are three-inch-waist-size adjustable (i.e. 33-34-35 set or 36-37-38 set). If you do not get measured properly, one inch gap could mean slipping a pants off because it was too loose.
- Another feature that is extremely helpful is a draw-string or lace-up garments. For those who are worried that they might be loosing or gaining weight due to stress or excitement of the upcoming event, the aforementioned feature will be your next best friend.
- Pleated or elastic waist bands are also something that you might want to consider when renting garments. This certainly helps during the “happy hour” if you do not wish to loose the chance of sampling every food item as well as enjoying your favorite beverage(s).
Though, sometimes we do have to remember…it is not the garment that is the problem! The problem is, the disproportionate or deformed bodies we have that must also deal with gravity. The word COMPROMISE is one very important part of a successful marriage life. This is the best time to start practicing on how to compromise especially, for wedding parties. If a marrying individual or couple have not yet learned to accept that life is not perfect, nor that the world does not owe us…life itself can be very stressful, difficult and will always be disappointing. Absolutely and most definitely, not one person is perfect! By learning how to compromise and understand how things work…you will not be disappointed all the time. So from here on, LBB’s staff advise is to start practicing on how to compromise especially, with the “little” or “big” details of your wedding party. Be involved in the decision making and be considerate. Allow room for mistake(s) especially on small details to avoid disappointment. FOCUS on the bigger picture!
