Yes, it's often possible to find a suit at short notice, particularly if you're happy to buy Ready-to-Wear and can find something that fits without needing alterations.
Exactly what's possible depends on how soon you need it, your size and how particular you are about the style or colour.
If your event is only a few days away, tell the retailer that before you start trying anything on. It will help them focus on options you can actually get in time.
Can I buy a suit and take it home the same day?
If the shop has a Ready-to-Wear suit in your size and you're happy with the fit, there's no reason you can't buy it and take it home there and then.
That's often the most straightforward route when you're short of time.
At Pure Suits, our Ready-to-Wear collection can be tried on and purchased on the day, subject to what's available in store.
If the suit needs alterations, though, you'll have to allow time for those. Always ask about that before making your purchase.
For help planning your budget, read How much does a suit cost?.
What if the shop doesn't have my size?
Ask whether it can be ordered and when it's expected to arrive.
Some Pure Suits Ready-to-Wear orders can arrive in as little as two days, depending on supplier availability, but that isn't a guaranteed delivery time.
If you need something urgently, I'd avoid relying entirely on one particular suit arriving by a certain date.
Trying a different cut or colour may give you more options, and you might find that another style fits better anyway.
Can I hire a suit at short notice?
Possibly. It depends on the hire company, the date of your event and whether the required garments are available from its supplier.
Hire isn't necessarily the same as walking into a shop, choosing a suit and taking it home.
At Pure Suits, for example, we hold fitting samples in the showroom and order customers' hire garments from our supplier. The samples aren't available to take away as an immediate hire outfit.
If you'd prefer to hire, contact the retailer with your event date and ask what can realistically be arranged.
What about Made-to-Order?
Made-to-Order is generally not the best route if you need a suit urgently.
Made in 8–10 weeks. For weddings, we recommend starting 6–12 months ahead.
If your event is sooner than that, I'd look at Ready-to-Wear first rather than put yourself under unnecessary pressure.
What should I tell the shop?
You can save yourself a lot of time by giving the retailer a few details before visiting:
• The date you need the suit.
• What the occasion is.
• Whether you want to hire or buy.
• Your approximate size, if you know it.
• Whether you need a complete outfit or just the suit.
• Any colours or styles you're particularly interested in.
You don't need to know your exact measurements, and you don't have to decide on a particular style in advance.
It does help to be flexible, though. If you only want one specific suit in one particular colour, your options may be more limited.
New to buying suits? Read I know nothing about suits. Where do I start?.
What if I need alterations?
Ask for an assessment and an achievable completion date before you purchase.
It's worth remembering that not everything can be altered, and even a straightforward adjustment depends on the availability of someone to carry out the work.
If you're very close to your event, a suit that already fits you well may be a much better choice than one you prefer slightly but which needs several changes.
For more on what can and cannot be changed, read Can a suit be altered to fit me?.
Where should I start?
I'd contact a retailer that carries Ready-to-Wear stock and explain exactly when you need to be ready.
You're welcome to browse Pure Suits without an appointment, although availability of a particular garment or size should always be checked.
If time is tight, focus on what you can actually try on and take home, rather than planning your outfit around something that still needs to arrive.