The Black Tux
The Black Tux is a Santa Monica-based menswear company that rents and sells tuxedos, suits, and formal accessories, primarily serving wedding parties and special-event consumers through an online platform plus 42-50 showrooms, including flagship stores and a Nordstrom partnership network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersSanta Monica, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Black Tux does
The Black Tux is a privately held American menswear company founded in 2013 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, that rents and sells tuxedos, suits, and formal accessories. The company operates a dual rent-or-buy model targeting primarily wedding parties (grooms, groomsmen, fathers, and guests), with secondary segments covering proms, galas, and other formal events, as well as customers purchasing formal and business-casual wear (the Essentials Collection and Everyday Wear lines). The core technology stack is a Shopify-powered e-commerce platform with an integrated sizing and Fit Guarantee, supported by a wedding-party group management tool that allows a designated organizer to coordinate bulk orders; group discounts (20% for groomsmen, $200 credit for grooms bringing 5+ members at $200+ order values) and a Free Home Try-On program reduce fit anxiety.
The company runs an omnichannel distribution model combining direct-to-consumer e-commerce, 7 company-owned flagship showrooms (Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, San Diego, Williamsburg), and 35 Nordstrom partnership showrooms, totaling approximately 42-50 physical locations across 20+ states. Revenue is generated from transaction-fee rental pricing (tuxedo rentals from $159-$169, suit rentals $149-$159, full outfit packages $207-$235), one-time purchase pricing (Essentials from $275, premium tuxedos up to $695), and accessories (ties, bow ties, shirts, cufflinks, shoes, vests). Fulfillment is logistics-intensive, with rental items delivered 10 days before events and returned via prepaid shipping. The TBT Rewards loyalty program (powered by Rivo) drives retention with 5% automatic rewards and referral credits, while an AI-driven customer service partnership with Gladly reportedly resolves 58% of inquiries automatically. Customers funded growth via approximately $67.6M in disclosed equity rounds from investors including First Round Capital, Lerer Hippeau, Menlo Ventures, Raine Ventures, Stripes, and TZP Group, with STORY3 Capital Partners participating in a 2022 round. Leadership comprises co-founder and CEO Andrew Blackmon, co-founder and board member Patrick Coyne, and CTO David Thomas.
The Black Tux firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Black Tux
- Legal name
- The Black Tux
- Website
- https://theblacktux.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- The Black Tux is a Santa Monica-based menswear company that rents and sells tuxedos, suits, and formal accessories, primarily serving wedding parties and special-event consumers through an online platform plus 42-50 showrooms, including flagship stores and a Nordstrom partnership network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where The Black Tux is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Santa Monica
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices42 records
Markets served
The Black Tux business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Suit and Tuxedo Rentals: Rental revenue from suits and tuxedos for events. Customers rent formal wear for specific occasions with items returned after use. Includes group discounts for wedding parties.
- Suit and Tuxedo Purchases: One-time purchase of formal wear items including suits, tuxedos, and accessories. Includes Essentials collection with prices starting at $275.
- Accessories: Sales of accessories including ties, bow ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, dress shirts, shoes, and other formal wear accessories.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Tuxedo Rentals |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Suit Rentals |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Full Outfit Rentals (20% discount) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Group Discounts |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Suit Purchases |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Tuxedo Purchases |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Essentials Collection (Purchase Only) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
The Black Tux product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Black Tux rents and sells men's formal wear including tuxedos, suits, and accessories, delivered directly to customers' doors ahead of events. The company operates a dual rent-or-buy model supported by an online platform, free home try-on, fit guarantee, and approximately 42 physical showrooms (including 7 flagship stores and 35 Nordstrom partnership locations) across the United States. Wedding party group coordination and the Essentials sub-brand for sub-$275 purchases round out the offering.
Product overview
The Black Tux is a premium menswear rental and retail company offering suits, tuxedos, and formal attire for weddings and special events. The company operates a dual model providing both rental and purchase options across its portfolio. Core offerings include individual suit and tuxedo rentals/purchases, Full Outfit Packages (rent or buy complete head-to-toe looks), the Essentials Collection (affordable sub-$275 suits), and a Free Home Try-On service. The business maintains 42 physical showroom locations nationwide, including flagship stores and Nordstrom partnerships. A TBT Rewards loyalty program provides customer retention and engagement. Accessories (neckwear, pocket squares, cufflinks, shoes, vests) are offered as add-on products to complement the core suiting offerings. The company differentiates through quality construction (full canvas in core products, half canvas in Essentials), natural textiles, and a Fit Guarantee with free exchanges.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Suit and Tuxedo Rentals Premium suit and tuxedo rental service delivered to customers' doors, with items arriving 10 days before events. Includes a Fit Guarantee allowing free exchanges within 48 hours of delivery if items do not fit. Tuxedo rentals priced from $159-$169 and suit rentals from $149-$159.
- Suit and Tuxedo Purchases Buy option for all suits and tuxedos in the collection, with items shipped within 2-3 days and free returns within 60 days. Pricing ranges from $275 Essentials to $695 Peak Lapel Tuxedo.
- Full Outfit Packages Complete head-to-toe styled looks including jacket, pants, shirt, shoes, vest and accessories. Rent or buy complete outfits with 20% savings on qualifying rentals (e.g., Notch Lapel Tuxedo Outfit $227.20 rent, Peak Lapel Tuxedo Outfit $235.20 rent, Navy Blue Suit Outfit $207.20 rent).
- Essentials Collection Entry-level sub-brand collection of half-canvas suits and tuxedos priced under $275, designed for affordability while maintaining quality with breathable wool and half-canvassed construction. Purchase-only collection including Essential Black Suit ($275), Essential True Navy Suit ($275), Essential White Dress Shirt ($65), and Essential Black Tuxedo Vest ($40).
- Free Home Try-On Free home try-on service allowing customers to test suits and tuxedos for 3 days before their event. Includes pre-selected vest, shirt, and tie to help determine proper fit before committing to a rental or purchase.
- Showroom Experience Physical retail showrooms offering style consultations, personal fitting, and full collection browsing. Approximately 42 locations nationwide, including 7 flagship stores in Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, San Diego, and Williamsburg Brooklyn, plus 35 Nordstrom partnership locations.
- Wedding Party Services Group coordination service for wedding parties including bulk ordering, grooms save $200 for 5+ members, groomsmen get 20% off, and everyone saves 20% on full outfit rentals. Provides an event management system for tracking party members and orders.
- Formal Wear Accessories Complete range of formal accessories including bow ties, neckties, pocket squares, cufflinks, studs, belts, suspenders, and dress shoes available for rent or purchase. Pricing examples: Black Silk Necktie $30 buy/$15 rent; Black Satin Straight Bow Tie $30 buy/$10 rent; Tuxedo Vest $125 buy/$30 rent; Cufflinks $25-$80.
Quantifiable outcome
- 58% AI resolution rate for customer service inquiries
Companies that use The Black Tux
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Black Tux technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature1 record
The Black Tux partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Johnny Hilbrant (PE Guy)minorJohnny Hilbrant, a satirical social media creator known for his 'PE Guy' character, worked with The Black Tux as a brand client. Hilbrant generates content featuring the brand as part of his comedy content targeting the financial industry.
- GladlycoreGladly provides AI-driven customer service automation for The Black Tux, achieving 58% AI resolution rate and reduced customer service costs. Gladly promotes The Black Tux as a case study for customer experience transformation.
- NordstromcoreNordstrom partnership provides 35 showroom locations within Nordstrom stores across the United States. These locations offer in-store fittings, personal styling consultations, and access to The Black Tux collection. Nordstrom partners provide in-house alterations services.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Black Tux competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Generation Tux: The most direct online competitor in the men's tuxedo and suit rental category. Operates a similar e-commerce-first rental model targeting weddings and formal events, often competing head-to-head on price and convenience.
- Indochino: Made-to-order menswear DTC brand with showrooms in major US cities and an online-first model. Closely comparable in go-to-market (online + showroom, mid-premium positioning, tech-enabled fitting).
- Menguin: Online men's suit and tuxedo rental company with a wedding-group focus comparable to TBT. Direct competitor for the wedding party group booking use case.
Broad incumbents
- Men's Wearhouse (Tailored Brands): Largest US specialty retailer of men's suits and formalwear with extensive physical storefronts and tuxedo rental services. Represents the dominant traditional incumbent whose offline presence TBT is directly disrupting.
- Jos. A. Bank (Tailored Brands): Sister brand to Men's Wearhouse under Tailored Brands, focused on value-oriented men's suits and formalwear. Competes in the same purchase-side category as TBT's Essentials Collection.
- SuitSupply: Premium menswear retailer with physical showrooms and direct-to-consumer e-commerce. Competes with TBT on the purchase side of suits and formalwear at a similar premium-but-accessible price tier.
- Bonobos: DTC menswear brand (now under Walmart) with showroom-based fitting guidance and e-commerce. Comparable online-plus-showroom model and mid-premium menswear positioning, though broader in category than formal wear.
Others
- Rent the Runway: Pioneer of the apparel rental subscription model for women's occasionwear. Operates a structurally similar rental logistics model (ship, wear, return, clean, restock) that informs TBT's unit economics and scale dynamics.
- Stitch Fix: Personal styling service with a men's division using data-driven fit profiling. Adjacent comparable on the technology side (fit data, customer profiling, personalization) rather than direct product overlap.
- Nordstrom: TBT's largest channel partner (35 of ~50 showrooms) and a major premium apparel retailer with its own formalwear assortment. Strategic distributor and ecosystem partner, as well as an indirect competitor for the purchase-side customer.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Black Tux social profiles
Digital presenceThe Black Tux financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Black Tux leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
The Black Tux funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds6 records
Investors13 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Black Tux M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Black Tux
What does The Black Tux do?
The Black Tux rents and sells men's formal wear including tuxedos, suits, and accessories, delivered directly to customers' doors ahead of events. The company operates a dual rent-or-buy model supported by an online platform, free home try-on, fit guarantee, and approximately 42 physical showrooms (including 7 flagship stores and 35 Nordstrom partnership locations) across the United States. Wedding party group coordination and the Essentials sub-brand for sub-$275 purchases round out the offering.
Is The Black Tux a public or private company?
The Black Tux is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was The Black Tux founded?
The Black Tux was founded in 2013. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is The Black Tux based?
The Black Tux is headquartered in Santa Monica, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Black Tux make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Suit and Tuxedo Rentals are the primary driver. The others are suit and Tuxedo Purchases and accessories.
Who are The Black Tux's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Generation Tux, Indochino and Menguin. Broad incumbents are Men's Wearhouse (Tailored Brands), Jos. A. Bank (Tailored Brands), SuitSupply and Bonobos. Others are Rent the Runway, Stitch Fix and Nordstrom.
Does The Black Tux have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Black Tux.