Morning Suit Hire

'Tailcoat' and 'Morning Coat' are used interchangeably. So if you've been invited to an event that requires morning dress, a morning suit or indeed a tailcoat, then you're in the right place.

Looking for a morning suit to hire? We have a range of two piece and three piece morning suits available to rent from Rathbones Tailor. Filter by blue, black or grey and by regular or slim-fit to find your perfect look. As always, our morning suits have been styled by Rathbones Tailor so no need to wonder if if looks good... it does.

FAQMorning Suit Hire FAQ

What is a morning suit?

A morning suit is a traditional formal attire for daytime events (pre 6pm), such as weddings and horse racing. It consists of a single breasted jacket with tails (tailcoat), worn with a waistcoat and trousers of striped material or matching that of the jacket. The morning suit is often worn with a top hat, for example at horse race events such as Royal Ascot.

Some key factors that determine whether a morning suit is appropriate include the time of day, the formality of the event, and the dress code. It's always a good idea to check with the hosts or consult the invitation for guidance on the appropriate attire.

Why is it called a morning suit?

The term "morning suit" comes from the tradition of wearing it for morning activities such as horseriding or during the daytime for formal events. Historically, it was the standard attire for gentlemen attending events such as weddings, horse races, and other social gatherings before six o'clock in the evening.

Are morning suits different from tailcoats?

The main difference between the two is that a morning suit is a complete outfit, whereas a tailcoat is a part of an outfit. A morning suit typically consists of a tailcoat, trousers and waistcoat. On the other hand, a tailcoat is the specific type of jacket worn as part of the morning suit.

What is the difference between a 2-piece and a 3-piece morning suit?

A two-piece morning suit comprises a jacket and trousers, while a three-piece morning suit includes a jacket, trousers, and waistcoat. A morning suit is never worn as a two piece and therefore the waistcoat is an essential component.

Can you wear a morning suit to a funeral?

Yes, a morning suit is an appropriate attire for a funeral. However, it's always best to follow the dress code requested by the bereaved family or to dress in a manner that is respectful and sensitive to the occasion.

Can you wear a morning suit in the evening?

No, a morning suit is meant for daytime formal events and is typically worn before 6 PM. If you need formal attire for the evening, white tie or black tie would be more appropriate.

Can you wear a morning suit to a wedding?

Yes, a morning suit is a classic choice for formal daytime weddings, especially in the UK. It’s often worn by the groom, groomsmen, and important guests. The outfit usually includes a morning coat, waistcoat, striped trousers, a dress shirt, a tie, and polished black shoes.