In the past, The Ring has visited and called Collins Formal Wear countless times in an effort to do research for our brides and grooms. Every single time we approach Collins, we are greeted the same way each customer is greeted - warmly and with appreciation. Even with tons of weddings on the go, clients filling their rental locations, and lots on their plates, the three owners of Collins Formal Wear - Lynda, Brad and Curt Collins never fail to provide exceptional service to each of their clients, which likely has something to do with the fact that they believe "shopping for a tux is like shopping for a wedding gown. It's not a decision to be taken lightly." It's for this reason, and for their extensive selection of high quality, exclusive formal wear, that The Ring decided every groom (and his bride) should know what we know about Collins Formal Wear.

It's all in the family

Collins has been around since 1965 and is family-owned and operated. You can find the founders of the company still running the show themselves on a day-to-day basis. Curt, Lynda and Brad all rotate throughout their multiple locations from Windsor to Kitchener. By keeping themselves involved in every aspect of business, the Collins family can make sure they keep up with current trends and styles of weddings. It also helps them guarantee that their company is run in the Collins Formal Wear tradition - high on service and style, low on hassle.

In a recent interview with Curt he told The Ring that Collins is constantly expanding their market so that brides across Canada can trust Collins – though we already know that a lot of them do, which probably has something to do with their focus on service. "Collins prides themselves on having many long-term staff who are well-trained in the intimate details of tuxedos," explains Curt. And, they're always adding to their team of experts with an eye on the future.

Exclusive and well-known

While most companies boast of excellent service, Collins also provides it by the exclusive, high-end lines of formal wear that they carry. Lynda explains, "Couples are more than satisfied with the excellent value they receive, and they are always appreciative of the extra attention to detail that the staff at Collins provides."

Collins carries an exclusive line of tuxedos by some of the best and trendiest labels around, many of which can't be found anywhere else in the area. Some of these trendy labels include Lauren Ralph Lauren, Lord West, *ecko unltd., Claiborne, After Six, Perry Ellis and Calvin Klein, among others. In addition to reputable brand names, Collins is also about comfort and function. They recently brought in lux microfiber shirts that are soft to the touch, more breathable and wrinkle-resistant – perfect for those hot, summer weddings.

"What sets Collins apart is our quality," explains Curt. "Some companies rent out their tuxes an average of sixty to seventy times. We rent our tuxes out an average of twenty times before we retire the items... this maximizes the quality a groom and his groomsmen will receive on the wedding day," says Curt. He adds that each item is closely inspected for defects before it's sent out with a customer. “We won’t let a suit go out of the door unless it’s perfect."

Going even further, Collins says they deal only with reliable, top-quality manufacturers, mostly from North America. In fact, Curt told us that 90% of their vests, ties and accessories are made right here in North America. “We invest in the best products on an annual basis," says Curt of the fact that they continue to add to their lines every year – while still keeping the classics. “Come in and see the difference. Check out the width of the lapels, the details of the stitching and the grain and feel of the fabric.” The feel, he adds, is not something that should be underestimated. "Your bride is going to be touching and holding you and she’ll be touching the suit. There’s nothing worse than the feel of substandard product."

For Collins, comparing suits is similar to comparing cars, "It's the same difference as between a Buick and a Cadillac - both are made by the same manufacturer, but they differ in quality and fit," says Curt. And like a car, Collins recommends shopping around and comparing. "It’s about the whole experience – the service, the price, the quality and the selection." He adds that, "with Collins, you always get the Cadillac."

Dressing on the wild side

Collins doesn't just cater to the norm. They also rent kilts, shoes, vests, canes, top hats and so much more so that you can create any style of formal wear you are looking for. If there is an idea or style that you are interested in, you can feel confident that Lynda, Brad, Curt and their staff will be able to help you. This fashion trio recommend booking a minimum of six weeks before the wedding, but many couples often reserve exactly what they are looking for much earlier than that.

There's more?!... Wedding supplies and gifts

Collins Formal Wear wants to accommodate their clients wherever they can, so they offer more than just formal wear. They carry an extensive line of wedding supplies, including a large selection of invitations and paper products, thank you gifts for your family and attendants, ring pillows, tiaras, cake toppers, wine glasses/toasting sets, and many items that can be customized with engraving.

What's even better than that? When you book your wedding party tuxedos with them, you save 50% off of their selection of invitations, and 10% off of your attendants' gifts or favours.

Always a perfect fit

Since grooms and groomsmen come in all shapes and sizes, Collins carefully takes all of your measurements, and with a tailor onsite, makes sure you get your perfect fit. Collins' tailor doesn't leave until the last tuxedo goes out! “It’s the smallest details that make the greatest difference,” says Curt, which is why they try to focus on all details of your tux to ensure the best possible fit. As Curt points out to brides, “You’re going to spend an average of $30,000 on your wedding. You want to look your best. Shouldn’t your groom?”

Expert Tip...Check the arm holes of the suit to make sure they aren't too tight or too loose. You will notice in your wedding photos if the fit of your jacket isn't correct.

Extending convenience

Each wedding party who wants to book with Collins is treated to a consultation during which time they will find out all of your wedding details from date and location to colour schemes and theme. From destination wedding suits and brown tuxes to grey, navy, and of course, the always classic, black, Collins is sure that "there's no colour we don’t carry or can’t get for you." They also have white, diamond white and ivory so the groom's shirt can perfectly compliment the bride's gown.

During the consultation, Curt says to try on four suits to see what you and your groom like. Then, once you’ve narrowed down the style, keep trying on from there until you find the one you both love.

Typically, for a Saturday wedding, you can pick up your complete formal wear rentals on the Thursday before the wedding, between 4 pm and 9 pm, Friday between 10 am to 6 pm, or as late as Saturday morning (with no additional charge for late pick up either). All rentals should be returned by the Monday after the wedding by 6 pm; but if it's a holiday that Monday, it should be returned by Tuesday at 6 pm. For every day past due (for those procrastinators in the crowd!), there is an additional charge of $20 per day.

The cost of 'grooming the groom'

Packages at Collins Formal Wear start as low as $59.95 (wow!) and for that price you get the jacket, shirt, pants, bow tie, and cummerbund. The package you choose and its cost will depend on what choices and options you and your groom decide upon. High-end packages would include everything but the socks and 'undergarments'... and the groom of course. These packages offer top quality designer suits with all of the trimmings for only $164.95.

Here's good news for those of you who couldn't whittle down your bridal party choices to a conventionally reasonable number - with every five rentals, the groom's tuxedo is free! Even with two groomsmen, a ring bearer, and two fathers in tuxedos, your groom could still get his duds free of charge. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit required when booking each tuxedo. The balance for the package is due when the tuxedo is picked up.

Details, details, details

• There is a $50 non-refundable deposit to book your tuxedo with the full balance due upon pick-up.
• Item rentals are also available: open-backed vests $19.95, full-back vests $29.95, bow ties $3.50, and straight ties $7.50 (for updating your own shirt and tie or for adding to a purchased tuxedo).
• Cufflinks come with a shirt rental or you can buy them starting at $6 per pair.
• Button covers come with a package rental or you can buy them starting at $12.95.
• Gloves are for sale for $9.95.
• Shoe rentals are $19.50 to $34.50, depending on style.
• Collins Formal Wear also rents traditional kilts in Royal Stewart, Graham of Montrose and Scottish National Tartans.
• When you book your tuxedo with Collins, you can get 50% off invitations and 10% off attendants' gifts and wedding favours.
• With five additional rentals, the groom's tux is free!
• Mention 'The Wedding Ring' when you book your tuxedos at Collins to receive a special free gift.

In other words...

"A special thanks to the staff at Collins Formal Wear... for providing such great service for my wedding... I could not believe how well you were able to outfit my 410 pound Best Man. I guess that’s where years of experience really shine through. There were nine of us all together and we were all very pleased with not only the service, but with the excellent fit we all had. We also had lots of great comments on our invitations that we also ordered from you. I know the guys all really liked their attendant’s gifts that we also picked up at your store. That was a good idea Curt! See you next year for my sister’s wedding. Thanks again!" - Nick & Sheryl

"Just had to tell you how much we appreciated the extra effort that you went to in providing us in very short notice with those fabulous new Sterling Perry Ellis Tuxes. I’ve worn lots of different tuxedos before but none as comfortable & great fitting as this one was. I’ll drop in soon & show you our pictures. A terrific job!" - Brandon & Julie

"Mom and Dad were right when they suggested I get my wedding tuxes from Collins. Both of my older brothers got married using Collins, one in 1974 and one last year. They really were impressed by the excellent appearance that better quality tuxedos provide... The manager there was given a real challenge to please all my Hockey buddies. Everything went flawless. Don’t loose our measurements; there are four more of these guys getting married next year. We’ll be back without a doubt." - Victor

Reaching the experts...

Collins has over twenty locations throughout Southwestern Ontario, including London, Kitchener, Hamilton, and several in the GTA.

Collins' London location is centralized to serve their entire market, conveniently located with tons of parking. Visit them at Adelaide & Commissioners, 317 Adelaide Street South, or give them a call at 519-680-2986, or toll-free at 1-877-434-4184.

Visit them in Kitchener at 1780 King Street East (beside Sophie's Gown Shop), or give them a call at 519-624-9939.

Recently, Collins opened up three new locations. One in Hamilton at 1171 Upper James Street, which you can reach by phoning 905-318-7163. There's also a new Collins in St. Catharines, which you can visit at 61 Geneva Street or phone at 905-685-9550. The other latest addition to the Collins chain is in Newmarket at 17335 Yonge Street. You can reach them by phoning 905-836-2721.

You can also visit Collins at any of the following GTA locations:
Collins Formal Wear: Barrie ON, 705-792-6555
John McNabb Clothier: Barrie ON, 705-737-4988
Labella Sposa: Ajax ON, 905-613-0668
Suit Yourself Men's Wear: Whitby ON, 905-404-2063
Peter’s Men’s Apparel: Scarborough ON, 416-429-9094
Mathers Men’s Wear: Milton ON, 905-878-5397

For your closest local Collins agent listing, take a window-shopping trip at www.collinsformalwear.com. Find tons of photos of great looking tuxedos and vests for rental and sale in their tuxedo gallery. If you require a measurement form for your out-of-town attendants, one can be easily printed for your convenience from the website. Place, change or add to reservations online as well. The staff at Collins Formal Wear can be reached by email with any questions at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .