Renting sherwanis, suits gains popularity among Hyderabad residents

Hyderabad: Why spend thousands of rupees on a sherwani or designer suit that may be worn only once?

Renting is emerging as a practical alternative for people in Hyderabad looking for outfits for weddings, receptions and other special occasions.

From Sherwanis and Jodhpuri suits to blazers, rental stores offer a variety of designs, colours and fabrics to suit different tastes and budgets. Charges start at around Rs. 349 and can go up to Rs. 1,500 for a 24-hour rental, depending on the quality and design.

At least three stores on Vattepally Road in Falaknuma offer formal and ethnic wear on rent. Similar outlets operate in Tallabkatta, Misrigunj, Rein Bazaar and Hafiz Babanagar. A few established shops in Laad Bazaar and Mallepally have been in the business for years, offering pagdis (turbans) and sadris (waistcoats) alongside wedding attire.

Syed Arshad of Paras Collection on Vattepally Road said customers often approach the store to avoid investing in expensive outfits for one-time occasions.

“The rental charges are affordable, and the clothes are kept neat and ready for use. We also arrange for new outfits to be stitched to customers’ specifications, though these cost more. Regular rentals range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,500 a day,” he said.

Mohammed Moizuddin of The Designer Store in Talabkatta said the shop received bulk orders for weddings and receptions, particularly from families seeking matching outfits.

“When several people want to wear clothes in the same colour and design, getting them stitched for a single occasion can be expensive. Renting is a more practical option,” he said.

Mohammed Ashwaq, a manager at MS Collection, said customers often chose regular sherwanis and Jodhpuri suits for weddings and blazers for receptions. Once returned, the garments are checked for damage, dry-cleaned and prepared for the next customer.

With a range of styles available at different price points, renting allows customers to dress for special occasions without the expense of buying clothes they may rarely wear again.

“I would rather rent a sherwani than spend a large amount on something I may wear only once or twice. Renting gives me the flexibility to try different clothes and new designs for different occasions without buying a new outfit every time,” said Mohammed Rasheed, a college student.