NAICS 532281 - Formal Wear and Costume Rental

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What is NAICS 532281

NAICS code 532281 covers establishments primarily engaged in the rental of formal wear, costumes, and other specialty clothing items, excluding laundered uniforms and work apparel. Businesses operating in this sector provide a variety of clothing rentals for events such as weddings, theatrical performances, themed parties, and official ceremonies. This industry serves a niche market that requires high-quality, often unique garments for temporary use rather than ownership. Government agencies contract these services for special events, ceremonies, training exercises, and official functions where formal or thematic attire is necessary but ownership is impractical. Renting rather than purchasing reduces costs and storage requirements for agencies, while ensuring appropriate and professional appearances.

Industry Classification for NAICS 532281

This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in renting clothing, such as formal wear, costumes (e.g., theatrical), or other clothing (except laundered uniforms and work apparel).

Breakdown for NAICS 532281

  • Encompasses rental of formal clothing, theatrical costumes, and specialty attire excluding uniforms and workwear.
  • Includes businesses ranging from small boutiques to mid-sized rental companies.
  • Typically serves events such as weddings, ceremonies, theatrical productions, and government functions.
  • Government agencies use these services to support official events without purchasing permanent inventory.
  • Contracts often require flexibility and timely delivery of appropriate attire.
  • Industry requires inventory management of diverse, high-quality garments.

Included Activities for NAICS 532281

  • Renting formal wear including tuxedos, gowns, and suits.
  • Providing theatrical and theme-based costume rentals.
  • Maintaining and cleaning rented garments to industry standards.
  • Supporting government ceremonial and official event attire needs.
  • Managing inventory and coordinating timely delivery and returns.
  • Custom fitting and alterations for rented clothing.
  • Advising clients on appropriate attire selections for specific occasions.

Business Types for NAICS 532281

  • Formal wear rental shops
  • Costume rental companies
  • Theatrical costume suppliers
  • Event apparel rental services
  • Specialty clothing rental businesses

Subcategories for NAICS 532281

  • Bridal wear rental
  • Clothing rental (except industrial launderer, linen supply)
  • Costume rental
  • Dress suit rental
  • Formal wear rental
  • Fur rental
  • Gown rental
  • Graduation cap and gown rental
  • Motion picture wardrobe and costume rental
  • Suit rental
  • Theatrical wardrobe and costume rental
  • Tuxedo rental
  • Wardrobe rental

Government Buyers for NAICS 532281

Government agencies such as the Department of Defense, state and local law enforcement, cultural agencies, and event management offices frequently procure formal wear and costume rental services. These agencies require attire for ceremonial occasions, reenactments, public outreach events, and training scenarios. The need for specialized clothing that meets strict appearance standards, combined with limited use cases, makes rental services an efficient and cost-effective solution. Additionally, agencies involved with arts, culture, and public relations may rent costumes and formal wear to ensure authenticity and professionalism during official presentations and community engagement activities.

Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 532281

Contracts for formal wear and costume rental typically include firm-fixed-price and indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) types, allowing for flexibility in event timing and volume. Procurement methods often involve competitive bidding or simplified acquisition procedures, particularly for smaller rental needs. Contract values vary widely based on event size and complexity but generally range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. Multi-year contracts may be awarded to cover recurring events or ongoing needs. Government buyers prioritize vendors with a diverse inventory, prompt service, and compliance with quality and appearance standards.

Details for NAICS 532281

Explore the hierarchy and related codes for this industry

NAICS Code Industry Title
531 Real Estate
5311 Lessors of Real Estate
53111 Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings
531110 Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings
53112 Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses)
531120 Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses)
53113 Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units
531130 Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units
53119 Lessors of Other Real Estate Property
531190 Lessors of Other Real Estate Property
5312 Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
53121 Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
531210 Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
5313 Activities Related to Real Estate
53131 Real Estate Property Managers
531311 Residential Property Managers
531312 Nonresidential Property Managers
53132 Offices of Real Estate Appraisers
531320 Offices of Real Estate Appraisers
53139 Other Activities Related to Real Estate
531390 Other Activities Related to Real Estate
532 Rental and Leasing Services
5321 Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing
53211 Passenger Car Rental and Leasing
532111 Passenger Car Rental
532112 Passenger Car Leasing
53212 Truck, Utility Trailer, and RV (Recreational Vehicle) Rental and Leasing
532120 Truck, Utility Trailer, and RV (Recreational Vehicle) Rental and Leasing
5322 Consumer Goods Rental
53221 Consumer Electronics and Appliances Rental
532210 Consumer Electronics and Appliances Rental
53228 Other Consumer Goods Rental
532281 Current Formal Wear and Costume Rental
532282 Video Tape and Disc Rental
532283 Home Health Equipment Rental
532284 Recreational Goods Rental
532289 All Other Consumer Goods Rental
5323 General Rental Centers
53231 General Rental Centers
532310 General Rental Centers
5324 Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
53241 Construction, Transportation, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
532411 Commercial Air, Rail, and Water Transportation Equipment Rental and Leasing
532412 Construction, Mining, and Forestry Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
53242 Office Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
532420 Office Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
53249 Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
532490 Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Rental and Leasing
533 Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works)
5331 Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works)
53311 Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works)
533110 Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works)

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