You Can Rent Your Clothes...But Should You?
The way we shop is always evolving. In past centuries we made our own clothing.
We’ve seen the department store reign supreme.
The internet opened up online shopping.
And now, we can shop through social media and beyond.
It was only a matter of time that we saw not just the way we purchase clothing evolve, but how we can consume clothing. Enter clothing rental services.
You have probably heard of, or actually rented for yourself, for special occasions: weddings, galas, costume parties. But now you can also rent everyday pieces to fit into your wardrobe for a month, or months, at a time.
While this isn’t a completely new concept, more and more companies are popping up to jump on the rental train, so I decided to test a few out and give you my feedback. I am focusing on two of the major clothing rental platforms, Rent the Runway and Nuuly.
Is Renting sustainable?
First, let’s talk about the Sustainability factor. The answer to this is very nuanced and dependent on who is using these services. Basically, there are sustainable aspects to clothing rental, and not so sustainable parts.
CONS:
Rental platforms are still partnering with brands, retailers, companies to purchase the products available to rent, and the way these products are manufactured is typically not sustainable or ethical.
The dry cleaning involved in preparing the items between renters is not environmentally friendly.
If you’re renting 6-8 new pieces every month, you’re potentially still over consuming and not really creating a wardrobe you love.
Renting involves a large amount of shipping and transportation, adding to carbon emissions; not great for environment, again.
Pros
Renting, in theory, will cut down on buying new pieces. Extending the “wears per item”.
If you’re someone who needs new outfits constantly for your job, renting is a better than purchasing constantly.
Renting is a great option in a season of life where you don’t want to invest in clothing, but do need/want something to wear short term. Ex: maternity clothing , postpartum, vacation.
The rental model can reduce over production from fashion companies.
Good choice if you like to keep up with trends, but know its unwise to invest in a piece that will not stand the test of time
You can definitely save money if you’re someone who shops regularly
My Personal Experience
Image via RTR
Rent The Runway
Rent the Runway, the first to enter the rental space, continue to evolve and adjust and make the experience better. I rented from RTR in early 2020 when I was working in a corporate fashion position and wanted new trendy pieces but didn’t want to invest in purchasing. I signed up for the 4 item membership for two months. Overall, I enjoyed the experience. My pros and cons are below!
However, I will say, in full transparency, some of the items I rented were for specific meetings in which I really wanted to “dress to impress”. Ironically, the day I wore my own clothing was the day I got the biggest compliments on my style and outfit. Another example of how you should ensure you are developing your personal style and feel comfortable and confident in your clothing.
CONS
Renting 8-16 items per month seems a bit excessive and unnecessary for most folks’ situations. The 16 item renter may need to develop their personal style and invest in some great timeless pieces and then throw in some trendy rental pieces every once in awhile.
Most garments are from brands that are neither sustainable or ethically made.
Environmentally unfriendly due to massive dry cleaning function and carbon emissions from transporting shipments.
Pros
They have three plans to choose from:
4 items for $94
8 items for $99
16 items for $235
Free backup sizes: This is hugely helpful since almost all of us wear two different sizes dependent on brand and style.
Pieces range from casual to formal, mid level brands to high end designer.
Access to very thorough reviews and photos from past renters
A great option for renting a single look for special occasions; weddings, events, parties
Access to sale section where you can buy pieces
formerly in the rental rotation
Image Via Nuuly
NUULY
Nuuly is a rental and resale market and owned by URBN, the conglomerate that owns Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters. A large percentage of the clothing available to rent is coming from one of those three retailers.
I rented from Nuuly for two months in 2022 specifically because I am in postpartum season where many of my pre-pregnancy clothes still do not fit, but I do not want to invest in new pieces in my current size.
Renting from NUULY has also been a pleasant experience, but I will no longer be renting due to
A. My pre-pregnancy clothes beginning to fit again
B. URBN as a company, sadly, has been called out again for unethical practices not only in the garment factories, but also what they do to clothing that doesn’t sell, plagiarism of other designers, and how they treat employees. You can learn more here and here.
*These are my personal convictions, and you don’t have to feel ashamed for continuing to rent from Nuuly or shop from URBN brands if you choose to do so. *
CONS
NO free backup sizes. If you receive an item that doesn’t fit, you’re stuck with it until you are ready to pay for your next month of rentals.
Most garments are from brands that are neither sustainable or ethically made.
Environmentally unfriendly due to massive dry cleaning function and carbon emissions from transporting constant shipments.
pros
$88 for 6 pieces
Large variety of everyday clothing
Always able to rent 6 pieces per month
Pieces range from casual to formal, mid level brands to some higher end pieces sprinkled in
Access to very thorough reviews from past renters
Sustainable Packaging
Thrift marketplace available as well
You can purchase your rented pieces at a discounted price
To be honest, I have enjoyed renting from both companies. It is fun to refresh my existing wardrobe with new pieces every so often. While from a sustainability standpoint, I don’t think they have arrived, I do think rental is a great option for specific situations and seasons of life.
Have you rented from either company? Let me know about your experience over on Instagram.
xx,
Meghan Forest Farmer