A Beginner’s Guide to Clothing Rental Services
For a long time, the ideal shopping situation looked like something out of Clueless. Think: Cher Horowitz strolling through the mall, arms full of bags that contained new outfits for school and parties in the Valley. That’s because 20 or so years ago, even the savviest trendsetters might not have predicted the shopping experience would look a bit more like Blockbuster (RIP). Instead of owning, you’d rent your premium denim, party dresses, and handbags before trading them in for the next latest style. Over and over the cycle would continue. This has become more the norm over the past several years, with little indication that the popularity of clothing rental subscriptions is slowing down.
Renting is beneficial for label obsessives on a budget, time-strapped professionals who need to look put-together, sustainable shoppers who want to consume consciously, and anyone who’s ever fluctuated in size (see: maternity wear). And if there’s any indication that this shift has been successful all around, simply look at one of the leaders in rental clothing, Rent the Runway, which officially became a billion-dollar business as of this year. But RTR is far from the only option on the market. Ahead, get the scoop on eight of the most popular clothing rental subscriptions and some insight to determine which one is best suited for you.
The Gist: The biggest appeal of RTR’s Unlimited subscription may be the access to all the of-the-moment designers you can think of, including Tibi, Nanushka, Staud, Pyer Moss, Tanya Taylor, and tons more. You can rent up to four items at any given time and make swaps as frequently (or infrequently) as you want. Think of it as curating your dream designer wardrobe, while spending a fraction of the cost.
The Cost: $159/month
The Ideal Customer: The fashion-loving person who knows every emerging designer by name, but isn’t able to part with the money or closet space to own each one of them.
The Gist: Fans of URBN brands, including Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People, will love the six-garments-per-month rotation from Nully. Subscribers keep the garments, including vintage selections, for a month before they return them and trade for a new batch. Items are available to buy, as well, if you simply can't stand to part with it after the month is up.
The Cost: $88/month
The Ideal Customer: The person who already lives in URBN brands — the perfect jeans, the floaty dresses, the range of prints, etc. — but wants a more sustainable alternative.
The Gist: Bloomingdale's reputation already includes its vast range of brands and on-trend styles but My List allows shoppers to try more than ever before. Rent up to four items at a time from labels including Aqua, Rebecca Minkoff, Alice McCall, J Brand, and DL1961, and keep them until you’re ready to swap for something new.
The Cost: $149/month
The Ideal Customer: The person with a packed social calendar who appreciates a fresh rotation of cocktail dresses and cool denim for evenings out.
The Gist: Rent three pieces of Loft’s classic designs at a time, including items for work and off-duty dressing. Like the site’s typical fare, options are available in straight, plus, and petite sizes. Keep each piece as long as you want and make unlimited swaps to constantly upgrade your wardrobe.
The Cost: $64.95/month
The Ideal Customer: Someone with a work-hard-play-hard mentality that will appreciate its polished, tailored separates and cozy knits in equal measure.
The Gist: Armoire is a rental service that serves a size-inclusive market, with contemporary brands in both straight and plus sizes. However, it’s also one of the few services that’s changing the way women shop for maternity wear. That is, they don’t really have to. Instead, customers can simply rent up to four items at a time, changing sizes to fit any fluctuation in shape as they move closer to (and then away from) the nine-month mark.
The Cost: $149/month
The Ideal Customer: The expectant mother who doesn’t want to buy clothing she won't be able to wear after the baby is born.
The Gist: Fashion to Figure is one of the most noteworthy brands creating affordable, trend-forward items in sizes 12 to 24, especially in an industry that’s been slow to approach fashion with size inclusivity in mind. Now with its FTF Closet, you can rent three items at a time and swap them unlimitedly.
The Cost: $54.95/month
The Ideal Customer: The person who’s ready to test drive new silhouettes, colors, and statement pieces, without anything holding them back.
The Gist: Express is already known as an accessible go-to destination for wardrobe basics, great denim, and workwear that’s both polished and fresh. With Trial Style, shoppers can rent three items at a time to broaden their styling options without making a long-term commitment.
The Cost: $69.95/month
The Ideal Customer: The job-seeker with a packed interview schedule who wants to land the job before they invest in too many new stylish office clothes.
The Gist: With packages for men and women, The Mr. & Mrs. Collection is one-part rental service and one-part personal styling. Experts help put together packs of three to four items that ship to customers every month, including a mix of high and low price points, and styles that elevate your already existing wardrobe.
The Cost: $59-89/month
The Ideal Customer: The shopper who values expert input for their wardrobe and is game to try new styles they might have never picked out for themselves.