In a time when purchasing secondhand clothing is many people’s first choice when it comes to updating their wardrobe, clothing rental subscriptions have become increasingly popular, and for good reason.
As someone who enjoys trying new styles and aesthetics, I have benefited from rental subscriptions over the last several years. Clothing rental sites like Nuuly, Rent the Runway, and Stitch Fix offer large catalogs of unique pieces that you pay a monthly subscription for. At the end of each month, you have the choice of holding onto pieces you may not be ready to hand over yet, or even purchase outright. Here are some perks, tips and tricks that I’ve learned as a clothing rental subscriber.
Swap or Keep
Clothing rental services are huge for someone that enjoys trying new silhouettes and styles, experiencing higher-end pieces, or needs a specific garment for a season, event, or vacation. Many pieces that are offered in these subscriptions go for hundreds of dollars. One coat I am currently loving is valued at nearly $600! Rather than purchasing a coat that I know I’ll only need for a month or so until spring comes around, I can basically play dress-up, and send it back at the end of the season, along with the handful of other designer pieces that I was able to enjoy for the month.
Reviews
A big reason why clothing rental companies work are the reviews from other subscribers. For me, having a plus size body can make online shopping difficult, not knowing if size guides are accurate or consistent, or if a particular piece will fit a curvier figure, even if they technically have your size.
Many rental sites have a plethora of reviews and photos of people that wore an item for the time that they borrowed it, and gave their honest opinions on its fit, color, and functionality. Oftentimes there is an option for reviewers to provide their weight, height, and body shape to understand how different items fit different body types. This insight has been invaluable for me and many other subscribers because of the ability to see first-hand what other’s experiences were before making the leap to commit to a piece.
Accessories
What’s an outfit without a great bag or stylish jewelry? I’ve surprised myself by the amount of times I’ve borrowed accessories on rental sites. From sunglasses for your next vacation, to elegant and unique earrings to wear at a wedding, there is something for everyone. I particularly enjoy trying out different types of handbags, since my personal collection is nearly non-existent. It allows me to play around with variety of shapes, colors, and amount of space that I prefer to have for everyday wear, without the commitment.
There are even some designer shoe rental services out there for those who need something unique for a special event. Styles like Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton are available to rent at a fraction of the price that it would cost to buy them outright, and without the burden of them taking up space in your wardrobe when you only needed them for one night.
One-Time Rentals
One perk in particular that I love about a lot of these rental sites is the option for one-time rentals. I have been able to sport some truly spectacular dresses for special events because of these services. One gown in particular that I rented for my brother’s wedding had a hefty price tag of $950, that I rented for only $60. This dress in particular was turning heads all night, and fit perfectly because I was able to compare multiple reviews of women that had worn it to their own special events.
One-time rentals work especially well for those who don’t benefit from holding onto pieces for sentimental purposes. Although my brother’s wedding was a very special day, I get more joy from looking at pictures taken of me in the dress posing with my brother and his bride, rather than holding on to the dress itself, taking up closet space with the possibility of never wearing it again.
Money Saver
Utilizing clothing rental services can be a great tool to keep certain shopping habits at bay. By subscribing to a monthly plan, you can guarantee a certain amount of fresh new items delivered to your door every 30 days.
With that in mind, it could be a buffer between you and any window shopping tendencies you may have, which we all know can lead to mindless spending. Especially if you enjoy hunting for the next best deal, or unwrapping new items more than the items themselves (we’ve all been there, not judging!) Knowing that there’s a certain amount of money set aside monthly for your subscription, it may no longer fit your budget to partake in shopping elsewhere.
Clothing rental services are an excellent alternative for anyone with the desire to express their individual style without the pressure of purchasing more stuff. Whether you need some fun accessories for you next vacation, a smart outfit for work, or a gown for a loved one’s special day, there’s always a chance to try something new, no extra closet space required.
Jonaye L. Barnum 