How to Rent Clothes Online: a Beginner’s Guide
As the social and environmental impacts of fast fashion become more widely known, lots of us are finding ourselves searching for more sustainable – but affordable! – options. If being bang on trend is paramount, you might be looking at getting your fashion fix in a more circular way. Enter the question of how to rent clothes online.
While renting clothes is a great option for many people, it can be somewhat confusing. In this article, I’ll lay out what a rented wardrobe is, why you might want to rent clothes, how to go about it, which websites are best for renting clothes and what to consider while you’re shopping.
There are two main ways to rent clothes: item-by-item or through a subscription service. In this post, I’ll talk about item-by-item rental.
What does it mean to rent clothes online?
Renting clothes can seem like a funny concept when you’re used to buying items for your wardrobe. You may have heard of renting formalwear – especially tuxedos – but what does it mean to rent clothes for other occasions?
Essentially, renting clothes is just purchasing an item for a limited period of time, after which you will need to return it to the owner. Rental periods last various lengths of time, depending on the shop. You can rent clothes online or in store.
Why rent clothes online? Save, save, save
The benefits of renting clothes are endless. It’s an option that answers many of the fashion dilemmas we often find ourselves in. If you’ve ever asked yourself when will I wear this again? Or thought I have nothing to wear for this party but don’t want to buy something new!, then renting might be the option for you.
Renting clothes can help:
- Save money, as you are able to purchase a more expensive item for a fraction of the cost.
- Save the planet, as fewer items need to be made and fewer items end up in landfills.
- Save space, as you won’t have barely worn items clogging up your closet.
Renting clothes also means you can invest in ethically produced items, meaning you are helping to fight exploitation in the clothing industry.
Top tip: want to learn more about why to make the switch to a more circular wardrobe? Check out my post Why is fast fashion bad?
How does renting clothes online work?
Item-by-item clothing rental is a simple process, really. Here are the key steps along the way:
- Identify what you want to buy
- Browse sites for that item
- Decide how long you need to rent it for
- Select the date you need the item for
- Add the item to your basket
- Rock your look
- Pop it back in the post and return
Do I need insurance?
Getting insurance is really up to you, however it’s probably well worth it. Think about the last few events you’ve been to – how many close calls did you have with spilling or staining? I imagine quite a few. The item you rent could be well above what you can afford, and you don’t want to end up having to pay lots for an item you can’t wear again.
Most sites offer insurance, so if it’s not too much extra, then you’ll probably want to add it on.
Which websites are best for renting clothes online?
Luckily, there are lots of websites out there that are now renting clothes. Here are a few ideas:
Don’t forget that there may also be shops in your local area where you go in and rent clothes. You can use Google Maps to find places near you that have this option.
What to consider when you’re renting clothes online
There are a few things to keep in mind when you rent clothes online. Thinking about these things ahead of time will help make the most of your experience.
Your needs. It’s important to start by asking yourself – do you really need this item? A lot of the time, our impulse to buy stems from desires outside of our fashion needs. Are you worried people will judge you for wearing the same dress twice? Who cares!
Do you have too many items that no longer fit? Try organising a clothing swap instead of getting new items. Even though it’s a more ethical and economical option, renting clothes is still a cost.
Occasion. What kind of event will you use this piece for?
Size. Your measuring tape is your best friend in any online purchase, and rented clothes are no different. Make sure you’ve taken your measurements and you buy according to these.
The number on the label is just that – a number. It’s important to base your size on your measurements and not what you normally wear. This will help you nail the fit of your look.
Style and fit. Knowing your style and what looks good on you are always important. Pop to a local shop and try on different fits, styles, cuts and colours. Take pictures of yourself in different looks to help you think about what rented item might be best for you.
And, of course, be honest with yourself – if you don’t feel comfortable in lycra, then don’t rent a bodycon dress. At the same time, any fashion ‘rule’ (like that horizontal stripes make you look wider) are only as valid as how they impact your confidence. You can rock ANYTHING, if your inner fierceness shines through.
What next?
Get out there and rent away!
Renting clothes online can seem daunting when you’re first setting out. It’s a whole new world of shopping that you may never have explored before.
By using these tips and tricks, you should be more confident in making your fashion ‘purchases’ and switching to a more circular economy. Your wallet, your wardrobe, and the world will thank you.
