Our guide to fashion rentals
Ever wondered how the girls you see on insta are wearing a different designer dress to every wedding and event of the summer during a cost of living crisis? Enter… the rental era.
Renting gives you the chance to wear luxe brands at a fraction of the price. Think: Aje, Loewe, Reformation, Self Portrait, GANNI, Zimmermann, Charlotte Simone, Solace, ROTATE, RIXO, all at your fingertips.
There are plenty of established rental platforms, and new ones platforms emerging, ranging from sleek app interfaces to department store offerings - HURR, ByRotation (now stocking Net-a-Porter) Matches Fashion Rentals, John Lewis rentals, and Selfridges Rentals to name a few.
Saving money, saving the planet
Renting allows you to indulge in designer pieces without breaking the bank. Plus, by opting for rentals, you contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry, reducing textile waste and minimising your fashion footprint.
Curate your rotated wardrobe
Gone are the days of repeating outfits at every event, and of panic buying something from the high street you’ll only wear once. With the pool of amazing fashion available on rental apps, you'll have a rotating wardrobe you’ve only ever dreamed of wearing.
Smart scouring
Rental apps make it easy to find the perfect pieces through filters and favourites. Want a standout look for a wedding? Filter out those whites and creams or utilise some of the gorgeously curated edits HURR and ByRotation via the ever-popular ‘Wedding Guest’ collections. Many have edits for other popular events and dress codes such as Ascot, black tie and bridal.
Try before You buy
Avoid last-minute panic by trying on your rental in-store before your event. If you're unsure about sizing, visit your local department store to see if they stock the brand and you can always try a similar style for sizing. Alternatively, a lot of renters will allow a meet up for trying on. HURR also offers a try-on service for your convenience, and ByRotation allows you to find nearby renters so you can meet before you commit.
Rent out your own dresses
Why not make some extra cash and let your dresses pay for themselves? Rent out the pieces you already own, so you can share your favourite pieces, especially if they’re only worn occasionally. You can also rent out your accessories, skiwear stuffed in the back of your wardrobe, and everyday outfits too.
Book and pay with confidence
Rentals usually arrive a day or two before your event, giving you plenty of time to try on and accessorise your ensemble. After the party's over, you'll have a few days to return your rental. Often you’ll just pay a small fee, and the renter will take care of the cleaning process.
Treat your rental with love
Although these rentals are not yours to keep, treat them like they are. Some apps have different policies on cleaning and damage, so it's best to handle them with care. Minor stains are often covered, but respect the items as if they were your own. There’s sometimes the option to take out cover if you’re worried about damage.
Review and be reviewed
Rental services thrive on trust and transparency so reviewing is key. By reviewing both renters and rentees, you contribute to building a reliable fashion community. It’s also a great way to let others know finer deets on the fit details.
Making friends and connections
One of the hidden perks of the rental community is the opportunity to connect with like-minded renters. Once you find a rental match and share similar sizes and styles you can build a fashion network that opens up new possibilities maybe even rental-friends! This works particularly well for renters in your local area- messaging ahead to check where their home/work is can save time and money with postage.
So there you have it - embrace the rental era. Get ready to turn heads, all while saving money, the planet, and perhaps making some extra cash to share your favourite pieces.
