Is Renting Clothes for a Trip Worth It?

I’m far more likely to spend money on my kids’ clothes than my own—and after 13 years of parenting, my closet reflects that reality. So when we booked a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe, I knew my wardrobe needed a refresh. I wanted a travel capsule that felt flattering, practical, and elevated—without defaulting to fast fashion or blowing my budget. I thought, ‘Is renting clothes for a trip worth it?’

As a busy mom with limited time, money, and closet space, traditional shopping wasn’t realistic. Instead, I experimented with clothing rentals, secondhand shopping, and a few strategic new purchases. I rented outfits specifically for the trip, mixed them with staples I already owned, and filled the gaps where needed.

Some rentals were perfect, others missed the mark, and a few helped me realize what I’d actually invest in later. Here’s what worked, what didn’t, and whether renting clothes for a trip is really worth it, and how I would do it differently the next time around.

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There were gaps in my winter wardrobe that I needed to fill

I knew I had some staples that I could utilize, such as my Quince Jeans —a pair I love for their quality, sizing, and comfort—and my all-weather Allbirds, an eco-conscious tennis shoe brand.

Also, I purchased a few H&M items, including a new pair of jeans, a top, and a lightweight sweater.I I planned to pair most outfits around my Chelsea boots from Amazon–comfortable and sturdy.

However, though these made solid staples, I was missing a few memorable pieces that would make my wardrobe feel more high-end for our European vacation. My budget was strained while saving for the trip, so I’d have to be strategic about how I added these touches.

Why I decided to try renting clothes with Nuuly

While my wardrobe felt more current, I wanted a few standout pieces for the trip—especially warm layers. Living in the Sonoran Desert, where 60 degrees feels cold, I don’t own much true winter wear.

A friend kept suggesting Nuuly, and nearly every time I complimented her outfit, it turned out to be rented. That was enough to convince me to try renting clothes for travel.

What is Nuuly?

Nuuly is a clothing rental subscription service by URBN (the parent company of Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters). For about $98 per month, members can rent six items from a curated mix of in-house and higher-end brands. Additional items cost $20 each, and renters can purchase pieces they love at a discount.

For busy moms, it’s a way to experiment with style and quality pieces—without the time commitment of traditional shopping. Could this be the answer to an easy wardrobe refresh for moms?

What it’s actually like renting clothes from Nuuly

Admittedly, I spent at least six hours browsing the Nuuly app trying to decide what to borrow. Overwhelming? Yes, but oddly enjoyable. Reading reviews was essential, especially to check wear-and-tear on popular sizes, and to confirm fit. A tip I picked up from a friend.

I saved items to my Nuuly “closet” and narrowed down favorites—but made a rookie mistake: getting attached. By the time I was ready to order, nearly everything I loved was rented out. With the holidays approaching, availability was slim, and I had to scramble to fill my six-item box.

Even so, most of what I received worked. Out of six pieces, I only disliked one—a collared vegan leather cardigan my husband said made me look like a ‘gingerbread house’. Hard pass.

The plaid Julia Colors Gemma Coat was warm and paired with a denim on denim look, felt funky, and a creative departure from my norm. At $290, I’d never buy it, but I liked it for the trip. I’d also eyed a similar pullover dog sweater in Anthropologie, so that was fun to rent.

What I learned about quality from renting clothes

One thing was immediately clear: rented, higher-end clothing felt noticeably better than fast-fashion. The sweaters were thicker, warmer, and better constructed than my other purchases, and the tailoring felt more thoughtful.

My Nuuly rental experience also pushed me outside my comfort zone. A houndstooth jacket with toggle buttons—chosen last-minute—ended up being one of my favorite pieces. Browsing Nuuly even inspired me to put together items I already owned in a different way, like a plaid skirt styled with tights and boots.

Is renting clothes for a trip worth it? Would I use Nuuly again?

Yes. I’d absolutely rent clothes again for trips, weddings, and special occasions. It helped me avoid overbuying, stay warm, and feel more polished without committing to pieces I’d rarely wear at home.

My biggest tip: filter for items available in your size when you’re ready to order, rather than browsing too far ahead.

For this sometimes-frumpy-feeling mom, renting clothes was a confidence boost, and a smarter way to get dressed for a big moment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kris Ann Valdez, Contributing Writer

Kris Ann Valdez is a mom and freelance journalist who covers parenting, lifestyle, and science-based topics. Beyond The Everymom, Kris Ann contributes to national outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Parents, and Scary Mommy. She’s also the creator of “The Guide Girl,” a Substack dedicated to inspiring writers to pursue publication.

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