"With online shopping being all too easy these days, and as a commerce writer whose job it is to scour the internet for the best deals and hottest new things, I (and my wallet) really needed an intervention. I am absolutely guilty of being an easy target for social media ads, promo emails, and discount codes. But beyond the financial aspect, I started to feel the weight of overconsumption and its impact on the environment. So, I decided to explore a more sustainable and wallet-friendly alternative: clothing rental services.
Initially, I was skeptical. I wondered how renting clothes would fit into my life and whether it would truly help curb my shopping habits. But after diving in and trying out several of the most popular services, I’m now a convert. Here’s everything you need to know about clothing rentals, plus my personal take on the best options available.
What is clothing rental and how does it work?
Clothing rental is a service that allows you to rent clothes for a specified period instead of buying them. This can be for a special occasion, a seasonal refresh, or just to try something new without committing to a purchase. Most rental services operate on a subscription basis, offering you the option to regularly rotate your wardrobe. You select the items you want, wear them as much as you like, and then return them when you’re ready for something new.
What makes these services especially appealing is the convenience. Companies typically handle dry cleaning and maintenance, so all you have to do is enjoy wearing the clothes. This hassle-free experience allows you to focus on the fun part—styling and wearing new outfits.
Why are people using clothing rental services?
People, particularly Gen-Z, are increasingly turning to clothing rentals for several reasons. First and foremost, sustainability is a huge factor. In a study conducted by Washington State University, 55 percent of Gen-Z participants had rented clothing previously. The study states that Gen-Z’s environmental knowledge, fashion leadership, and need for uniqueness are some of the factors that contribute to their willingness to use apparel rental services.
The fashion industry is notorious for being one of the largest polluters globally. By renting instead of buying, we can reduce the demand for fast fashion, which often involves exploitative labor practices and environmentally harmful production methods. Renting also minimizes waste, as clothes aren’t discarded after a few wears but instead continue to be worn by others.
Financially, clothing rental is a smart move. According to a survey by Statista, in 2022, the average American spent around $1,945 on apparel and apparel services. With rental services, you can significantly reduce this expense while still keeping your wardrobe fresh and up-to-date. Plus, there’s something satisfying about rotating your wardrobe regularly without the guilt of overspending or contributing to environmental harm.
The Best Clothing Rental Options
Nuuly
Subscription Frequency: Monthly
Cost: 6 items $98/month; option to add bonus items
Nuuly offers a straightforward subscription service where you can rent six items a month for $98, with the option to add bonus items if extra things catch your eye. They have an extensive selection of brands, styles, and sizes, making it easy to find something for every occasion. If you fall in love with a piece, you have the option to purchase it at a discounted price.
From my personal experience, Nuuly quickly became my favorite. It features some of my most-loved brands like Free People, Varley, Agolde, and Good American. I always look forward to selecting my six items each month, and while I sometimes wish I could get more frequent swaps, the option to add bonus items is a great feature for those times when I want a little extra. The versatility of Nuuly’s pieces is perhaps what I love most—in the same shipment, I can get a cozy sweatshirt, a chic pair of brand-name denim, and a fun dress for date night.
If you’re a fan of Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters, you’ll feel right at home with Nuuly.
Vivrelle
Subscription Frequency: Billed monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
Cost: Starts at $45/month
Vivrelle is a bit different from the other rental services, focusing on luxury accessories like designer handbags and jewelry. There are four levels of membership options, depending on the types of goods you’d like access to. Membership starts at $45/month and goes up to $309/month for the highest-end plan. You have the option to keep an item as long as you want or swap it after 30 days. Vivrelle also offers discounted members-only pricing if you decide you want to keep an item.
I fell in love with Vivrelle for accessory rentals because the right bag or piece of jewelry can truly elevate an outfit. Plus, I have this awful trait where I love designer brands and trending bag silhouettes but get serious buyer’s remorse if I purchase one for myself. So as someone who enjoys adding a touch of luxury to my look without the hefty price tag, Vivrelle was perfect. It allowed me to experiment with high-end accessories that I wouldn’t normally purchase, and the flexibility of their plans made it easy to fit into my lifestyle.
My favorite rentals so far? A quilted Bottega Veneta purse in funky, bright marigold color and the iconic Christian Dior book tote that was perfect for carrying all my essentials during a day out in the city. The only downside? Giving them back, of course. Though, I think this is also an awesome way to “try before you buy”—meaning renting something you’ve really had your heart set on to make sure you LOVE it before buying it. I’m just working up the nerve… and the funds.
All memberships include standard coverage that protects you against normal wear and tear.
Rent The Runway
Subscription Frequency: Monthly or one-off rentals
Cost: Starts at $94/month
Rent The Runway is probably the most well-known clothing rental service, and for a good reason. They offer a variety of plans, with the most popular one starting at $94 a month. This membership allows you to rent five items with one shipment per month. If you need more flexibility, they have higher-tier plans that allow you to get up to four shipments per month. You are also able to keep some items for longer than others, as you don’t have to swap all of your items at once. Keep an eye out because RTR often offers discounts for new members as well!
I initially used Rent The Runway over 10 years ago and reserved it only for special occasions, like weddings and fancy parties. Eventually, the brand began to offer monthly rental options for clothing, and not just dresses I’d reserve for evening wear.
Most recently, I opted for a plan that gives me two shipments a month—perfect for a mid-month wardrobe refresh. I focused on renting elevated, designer basics that I might not splurge on if I were shopping, and it felt like I was browsing through a high-end department store like Bloomingdales or Saks every time I selected my items. The experience has been seamless, and the quality of the pieces is top-notch. My favorite pieces have been a Badgley Mischka blouse I wore to fashion week in NYC and a super-chic Rachel Comey coat for when the cooler temps soon set in.
Membership includes free replacements within the first 60 days along with free shipping and dry cleaning.
Modlux
Subscription Frequency: Monthly
Cost: Depends on number of pieces, starts at $70/month
Modlux takes clothing rental to the next level by offering access to high-end fashion and luxury brands. Their service is designed for those who want to make a statement at special events without the commitment of purchasing high-ticket items. The pricing varies based on the number of items you choose. Your membership is billed monthly, but you are free to keep items for as long as you’d like before swapping them out. Plus, you can try it out for only $25 for your first month!
I tried Modlux for a few events where I really wanted to stand out, and it did not disappoint. The pieces were stunning and unique, which is exactly what I was looking for to make an impact. While it’s slightly more expensive per item than other options, the fact that you can access such luxurious items without the buyer’s remorse that often comes with high-end shopping makes it worth every penny.
Membership is a standard monthly fee that includes exclusive discounts, easy exchanges, and complimentary dry cleaning.
FashionPass
Subscription Frequency: Monthly, two orders per month
Cost: $125/month
FashionPass is a great option for those who love trendy, Instagram-worthy outfits. Their subscription plan is unique in that you get two orders of five items each (plus an accessory) per month, meaning 12 items total! With new items dropping every day, FashionPass offers a wide variety of styles catering to an on-trend audience. Right now, you can try it out for just $59 for your first month.
I found Fashion Pass to be ideal when I wanted to experiment with the latest trends without committing to buying. The selection is fun, vibrant, and perfect for someone who enjoys staying on top of fashion trends. Plus, their customer service was excellent, making the whole experience feel personalized and enjoyable.
Membership includes free one to three day shipping, along with easy returns and complimentary dry cleaning.
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Erin Celletti, Contributing Writer
Erin is an NYC-based writer with a BA in Journalism from Quinnipiac University and two master’s degrees in education. She is a proud mama to a little girl and a lifestyle, beauty, wellness, and trends reports writer. Beyond The Everymom, Erin’s editorial work has been featured in publications like Bustle, Allure, Byrdie, The Everygirl, TeenVogue, BRIDES, Sunday Edit, and TODAY.