Why you need to consider renting designer clothes
With fast fashion wreaking havoc on the environment, runway trends begging to be bought and an overflowing wardrobe to contend with, clothing rental websites may just be your best bet. Vogue lists the leading names in the fashion rental business that offer everything from designer lehengas and saris to gowns and more
Being a fashion insider can sometimes take from you more than it gives. Not only does it require you to stay up-to-date with the latest runway trends, it also demands an unending supply of resources (time, money and space). While investing in classics—like the must-have LBD, a crisp white shirt, a pair of blue jeans, a black pantsuit—as well as pre-owned clothes à la vintage fashion is a smart move, you don’t want your wardrobe to miss out on the OOTDs that are dominating your Instagram feed. This is where the concept of renting clothes comes in. Barring your hesitation to wear pre-worn clothes and give up on your regular shopping routine, the benefits of renting clothes are actually worth noting. Scroll ahead to find out why you need to consider renting clothes in the first place, and where you can do it from—we’ve listed out all the clothing rental websites you should try.
Why renting clothes is a better option to shopping all your outfits
It saves money, time and space in your wardrobe
Shopping may be your form of cardio, but how often have you bought something you’ve barely ever worn since the purchase? Renting clothes allows you to spend less money acquiring outfits you really don’t need, while also saving precious time and energy that you would have otherwise spent scouring through shops. What’s more, renting clothes instead of buying them equates to making more space in your already overflowing closet too. Sounds like a win-win.
Renting clothes encourages a circular economy
In case you weren’t aware, the fashion industry is one of the world’s major polluting industries, with fast fashion to blame. Renting clothes can help counter the negative effects of this by ensuring garments are reused and repurposed, thus encouraging a circular economy which will reduce the waste that ends up in landfill.
It allows you to wear new clothes for different occasions
Ellen MacArthur Foundation reports that if you double the number of times you wear a garment, its environmental footprint is decreased by 44 per cent. But in the age of Instagram, where you’re posting what you wear on a daily basis, repeating outfits for important events can be embarrassing to some. Renting clothes can curb both issues—decrease the environmental footprint of your clothes, plus provide you with new designs.
Where to rent designer clothes from
The idea of renting clothes is gaining momentum in the US, UK, Australia and China, with leading fashion rental companies like Le Tote, Girl Meets Dress, Rent the Runway, Glam Corner and YCloset offering designer clothing as well as everyday wear on a monthly subscription basis. Closer to home, we’ve seen a sudden spike in the number of fashion websites that offer rental services. Up for renting garments or buying pre-owned designer wear? Our list below features exactly where you can find it.
Stage3
If you’re looking to rent designer clothing at affordable prices, Stage3 has got you covered. Whether it’s a Sabyasachi Mukherjee sari (Rs 7,500) or a Shantanu & Nikhil gown (Rs 6,000), Stage3 lets you rent designer outfits for three to six days with easy returns. Stage3.com
Luxépolis
Investing in pre-owned vintage luxury items is another eco-friendly option for conscious consumers. Take your pick from leading luxury labels like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel and Prada on Luxépolis, an online portal that lets you buy and sell premium products. Luxepolis.com
Flyrobe
Have a pre-wedding shoot planned but still figuring out the outfit? Flyrobe’s diverse range promises to provide a myriad of options—from designer lehenga sets and anarkalis to gowns and sari gowns, rent your outfit according to the occasion for four complete days. Flyrobe.com
The Clothing Rental
If you’re not shopping occasion-wise and are on the lookout for a statement piece to amp up your look, head to The Clothing Rental. Apart from traditional ethnic wear, the website also offers tops, dresses, jackets, trench coats, jewellery, handbags and footwear. Theclothingrental.com
Rent At Tali
Rent At Tali is another platform that has a wide range of contemporary clothing and accessories to choose from. Designers like Dhruv Kapoor, Hemant and Nandita, Jade Couture and Misho are some whose clothes are available on rent here. Rentattali.com
The Style Ease
Love wearing celebrity-approved outfits or accessories? The Style Ease offers styles that have previously been seen on stars like Jacqueline Fernandez, Shraddha Kapoor and Malaika Arora. Choose from ethnic wear, Indo western styles and designer accessories. Thestylease.com
Rent An Attire
From bridal designer lehenga sets to Indian outfits featuring a Western touch, choose your ensemble and keep it for three, five, seven or 10 days. Rentanattire.com
Also read:
Ever wondered what happens to your clothes after you throw them away?
This is where your old saris end up (and how they can help empower women)
Earthy, boxy, boring: Do sustainable clothes have a standard look?
