To keep up with the fast-paced fashion trends circulating at rapid speed, consumers have increasingly turned to clothing rental companies. These services offer a way to stay on top of trends without the need to constantly buy new clothes. Renting also allows people to experiment with new styles without the commitment of purchasing pieces they might only wear once.
Rent the Runway and Nuuly are two of the most popular clothing rental companies. A monthly subscription to Rent the Runway offers five pieces for $94 per month, while Nuuly provides six items for $98 per month. Nuuly also offers a 10% student discount, reducing the total to $80. Choosing between these services often depends on which one carries a consumer’s favorite brands and styles.
Nicole Kleist, a writer for “Vogue,” reflected on the benefits that renting clothes offers.
“If you’re interested in test driving a new trend or silhouette, securing a few separates you wouldn’t normally wear from a style-focused rental brand is an effective strategy,” Kleist said.
Rent the Runway is known for carrying brands such as Veronica Beard, Ulla Johnson, Reformation and Staud. Nuuly, meanwhile, is more tailored for young women, particularly college students, offering brands like Free People, For Love & Lemons, Anthropologie and Farm Rio.
Seher Islam (9) has tried renting clothing in the past but found it wasn’t for her.
“I become attached to a piece of clothing I find attractive, and I cannot see myself letting it go. I rented a dress once, and after returning it, I went and bought it for myself because of how much I adored it,” Islam said.
While renting clothes can be exciting and convenient, it can also become expensive. Renting through Nuuly, for example, would cost $1,176 per year for a total of 72 clothing pieces. However, these services allow consumers to cancel their subscriptions at any time.
With upcoming Spartanburg High School events such as prom and graduation, clothing rental companies may be helpful for those who don’t want to spend a significant amount on outfits they’ll only wear once. Renting can also be a practical option for seniors planning to participate in sorority recruitment during their freshman year of college.
Lillie Henson (12) has been a loyal Nuuly user since July 2024 and has found the service especially useful during her senior year.
“It is always fun to pick out new and exciting pieces that I normally wouldn’t purchase. I am also going to two proms this year, and I plan on getting one of my prom dresses from Nuuly,” Henson said.
