The good, the bad, and the surprisingly stylish truth about fashion on loan
Closet Full, Nothing to Wear?
If you’ve ever stared into a jam-packed closet and still felt like you had absolutely nothing to wear, welcome to the club. For years, I found myself caught in an endless cycle of impulse shopping, style regret, and clothes that somehow shrank (or maybe that was just the dryer?). But then I discovered the booming world of clothing rental services, and everything changed — sort of.
To see if this whole “wear-and-return” trend is actually worth the hype (and the monthly fee), I signed up for three of the most popular clothing rental services. I put them to the test, lived in their clothes, field-tested them at brunch, weddings, and even job interviews.
Here’s the full scoop — from the wow moments to the weird smells. Yes, there were weird smells.
What Even Is a Clothing Rental Service?
Let’s get our definitions straight.
Clothing rental services are exactly what they sound like: platforms where you borrow clothes instead of buying them. Some offer high-end designer pieces for one-time events. Others work like Netflix for your closet — pay a monthly fee and get a rotating wardrobe shipped to your door.
Why it’s suddenly everywhere:
- More sustainable than fast fashion
- Great for variety lovers and trend chasers
- Perfect for special events without the guilt of one-time wear
Now, on to the test drive.
The 3 Services I Tried
For this experiment, I chose three of the most talked-about platforms in the US market:
1. Rent the Runway
Best for: Occasions, designer fashion, high-end style rotation
Pricing: Starts at $94/month for 5 items
2. Nuuly
Best for: Everyday wear, trend pieces, vintage-inspired looks
Pricing: $98/month for 6 items
3. Le Tote
Best for: Office wear, basics, maternity
Pricing: Starts at $79/month for 5 clothing + 3 accessories
Let’s break down what actually happened when these boxes landed on my doorstep.
Rent the Runway – Glamour on Demand
Rent the Runway (RTR) is like the OG of clothing rental. Founded in 2009, it carved out a niche by offering designer pieces for less. Think Diane von Furstenberg, Proenza Schouler, and Tory Burch — without the guilt of splurging.
What I Loved:
- The quality is top-tier. Everything felt luxurious. I wore a $500 dress to a wedding and felt like a movie star.
- Great for special events. Whether it’s a black-tie event or a work gala, this is your fashion ace in the hole.
- Dry cleaning included. Just wear, pack it back in the prepaid envelope, and forget about stains.
What I Didn’t Love:
- Shipping delays. One dress didn’t arrive in time for an event. I cried a little.
- Sizing roulette. Designer fits can be tricky — sometimes a size 6 feels like a size 2.
- Limited casualwear. RTR isn’t the best for laid-back everyday outfits unless your version of casual involves silk.
Verdict:
Glamorous but high-maintenance. Perfect if you need to dazzle — just don’t rely on it for yoga pants and brunch.
4:Vintage Vibes and Everyday Cool
Nuuly is the cool kid on the block, launched by URBN (the parent company of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People). Their focus is on fun, fashion-forward, wearable pieces.
What I Loved:
- The brands are hip. I got a vintage-wash Levi’s denim jacket and a Free People maxi that turned heads.
- Size inclusivity. There’s a solid range, including plus sizes.
- Low-stress vibes. Everything was easy to wear, easy to mix and match, and perfect for casual life.
What I Didn’t Love:
- Some items felt “worn.” A couple of pieces had that “many bodies before yours” feel.
- No accessories. If you love to rent bags or jewelry, you’re out of luck.
- Only 6 items/month. No swapping mid-month unless you pay more.
Verdict:
Everyday wearable and stylish. If your style is playful or boho, this is your jam. Great for teachers, creatives, and brunchers.
Le Tote – The Workwear Workhorse
Le Tote doesn’t scream “sexy,” but it has its place — especially if you need a revolving rack of practical fashion. Think structured blouses, midi skirts, and office-ready dresses.
What I Loved:
- Reliable basics. I got a tailored blazer, stretchy trousers, and a flattering blouse — all felt solid.
- Accessory add-ons. Unlike other services, Le Tote includes bags, scarves, and jewelry.
- Try before you buy. If you fall in love with a piece, you can buy it at a discount.
What I Didn’t Love:
- A bit… boring. If you love bold statements, Le Tote might feel uninspiring.
- Material quality varies. Some pieces felt lower-end than expected.
- UI could be better. The app was a bit clunky, and picking items took patience.
Verdict:
Practical and professional. Le Tote won’t wow you, but it won’t let you down. Great if you need a revolving work wardrobe or are pregnant.
What No One Tells You About Renting Clothes
Here’s what I wish I knew before diving in:
1. You Still Need to Do Laundry
Some services ask you to launder lightly worn pieces. Others handle it. Either way, check the fine print.
2. Fit Fatigue Is Real
Not every item fits right. You may find yourself constantly swapping or sending things back unworn.
3. You’ll Miss Your Clothes
When you finally return that perfect wrap dress, it may feel like a breakup. Be warned.
4. It’s Weirdly Addictive
Renting makes fashion feel fresh — and you get used to the excitement of monthly deliveries.
Should You Try Clothing Rental?
Ask yourself:
- Do you like trying new styles without commitment?
- Do you hate repeating outfits on Instagram?
- Do you want a more sustainable fashion habit?
- Do you attend events regularly?
If you answered “yes” to at least two of these, renting might be your new favorite life hack.
Final Verdict: The Best Clothing Rental Service Is…
It depends. (Sorry, I know that’s annoying.)
- Want glam and designer? Rent the Runway
- Want trendy everyday pieces? Nuuly
- Want workwear staples or maternity options? Le Tote
Personally, I ended up subscribing to Nuuly — it hit the sweet spot between affordability, variety, and lifestyle fit. But I’ll still turn to RTR when wedding season hits.
Fashion Freedom, On Loan
Clothing rental services offer something our bulging closets often don’t: freedom. Freedom to experiment, to avoid waste, and to wear something fabulous without committing for life.
They’re not perfect. Sometimes the fit’s off, or you miss your return window. But compared to fast fashion’s environmental toll and the regret pile growing in your drawer, renting feels like a breath of fresh air — with better stitching.
So if you’re curious, take the plunge. Try one month. Try a few outfits. Worst-case scenario? You return it and move on. Best-case? You find the fashion fling that becomes your forever.
