Rent-a-porter: Why you should consider hiring, not buying, when it comes to new outfits
Image: @isabellath
If you're looking to make your outfits more conscious, it's time to think rental…
Consolidating our love of fashion with the sustainable lifestyle we're trying to live more acutely is no small feat. Of course, we can wear the clothes we do own more, wash them less (or, at least, on cooler temperatures), and seek out second hand where possible.
But there's another solution to getting dressed more sustainably, and that's where fashion rental comes in.
While the global clothing rental market is valued in the billions, it still only makes up a niche section of the UK fashion industry. But a whole host of new sites are about to change all that. With the ability to rent the latest must-have items instead of buying them outright, not only will you save yourself precious pennies, but you'll also have a hand in shifting the trajectory of the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction. New clothes with less waste—it certainly sounds appealing.
Here are the top fashion rental sites making it a reality…
HURR Collective
Hurr Collective is a membership-based rental platform founded by Victoria Prew and Matthew Geleta. It launched in 2018 with a mission to make renting an everyday occurrence. With a lengthy waiting list (which it does to keep renters secure), once you're a member, you can arrange to meet with your lender in person or have items mailed to you.
Hurrcollective.com
Cocoon Club
Calling all bag ladies! Cocoon Club is a subscription rental service for luxury bags, for £99 a month. Shopping this way, you can tote a new bag from month to month without the hefty investment-piece price tag.
Cocoon.club
Onloan
With hoards of outfits to choose from, Onloan works directly with designers to stock and provide access to the latest collections. It works on a membership-only basis, so consumers subscribe to use the platform and rent several pieces every month.
Onloan.co
My Wardrobe HQ
After undergoing a rebrand at the tail end of 2019, My Wardrobe has evolved into a premium rental platform, boasting the world's top designers. You can rent any item on-site for up to 14 days and, if you truly fall in love with something, you may even be able to buy it outright.
Mywardrobehq.com
It’s Rented
Scottish fashion stylist Laura Russell is launching her very own fashion rental platform, It’s Rented, and we can’t wait to see the sartorial treats she has in store. “Renting clothes is the new way to shop,” urges Laura. “On It’s Rented, it’ll be like having lots of sisters you can borrow from - without the arguments! Not only will it amount to some style savings, but you’ll also be helping limit the environmental impact clothing has on our planet, through recycling and reusing.” Coming very soon, we just know this is going to be our new fashion obsession…