Clothing-rental websites and services are a phenomenon that we have seen really take off over the past couple of years. As we strive to become more environmentally friendly, ditch our late-night online shopping habits and save our money - some very clever websites have come up with a brilliant idea to help us do just that.
What is clothing rental?
Whether it’s a big event you want a new dress for or a new fashion trend you’d like to try for yourself, these clothing rental websites have solved our crisis of wanting a fresh fit for the ‘gram every time we post, without literally costing the world. Cultivating a collection of the best pieces, shoes and accessories, these online lenders have produced some superb selections that you can borrow and send back. Fixed on a per-item or subscription basis, these rental services make sure you get the most out of your money, look your best and have fun with your style, all whilst striving towards a more sustainable future for the planet.
RELATED: Onloan: Meet the monthly fashion rental subscription service changing the game
Swished
Swished is a fast-growing new platform that's USP is a focus on viral partywear labels and coveted social media brands, such as Nadine Merabi, House of CB, Rat & Boa, Self-Portrait, Needle and Thread and Loewe. Many of the pieces are the exact designs that have been worn by celebrities including Maya Jama, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner, and are available to rent for up to 80% less than the retail price.
By Rotation
By Rotation acts as an exclusive peer-to-peer lending service where its members can share their own wardrobes and lend from others on the app. Their users are encouraged to rotate their items between their newfound friends and are dedicated to creating a sustainable community of fashion lovers alike. Not only may you seek out a unique designer item, By Rotation are committed to transforming their user’s clothing consumption habits by encouraging them to ‘shop’ sustainably.
MORE: 7 sustainable lingerie brands that you need to know about
My Wardrobe
My Wardrobe allows you to rent (and buy) pieces from their archive of over 500 designers. Most of their items are listed on sale for a fraction of the retail value. On the platform, you can rent a garment for as long as 14 days. Their fully managed service means that all items will arrive to you in pristine condition, and they include rental insurance for minor wear and tear that may occur when you borrow clothes. So you can party in that dress stress-free.
Onloan
Onloan is a subscription-based rental site, offering two different memberships to suit your individual needs. Depending on the number of items you would like to borrow and the value of the items you would like to try, Onloan offer their services as a chance to experience the qualities of luxury fashion. Founded by friends Tamsin Chislett and Natalie Hassack, Onloan partners with the most sought-after contemporary designers such as Rejina Pyo and Stine Goya to make the brand an incredible source for those of us who have grown used to relying on the high street.
Rotaro
Rotaro are devoted to shaking up the fashion world, letting users discover new designer brands and experiment with modish styles. From recyclable, reusable packaging to carbon neutral delivery, Rotaro have taken their initiative one step further and partnered with Ecologi to promote reforestation and support climate projects. They even use a newfound Ozone cleaning method to launder their items when returned for minimal environmental effect.
RELATED: Why vintage designer handbags are making a serious comeback
READ: Greenwashing in fashion is a huge issue right now – here's how to identify it
RELATED: Amanda Hearst's 7 sustainable pieces to update your wardrobe this autumn
Endless
Endless is definitely the way to shop (or rent) when seeking out occasion and formal pieces. Unlike the other sites, Endless provides the option to buy the item from new or nearly-new. The company has also launched Endlessly Better - a sustainable strategy with clear targets that Endless are committing their time to achieve. Working directly with the brands they stock, Endless handles all the care of the clothing you may rent or purchase.
Hurr Collective
Founded by Victoria Prew back in 2017, Hurr Collective’s aim is to "remedy the bad habits of the [fashion] industry". As well as the environmental benefit of online rental services, Prew also explains how fun they can be to use: "It’s a way to change-up your style. It’s also a great chance to experiment with different brands." Stocking the latest luxury trends and pieces, Hurr are dedicated to growing their range and are moving towards providing a wider range of sizes above a size 16 for their customers. This online empire is popular with celebrities and influencers alike and are also known to run pop-up shops at Selfridges Oxford Street.
Like this story? Sign up to our HELLO! newsletters to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.