Clothing rental isn’t a new concept. We have all seen the success of Rent The Runway. The new concept is existing retailers allowing you to rent their current collections for a monthly fee. Places like Eloquii, Banana Republic and New York and Company just to name a few.
If you asked me what I was shocked to see available in the fall of 2020 it would be how many retailers are offering their current clothing for rent. These business models were in the works pre pandemic but now with many of us working from home, not attending a lot of events and cutting back on outings in general we all need less clothes. Which means less sales for clothing retailers.
The concept of renting clothes isn’t just one to boost their sales. This opens up your wallet and your closet for so much more. For a minimal monthly fee you can have access to their expansive cloests without adding to yours. Have you always wanted to cretea casule wardrobe? This may be your chance.
I decided I was going to try as many of them as I could over the last few months. I haven’t been able to try them all but here are the ones I have…
Gwynnie Bee
Cost: $49 to $199 a month
Details: 1/2/3/5/7/10 items out at a time / unlimited exchanges
Items: Shirts & blouses, dresses, denim & pants, cardigans & sweaters, jackets & outwear, skirts
Sizing: Regular and Plus
My thoughts: This was probably my favorite box. Everything came fast and all in one box. As soon as I received it they sent me an email outlining how much it would be to purchase items in the box. Cancelling the box was also simple and I was able to do it in their system online. I cancelled before returning my items and just put the outstanding items I had in the mail.
Eloquii Unlimited
Cost: $85 a month
Details: 4 items out at a time / unlimited returns
Items: Dresses, tops, bottoms, jackets
Sizing: Plus
My thoughts: I love Eloquii clothes but don’t usually spend the money on them because I don’t have a job in an office and especially now I don’t have a lot of fancy events to go to. I love that this gave me the option to get things I wanted and may only wear once and then I could return and try something new.
One thing I didn’t like was the fact that I had to call the company to cancel the subscription.
NY&Co Closet – Unlimited Access
Cost: $50 a month
Details: 3 items at a time / unlimited exchanges
Items: Workwear, athletic wear, tops, bottoms, dresses
Sizing: regular
My thoughts: I was the most disappointed with this subscription. They advertised that plus size clothes were available in the box and when I created an account I realized that there were extremely limited items in plus. To be totally honest with you there were three things I could have chosen from. Not at all worth it in my book.
The bigger issue was the fact that I could not just cancel online. I had to call the company to cancel.
Rent the Runway
Cost: $69 to $159 a month
Details: 4 items – 1 swap / 8 items – 2 swaps / unlimited items – unlimited swaps
Items: Everything! Literally active wear to gowns. Accessories and more.
Sizing: regular and plus
My thoughts: I have not used their membership service but I have rented dressed from them in the past. They are very quick to ship and to receive returns. If anything is not correct with your order they are going to make it right quickly.
Banana Republic Style Passport
Cost: $85 a month
Details: 3 pieces / unlimited returns
Items: Tops, bottoms, dresses and jackets
Sizing: 0-14 and XS-XL
My Thoughts: They are offering a wide variety of items and have pages and pages of stock. It looks like it would be easy to stock their closet minimum of 20 items at a time.
NUULY
Cost: $88 a month
Details: 6 items at a time / Unlimited returns
Items: Tops, bottoms, jumpsuits, coats, jackets, dresses, jeans, shorts, etc…
Sizing: Regular and Plus
My Thoughts: If I was to sign up for another box this would be it. There are lots of items and a variety of brands. Just like Gwynnie Bee you aren’t just getting one brands clothing. You can shop from Free People to Cynthia Rowley and hundreds of other brands.
Express
Cost: $59 a month
Details: 3 items at a time / unlimited returns
Items: Dresses, tops, bottoms
Sizing: Regular
There will be new subscriptions becoming available soon. Like with any trend once brands get wind of this they are all going to jump on board. It is a great way to maximize your wardrobe without maximizing your budget.
XO,
Tiffany
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