There are many great things about fashion, but like with any industry it has its bad habits. The biggest is this overconsumption mindset that many of us now have. A constant demand for “newness”, that is caused in part by the rise of fast fashion. And whilst the industry has a long way to go to create a more sustainable future, one of the biggest positive changes we have seen in the last few years has been the rise in fashion rental services.
Renting your fashion allows you to still get your kicks from the latest trends, without burning a hole in your pocket or the planet. Of course, there are still plenty of other things you can do to become more sustainable such as shopping secondhand, investing in quality pieces that will last longer, and shopping at more sustainable brands. But as well as being sustainably focused, fashion rental services offer consumers a chance to wear luxury, wish-list-worthy pieces without committing to a permanent purchase.
So, whether you are looking for your next wedding guest ensemble, a statement bag, or planning your holiday wardrobe, here are my favourite fashion rental websites…
HURR
HURR is a UK-based peer-to-peer fashion rental platform, often hailed as a pioneer in the rental marketplace. It offers users the ability to chat with their lenders for styling tips or advice on how the item fits. Items are available to rent for a few days, making it perfect for special events. While they specialise in affordable luxury brands. – think Rixo, Rejina Pyo, and Alice + Olivia – HURR also offers pieces from Balmain, Gucci, and Jacquemus amongst others.
By Rotation
By Rotation describes itself as the world’s first social fashion rental app. The platform, founded by Eshita Kabra-Davies, is as much a social network as it is a rental service. Allowing users to follow each other and rent in as little as two minutes. With everything from high-street labels to luxury designers, By Rotation’s inventory caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and budgets. I’ve even seen the classic Chanel quilted bag available to rent for as little as £50 a day.
Cocoon
Cocoon Club is a membership-based handbag rental service that allows members access to a rotating collection of designer bags, including popular labels like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Launched in 2019, Cocoon Club’s model specifically targets those who love luxury handbags but aren’t looking to own multiple pieces. Members can swap bags monthly, allowing them to keep their style fresh and avoid the commitment of a full purchase.
My Wardrobe HQ
My Wardrobe HQ offers a selection of new and past-season items from brands such as Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Prada, Saint Laurent, and Vivienne Westwood. You can also shop from the wardrobes of celebrities and influencers including Arizona Muse, Poppy, and Chloe Delevingne, Olivia Buckingham, and Roxie Nafousi. My Wardrobe HQ is available to shop online and in-store at Harrods.
Rites
With a smaller but carefully curated collection, Rites ensures each item aligns with its values, catering to a mindful, eco-conscious clientele. But not only can you rent a selection of stunning pieces from Miu Miu to Ganni – at Rites you can also rent out your own items – making it a dream for any sustainably-focused fashion lover.
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