There are many great things about fashion – creativity and self expression being the big two. But like with any industry it has its bad habits. The biggest? Overconsumption. With a mindset driven by a constant demand for “newness”, we are trapped in a cycle of buying a new outfit for every occasion. Influenced heavily by social media, fast fashion and the never ending stream of new clothes. The industry has a long way to go to create a more sustainable future, but one of the biggest positive changes we have seen in the last few years has been the rise in fashion rental services.
The ability to rent designer clothes 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, clothing rental services offer consumers a chance to wear luxury, wish-list-worthy pieces without committing to a permanent purchase.
Whether you’re experimenting with trends, dressing for a special occasion, trying to shop more sustainably, or simply want to wear a designer piece you’ve always admired – fashion rental is one of the smartest ways to refresh your wardrobe. These UK-based clothing rental websites make luxury accessible, fun, and eco-conscious. Oroving that great style doesn’t have to cost the Earth (or your savings).
HURR
HURR is often described as the pioneer of fashion rental in the UK. The peer-to-peer platform 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. You might even spot a Chanel quilted bag available to rent for just £50 a day For those looking to rent designer clothes without the fuss, By Rotation makes it fun and accessible.
Cocoon
Remember in the Sex and the City movie when Carrie was amazed you could rent designer bags? Cocoon Club is making this dream a reality! As a membership-based handbag rental service, Cocoon Club allows members access 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.
Rentierre
One of the newest names on the scene, Rentierre is a UK-based fashion rental marketplace that operates with a peer-to-peer model. You can shop brands such as Ganni, Miu Miu, Helmut Lang, and Self Portrait for as little as 1/20 of the original price. Though it’s not all big names, Rentierre also champions smaller brands, shedding light to some of the up and coming names in the industry. But what makes Rentierre extra special is that it is the UK’s first marketplace with zero lending fees, making it one of the most inclusive and affordable ways to rent designer clothes.