Why More People Are Renting Clothes Instead of Buying
A decade ago, buying new clothes for every event was standard. If you had a wedding, dinner party, or new job, you went shopping. Today, that's changing, as more people are renting clothes instead of buying them.
The shift is not just about saving money, though that’s a big part of it. It is also about how we live now. People want fewer things but more experiences. Closets are getting smaller, and minds are getting greener. Many shoppers are asking, “Why own a closet full of outfits when I can rent something stylish, wear it once, and return it?”
The rise of fashion rental platforms has made this lifestyle possible. With a few clicks, you can rent designer looks, try new trends, or build a rotating wardrobe that keeps up with your calendar.
So why are so many people choosing to rent instead of buy? And what does this mean for the future of fashion? Let’s take a closer look at how this growing movement is reshaping the fashion industry.
The rise of the clothing rental trend
Clothing rentals have been around for a while. For decades, people have rented wedding attire such as bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and tuxedos because they are often worn only once. Later, celebrities and stylists helped popularize this concept by renting designer looks for high-profile events. Companies like Rent the Runway, Le Tote, and HURR Collective were the early players. These companies proved that renting could offer elegance and quality without the high cost. They made luxury fashion more accessible and paved the way for today’s growing fashion rental industry.
Soon, the trend extended beyond special events. Social media played a key role as influencers began showing off “rented looks” instead of repeating outfits. Platforms responded by offering everyday styles.
At the same time, growing awareness of the problems caused by fast fashion made many shoppers rethink their clothing purchases. People discovered the waste, pollution, and poor working conditions linked to mass clothing production. Renting offers a smarter, more sustainable option.
This shift became even stronger after the 2020 pandemic, with people rethinking what they needed in their wardrobes. With fewer in-person events and the rise of hybrid work, consumers wanted flexible and sustainable options. Clothing rental platforms stepped in to fill the gap. They offered convenience, variety, and eco-friendly fashion choices that fit into modern lifestyles.
The global clothing rental market has continued to expand as consumers look for smarter, greener, and more affordable ways to enjoy fashion. Young shoppers, in particular, are leading this change, as they view renting as a way to enjoy both fashion and style.
Here’s a quick look at how the market has grown and what is driving it:
|
Year |
Estimated Global Clothing Rental Market Value (USD) |
Growth Trend |
Major Drivers |
Source |
|
2021 |
~1.12 billion |
Emerging |
Launch of major online rental services |
|
|
2024 |
~2.4 billion |
Rapid growth |
Sustainability awareness, social media influence |
|
|
2025 |
~1.76–1.9 billion |
Steady expansion |
Convenience, affordability, and hybrid work trends |
|
|
2030 |
~2.6 billion |
Projected growth |
Shift toward circular fashion and eco-conscious shopping |
Why are people choosing to rent clothes?
The decision to rent instead of buy is a reflection of how people think about money, the planet, and personal style. Let’s look at the main reasons behind this shift.
1. Financial flexibility
One of the primary reasons people rent clothes is to save money. You can wear luxury fashion for a fraction of the cost, whether for a wedding, interview, or night out.
Many clothing rental platforms also offer subscriptions that allow you to pay a monthly fee and enjoy a rotating wardrobe.
2. Sustainability and eco-impact
Fashion is one of the most polluting industries on earth. By renting instead of buying, people are helping reduce textile waste and slow down overproduction. This idea supports the circular fashion model, where clothes are reused, shared, and kept in circulation longer. Renting extends the life of garments and helps reduce carbon emissions due to constant manufacturing.
3. Minimalist and modern lifestyles
More people today want simpler lives and smaller wardrobes. Renting is perfect for the capsule wardrobe approach of owning a few essentials and renting the rest as needed. You can enjoy variety without clutter.
Younger consumers are focusing on experiences instead of possessions. They would rather spend money on travel or events than on items that sit unused in a closet.
4. Convenience and variety
Renting clothes has become incredibly easy, thanks to online platforms. You can browse styles, choose sizes, and have items delivered to your door. After wearing them, return them. No dry cleaning or storage needed.
It also appeals to the “new outfit for every event” mindset, allowing you to try new trends every week instead of worrying about repeating looks.
How clothing rental services work
Clothing rental services are built to make fashion more flexible and affordable. Here’s how they work.
1. Subscription-based vs. one-time rentals
There are two main ways to rent clothes. Some people get a wardrobe subscription, where they pay a monthly fee and receive several items each month. Once they return them, they can pick new styles. It’s like having a rotating closet that always feels new.
Others prefer one-time rentals for special occasions. For example, you might rent a dress for prom night or a wedding, a suit for an interview, or a designer bag for a red-carpet event. This option is great if you only need an outfit for a short time.
2. Deliver, fitting, cleaning, and returns
Most online clothing rental platforms make the process simple from start to finish. After you pick your items, they are delivered right to your door. Some platforms even offer express delivery for urgent clothing items.
Once you wear the clothes, you don’t have to worry about cleaning them. Most services handle professional cleaning before sending the items to the next customer. When you are done, you just pack everything up and return it using the pre-paid shipping label.
3. Technology behind the platforms
Modern rental companies have smart technology for a better fit and look. Many platforms have AI sizing tools that learn from customer feedback and body measurements to recommend the best size for you. Some also use virtual styling tools to suggest looks based on your preferences, body shape, or type of event.
The mix of technology and fashion helps customers feel confident about their choices without needing to visit a store.
4. Accessibility for men, women, and kids
Clothing rental services are not just for women any more. Many platforms also have options for men and children. From everyday clothes to special events, anyone can rent stylish outfits that fit their needs and budget.
Renting vs. buying: The cost and environmental comparison
Renting and buying both have their benefits. However, when it comes to saving money and helping the planet, renting often offers surprising advantages. Let’s look at how the two options compare.
1. Financial comparison
Buying clothes is expensive. A designer dress, for example, might cost $400 or more. Renting the same dress for $50 allows you to enjoy the same luxury look at a much lower price.
With a rental subscription, you might spend $100 a month for several pieces you can swap out any time. Buying those same items new could easily cost hundreds more. Renting helps people look stylish without locking up money in clothes they rarely wear.
Renting also reduces the stress of keeping up with fast-changing fashion trends. Instead of buying new clothes every season, renters can refresh their wardrobes regularly at a lower price.
2. Environmental impact
Renting clothes helps reduce the number of new garments made. When one piece of clothing is worn by many people, it lowers the demand for new production and reduces fabric waste.
However, clothing rentals still have some environmental costs. Transport and dry-cleaning use energy and water, which produce emissions. However, studies show that when clothes are rented and reused several times, the overall impact is still lower than buying and discarding cheap, fast-fashion pieces.
|
Factor |
Renting Clothes |
Buying Clothes |
|
Upfront Cost |
Low (e.g., $50 for designer dress) |
High (e.g., $400 for same dress) |
|
Variety |
High – you can change styles often |
Limited – depends on budget |
|
Sustainability |
Fewer clothes produced per person |
Higher production and waste |
|
Convenience |
Easy returns and no cleaning needed |
Must clean, store, and maintain |
|
Environmental Drawback |
Energy use for transport and dry cleaning |
Waste from overproduction and disposal |
Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Circular Economy in Fashion (2023) and Global Fashion Agenda, Fashion on Climate Report (2022)
When renting makes more sense
Renting clothes is not just about saving money. It is also about making smarter choices for your lifestyle. In some situations, renting is more sensible than buying. Here are a few examples.
1. Special occasions
Weddings, galas, and formal parties are moments when most people want to look their best. However, buying a fancy outfit for just one night can be expensive. Renting clothes for special occasions allows you to wear high-quality or designer pieces at a fraction of the price.
2. Rapid trend changes
Fashion trends change faster than ever. Renting helps you stay current without overspending or creating waste. You can try new colors, styles, or designers whenever you like, then return them when you are ready for something new.
3. Temporary needs
Sometimes, you only need certain clothes for a short time. This could be for maternity wear, travel, or a temporary job. Renting is perfect for these moments because it saves you from buying clothes you won’t need later.
4. Lifestyle flexibility
More people are living flexible lives today. Digital nomads, minimalists, and people who move often prefer not to own many clothes. Renting fits perfectly into this lifestyle. It allows you to enjoy style and variety without worrying about storage and long-term ownership.
The social and psychological shift behind renting
Renting clothes is part of a larger cultural shift in how people view fashion, ownership, and identity.
1. From ownership pride to experience pride
In the past, having a closet full of clothes showed success and stability. Today, the focus is shifting, as people now find joy in variety, creativity, and freedom rather than ownership.
Renting fits this new way of thinking. It allows people to enjoy beautiful clothes without the limitations of owning them. Wearing something new for each event feels exciting, and returning it later feels just as satisfying.
2. Social media and the “outfit repeating” stigma
Social media has changed people’s view of fashion. With constant photos and posts, there is pressure to wear something new for every occasion. Many people worry about being seen in the same outfit twice. Renting helps solve this problem.
By renting, you can switch up your style whenever you want without overspending. It keeps your looks fresh and camera-ready while still being smart and sustainable. Influencers and celebrities are also promoting clothing rentals, making it more accepted and trendier.
3. Renting as a reflection of identity values
Today’s consumers want their choices to match their values. Renting is becoming a way to show you are a smart spender and eco-conscious consumer.
What the future of fashion might look like
The fashion world is changing fast, and clothing rental is only the beginning. As people focus more on sustainability, convenience, and smart spending, the future of fashion will look very different from what we see today.
1. Rental model expansion into mainstream retail
What started as a niche idea is now moving into mainstream shopping. Large fashion brands and stores are adding rental options to their business models. Soon, it may become normal to rent clothes directly from your favorite retail brand instead of buying them.
2. Integration with resale and upcycling
The rental trend is closely linked to resale and upcycling, two other growing parts of the circular fashion movement. Many rental companies are selling pre-loved items that are still in great condition. Others are partnering with upcycling designers who turn old or damaged clothes into fresh, stylish pieces. This approach helps reduce waste and keeps clothing in use for longer.
3. The future of circular fashion ecosystems
In the future, fashion may work more like a cycle than a straight line. Instead of buying, wearing, and throwing away, people will rent, reuse, repair, and recycle their clothes. This circular fashion ecosystem will help reduce the industry’s environmental impact and encourage smarter production.
4. Predicting consumer trends
Technology will continue to shape how people interact with fashion. AI tools might soon help you build a personalized wardrobe that’s perfect for your body, lifestyle, and budget. You could even use virtual fashion to try on outfits digitally before deciding to rent or buy.
Conclusion
Renting clothes instead of buying is a new way to rethink fashion, money, and the environment. More people are realizing they don’t need to own everything to enjoy great style. By renting, you can look amazing while saving money and helping the planet. You reduce waste, support sustainable fashion choices, and keep your wardrobe fresh without overspending. It is a smart and modern approach that’s perfect for today’s lifestyle.
- Renting also feels good emotionally. It gives you freedom and variety, and allows you to enjoy fashion without the guilt of overbuying or the stress of keeping up with fast trends.
If you haven’t tried clothing rentals yet, this is the perfect time. Explore a rental platform, experiment with new looks, and see how it changes your shopping habits. You might find that renting is not just convenient. It is the future of fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is renting clothes cheaper than buying?
Yes. Renting allows you to wear high-quality or designer clothes for a fraction of the buying price.
2. Are clothing rental services hygienic?
Absolutely. Most platforms professionally clean and inspect every item before it is rented again.
3. Can I rent everyday clothes or just special occasion outfits?
You can rent both. Many services now offer casual wear, work outfits, and even kids’ clothes.
4. What happens if I damage a rented item?
Most companies include minor damage protection, but major damage may cost an extra fee.
5. How long can I keep rented clothes?
It depends on the service. Rentals can last from a few days to a full month, depending on your plan.
6. Are clothing rental platforms eco-friendly?
Yes, renting helps reduce waste and production. However, transport and cleaning still have some environmental impact.
7. Can men also use clothing rental services?
Yes. Many rental platforms now include men’s fashion for both formal and casual wear.
8. How do I find the right size when renting online?
Most platforms have sizing tools and customer reviews to help you choose the best fit.