7 Special Events to Rent Clothes for in 2024 & Why
This post is all about why you should rent clothes in 2024!
Have you ever bought a dress for a wedding or an event and only worn it once? I know I have…
Renting clothes has emerged as a game-changer in the fashion space. Whether it’s a cocktail party, a dreamy wedding, or a professional photo shoot, rental services offer many benefits for those seeking the best clothing options for special occasions.
Let’s explore how rental platforms like Hurr, By Rotation & Hirestreet (UK) and Nuuly, Le Tote & Gwynnie Bee (USA) are transforming how we approach our wardrobes.
Why you should Rent Clothes for these 7 Events in 2024
The value of unused clothing in wardrobes is estimated at around £30 billion. With an estimated £140 million worth of clothing going into landfills yearly, something has to change.
I honestly believe renting your wardrobe is the future of fashion, especially occasion wear. I urge you to give it a go!
What are fashion rental platforms?
Fashion rental platforms allow individuals to rent clothing and accessories for a specific period instead of buying them outright. These platforms offer a wide range of clothing items, including everyday wear, special occasion outfits, designer pieces, and accessories.
The main idea behind fashion rental is to provide consumers with access to a diverse and constantly updated wardrobe without the need for significant financial investment or long-term commitment.
This is the perfect solution in a world where many prefer to wear an outfit only once.
Why is it better to rent clothes?
There are so many reasons why it is better to rent clothes!
Rental services like Gwynnie Bee & Hurr give you access to various clothing items from top brands, including Calvin Klein, Free People, Vince Camuto, and Tory Burch.
Imagine having a rotating virtual closet filled with new styles and designer pieces without the hefty retail price tag. These platforms offer a great way to experiment with different looks for special events, photo sessions, or everyday wear.
The fashion industry is notorious for its environmental impact, but rental services are stepping up to change that narrative. By renting clothes instead of buying them, you reduce your carbon footprint.
Brands like Le Tote and Nuuly focus on sustainability by promoting gently used clothing, contributing to a circular fashion economy.
Another benefit of clothing rental is the personalised styling service that comes with it. Companies like Armoire provide professional stylists who understand your style and body type, ensuring you always receive the right outfit for the occasion.
Rental subscription services also offer various plans to suit individual preferences. Whether you opt for a monthly subscription or prefer the flexibility of one-time rentals, there’s a plan to suit every need.
Does renting clothes save money?
Renting clothes can save you money, especially for specific occasions or high-end fashion items.
Here are some ways in which renting clothes can be financially advantageous:
Many people buy outfits for special occasions and wear them only once. By renting, you avoid the cost of owning a piece that may not be worn again. This is particularly relevant for formal events, weddings, or parties where the attire can be expensive.
Renting allows you to wear designer or luxury items without the hefty price tag associated with purchasing them. This can be a significant cost-saving, especially for those who appreciate high-end fashion but don’t want to invest in items they might not wear frequently.
Renting allows you to experiment with different styles and trends without committing to long-term ownership. This is cost-effective for individuals who enjoy variety in their wardrobe but don’t want to invest in numerous pieces.
Rental services often cover the cost of dry cleaning, which can add up, especially for delicate or formal wear. This eliminates additional expenses you might incur if you own similar pieces.
However, it’s essential to consider a few factors:
There is a monthly fee if you use a clothing rental subscription service. While this fee can be reasonable, especially considering the access to various items, it’s crucial to ensure that you get value from the service.
If you have occasions where you regularly need new outfits, renting might be more cost-effective than purchasing. However, owning one might be more economical if you seldom attend events or prefer to wear the same outfits repeatedly.
The cost-effectiveness of renting clothes is subjective and depends on your budget, lifestyle, and fashion preferences.
Is renting clothes the future?
Renting clothes is gaining momentum and is considered by many as a significant trend shaping the fashion industry’s future.
Designer brands like Kate Spade, Vince Unfold, and Tory Burch are no longer out of reach. With rental platforms, you can adorn yourself in luxury at a fraction of the cost. This is especially beneficial for events like weddings, where flower girl outfits, bridesmaid dresses, and even the main wedding dress can be rented for a limited time, saving you a significant amount of money.
While renting clothes is gaining popularity, it’s essential to note that the fashion industry’s future is likely to involve a mix of ownership, rental, and second-hand markets. Consumers increasingly seek diverse options that align with their values, whether sustainability, affordability or the desire for the latest trends.
As the industry evolves, the role of clothing rental is expected to continue growing, offering a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional retail practices.
Rent Clothes for these 7 Events in 2024
1. A Wedding
A wedding is the perfect opportunity for you to rent your outfit. Whether you are a guest, Mother of the bride, bridesmaid, flower girl, or even the bride, there are rental options for all.
Wedding guests spend an average of £79 on a new outfit, and nearly 10 million are expected to only be worn once, according to the Guardian. So you can see how crazy it is to spend your hard-earned cash on something that will hang in your wardrobe for the rest of the time.
I wish I had known about this before I bought my wedding dress, although if I wear it on my anniversary for the next 30 years, it might be okay, right? #30wears and all that.
Here is a complete bridal edit from HURR.
2. Rent Clothes For a Posh Sporting Event
I suggest renting your outfit for a posh sporting event like Royal Ascot. These events are not usually held very often, and if you’re like me, you don’t go to many, so buying a dress you will hardly wear seems like a waste of money.
Events like Royal Ascot are extravagant, so finding an outfit you can wear 30 times could be tricky. I certainly don’t have a suitable dress or hat in my wardrobe.
Also, it is an excellent opportunity to rent clothes you may not be able to afford usually.
A great designer to rent is The Vampire’s Wife.
I searched for hours for the right hat for Royal Ascot this year and found a beautiful one from Camilla Rose Millinery.
3. A Party
You can wear anything to a party, but I know that if you’re going ‘out out’ you want to look your best.
The countless outfits planned for the weekend ahead most likely include scrolling through fast fashion brands like Boohoo or Shein, designed to be worn once and thrown away. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Renting is the same concept, but you send the item back, and they don’t end up in a landfill!
By renting the Dear Curves animal print kimono dress, instead of buying it new and wearing it once, you are saving 117kg of CO2 equivalent to 2 trees and 416 miles in the car.
4. Brunch
Whether you are brunching with the family or going out with the girls, it is so important that you look the part. It’s always tricky to decide what to wear when the mid-morning starts rolling into the afternoon.
If you haven’t already got an outfit you want to wear, why not rent clothes for the event?
Whether you’re looking for a dress with trainers, a 3/4-slip skirt, or that Gucci belt we all secretly want, renting is the way forward!
If you choose to rent this gorge Molby The Label dress instead of buying it new, you will save 132kg of CO2, which is the equivalent of 2 trees and 472 miles in a car.
5. First Date
Okay, so this one depends on what type of date you are going on. It could range from dinner and drinks in the summer to walking around the Christmas markets in the depths of winter. I prefer outdoor dates, so it’s lucky you can rent outerwear, too!!
Wait until you see some of the coats on offer. They give me total 60s vibes! There is no better time to rent the coat of your dreams.
If you rent the LuLu coat by Charlotte Simone instead of buying it and wearing it once, you will save 389kg of CO2, equivalent to 6 trees and 1385 miles in a car.
6. Interview
An interview is a significant moment in your career, whether for a first job or a promotion. You are trying to sell yourself to a potential employer and want to look your best.
My background is in nursing, so I would usually go for a smart black dress to give off a sensible and professional vibe. Depending on the job you’re hoping to bag, you may need to impress or look seriously cool. Don’t bother buying an outfit you will never wear again; rent it.
Whatever style you choose, there are multiple options. If you rent this pinstripe jacket instead of buying it new, you will save 277kg of CO2, which is the equivalent of 5 trees and 987 miles in a car.
7. Rent Clothes For Festivals
Whether going to a festival in a desert city in California like Coachella or in a field in the south of England like Glastonbury, you will want to stand out. I imagine you will want to show off your outfit and most likely post it on Instagram.
The dream with renting is to borrow an item to wear once and then send it back. Who wants a festival outfit staring at them from the wardrobe?
If you rent this Lack of Colour hat instead of buying it new and wearing it once, you will save 246kg of CO2, which is the equivalent of 4 trees and 879 miles in a car.
Why you should Rent Clothes for these 7 Events in 2024
In summary, renting clothes for life events is not just a practical and affordable way to keep up with the latest trends; it’s a growing movement towards sustainability in the fashion industry.
By embracing rental platforms, you not only save money and closet space but also contribute to a positive shift towards a more mindful approach to fashion consumption.
So, the next time you’re gearing up for a big event, consider the countless options offered by clothing rental services—the perfect piece for your perfect moment may just be a rental away.
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