"I'm not wearing that old thing - I've already worn it and posted it on Instagram." [1] How many times have you uttered these words before choosing what to wear for a night out? It's a common thought that has led to a sometimes wasteful approach to fashion. According to Clothes Aid, [1] roughly 350,000 tonnes (that's around £140 million worth of used but still wearable clothing) goes to landfill in the UK every year. This equates to more than 30 percent of our unwanted clothing currently going to landfill.
It's no secret that the fashion and textiles industry is a major player in our global waste problem [2]. But fear not - clothing rentals have taken the fashion industry by storm in recent years. The future of fashion is the community closet, and there are now multi-brand clothing rental websites and apps at every price point. We still have quite a way to go if we want to close the loop on circular fashion, but the growing fashion rental economy is helping to push our consumption in a more sustainable direction.
In the past few years, the fashion rental economy has grown at an exceptional rate and in turn has altered our attitudes to waste and sustainable fashion. [3] American company Rent the Runway was one of the first big names in the rental business, and it's still going strong a whole decade later. Since then, the UK has followed suit with dozens of fashion rental websites and apps, specialising in everything from certified vintage gems to peer-to-peer lending, designer clothing rentals, and even niche companies like Cocoon, which only rents luxury handbags. [4]
However, there's still a greater need for size inclusivity [5] within the clothing rental market in the UK. When the clothing rental market first started to take off, plus-size options were extremely limited. In the last year, we have been seeing some slight improvements, but it's still a large part of the conversation.
Read ahead to find the best inclusive fashion rental websites and apps in the UK that will elevate your wardrobe.
Rixo Rental
Rixo Rental [6] is here to fill the gap for all your wedding guest needs. If you love all things vintage, that's exactly what is at the heart of this company.
How It Works: Whether you're after the ultimate holiday dress, a show-stopping print for a wedding, or you're a bride-to-be yourself, Rixo offers customers the chance to rent an outfit for four, eight, 10, 16, or 30 days. With pieces ranging from £40 to £86, buyers can rent a frock (including both new and archived designs), and return it after the event. Rixo looks after the dry cleaning, delivery, and return, so you can contribute to a more circular economy with none of the stress.
Hurr
Hurr [7] uses real-time ID verification, geo-tagging, and AI-powered fashion stylists.
It's worth noting that Hurr is also inclusive with their sizing options - they provide clothing rentals up to a UK size 32.
How It Works: Members can set up a profile and start renting immediately by choosing a seven-day, 14-day, 21-day, or 28-day rental time period per item. Lenders are professionally ID-verified by the Hurr team and can upload photos of their items and set their own rental prices and location offerings. Once a member's request to rent is approved by a lender, renters can arrange a pick-up location and return their items in the post. Once the item is successfully returned, lenders get paid a percentage of the retail price of their item.
Cocoon
Cocoon [8] is made for luxury bag lovers. There are three membership offerings: Flexi, Premium, and Deluxe, and the fees range from £19 to £99 a month. With this subscription, members have access to the most sought-after new season, pre-owned, and limited-edition bags.
How It Works: Depending on which membership option you choose, you will have access to a certain amount of swaps between different luxury bags. The subscription fee also covers repairs, service fees, and damages. Members can choose from vintage designer classics from the likes of Gucci, Valentino, and Prada, or new-gen gems from By Far, Staud, and Jacquemus.
My Wardrobe HQ
My Wardrobe HQ [9] used to be called Wear the Walk. It stocks current and past season designer collections, as well as pre-loved pieces from individuals' wardrobes on a rent and buy model.
How It Works: My Wardrobe HQ uses a third-party payment provider, ShieldPay, to ensure all transactions are secure and protected. After you've been verified, you'll be able to rent each item for a maximum of 14 days - items are priced on an individual basis. Once you're done, return items with My Wardrobe HQ's pre-paid return label, then drop it off at your local DPD postal point.
The website has recently introduced a monthly membership option where members get the chance to experiment with new styles. Silver (£59) allows access to two items monthly and unlimited swaps for the first month. Gold is £99 and offers four items monthly with unlimited swaps in the first month.
My Wardrobe HQ X Amrika London
Last year, My Wardrobe HQ partnered with Amrika London [10] to offer a curated edit of luxury South Asian retailers ahead of Eid. The collection offers renters exclusive ready-to-wear pieces from South Asian designers like ELAN, Ridhi Mehra, Archana Rao, SVA and Payal Singhal, all available for rental from four days.
How It Works:
This collection follows the same My Wardrobe HQ rules. The items can be rented year-round, from £10 a day. The collection includes everything from kurtas to kaftans and embroidered gowns.
By Rotation
By Rotation [11] was the UK's first peer-to-peer fashion rental app. They are also one of the more size-inclusive apps, featuring clothing up to a UK size 30.
How It Works: Lenders can set up a profile, photograph their own pieces, and have full flexibility on pricing, rental periods, and discounts. Once the transaction between lender and renter is complete, lenders are paid within five to seven business days and make an average of 10 percent of the retail price. By Rotation also offers a rental management service if you don't have the time to handle your stock directly.
Lenders are responsible for cleaning and can add a cleaning fee if the item is delicate. By Rotation has also partnered with BLANC, which offers eco-friendly cleaning and repairs.
Front Row
Front Row [12] has partnered with the iconic British department store Fenwick [13] to provide shoppers with the opportunity to rent show-stopping pieces from its London and Newcastle stores.
How It Works: Specialising in the luxury market with covetable labels like Gucci, Chanel, and Fendi available, Front Row's presence in Fenwick's stores gives shoppers the chance to try looks on before they decide to rent. With a space in the Newcastle store, it is also the first in-store rental service available outside London. The company also gives customers the chance to rent shoes, accessories, and even makeup for a full top-to-toe look. Rent for three to five days for any special occasion. If you're not able to head to Fenwick, you can have a browse online as well and make use of the virtual personal styling appointments.
Nuw
Nuw [14] was the UK's first fashion rental company with a focus on sustainable clothing and accessories.
How It Works: Nuw is the best for unlimited borrowing. Through the brand's designated app, [14] members can upload photos of high quality, under-loved clothing, shoes, and accessories. After items have been checked and approved by the Nuw team, renters can choose items and then swap pieces for only a £0.99c transaction fee plus the cost of shipping.
Girl Meets Dress
Girl Meets Dress [15] is super easy to navigate; you don't have to be a member to see what's available on the site or how much it's going to cost you to rent. It's a great spot for renting wedding guest dresses, as they carry tons of mid-range brands like Self-Portrait, Ghost, For Love & Lemons, and Faithfull The Brand.
How It Works: Members can borrow up to three dresses, and only have to pay for the one they decide to wear. Each dress is individually priced for a two-night or seven-night rental period. Once you're done with your look, pop it into a pre-paid return pack and drop it at your local post office before 4:30 p.m. You'll get a refund on the dresses you don't wear (once all tags are left attached).
- Additional reporting by Kara Kia
