It can sometimes make more sense to rent a dress for one night only instead of shelling out hundreds only to wear something once
If you’re struggling to justify spending an extortionate amount on clothes, especially to ring in the New Year, you’re not alone. As many feel the post-Christmas pinch on their bank balance, it can be almost out of the question to splash out on dresses and shoes.
But, there’s a way to get glam for less if you’re not against wearing rented clothing. It’s become a popular way to put together a designer outfit without breaking the bank, whatever the occasion.
As well as providing fashionable choices at affordable prices, compared to buying outright, there are plenty of other benefits to being a part of the renting community. For example, items aren’t lost in the ‘fast fashion’ cycle and get much longer use than a traditional wardrobe piece.
Shoppers have reported being able to get their hands on some designer pieces worth hundreds for much less. There’s a handy guide from Martin Lewis’ MSE team listing some of the best places to try and what renters should know about the process.
There are plenty of platforms that work just like regular shopping sites. The MSE team highlighted By Rotation, an Android and iPhone app-based store, claiming it had a selection of designers, including Stella McCartney, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana.
It did have “cheap prices and shorter rental period options.” However, MSE also found it could have fewer size choices, meaning that your dream outfit might not be available in a size that fits you.
Hurr has a massive selection of over 60,000 clothing pieces including brands like Nadine Merabi, Rixo, Rat & Boa, Realisation Par and The Vampire’s Wife. It also features a range of plus-size brands like Anna Scholz and Wray. You can also rent directly from brands’ own stock, including Selfridges
There are other brands that directly rent out clothing, if the idea of taking something from a stranger’s wardrobe didn’t sit right with you. For example, John Lewis launched a rental service for outfits and accessories granting customers the choice of keeping them from four, eight, 16 or 30 days.
You can find more big names – like M&S and ASOS – taking part in the rental market. Both brands use the established site Hirestreet to rent out clothing.
For M&S, its rental service includes 120 women’s pieces – mostly dresses but also some coats and jumpsuits. Meanwhile, the ASOS outifts also cover women’s pieces such as dresses and co-ords.
Both brands use the Hirestreet options for renting items from as little as four days but have extended options as well including 10 or 30 days. There’s a £5 per order extra charge on top of item fees, but this covers the cost of cleaning and delivery both ways.
People could also stand to make a bit of extra cash themselves if they have a wardrobe that’s bursting with clothes. Depending on what brands you have, you could bag hundreds of pounds for clothes that would otherwise just be gathering dust.
The MSE team provides a really extensive guide here, including some of the platforms to try, and how to maximise success. There’s also a section about what is expected by the HMRC tax office when doing this side hustle.
