Every once in a while, the iconic picture of Cher Horowitz standing ankle-deep in a sea of clothing on her bedroom floor circulates on social media and I’m reminded of exactly what my bedroom looks like…anytime I get dressed. After about two-to-three outfit try-ons, I usually admit defeat and settle on something either super comfy—tracksuits are my aesthetic—or something super basic. But then, my co-workers introduced me to the world of clothing rental services (Rent the Runway is an ELLE.com editor favorite).
As someone who loves to own their own clothes, I asked the tough questions: Is renting clothing actually better then committing to a purchase? Which ones are actually worth the monthly fee?
I did what most clothing rental skeptics would do—research. Ahead, the ten best clothing rental services that’ll completely transform your closet.
Rent the Runway Unlimited
Why you’ll want it: Looking to standout of the crowd as you catch the bouquet at your friend’s upcoming wedding? Maybe you have a job interview at a known cool company and want to impress your potential employer. Or maybe your closet is in dire need of a tune-up. Rent the Runway has excellent occasion-wear and fashiony work-wear, including designer pieces from brands like Tibi, Rejina Pyo, Club Monaco, Tory Burch, Reformation, Jason Wu and more
How it works: Choose from two plans: Unlimited or Update. Unlimited offers members over 650 designers with items valuing up to $3,000; there’s also the unlimited option to swap items. For those who chose Update, you choose from 400 designers items valueing up to $300, but you can only swap once a month. Still, both memberships allow members to rent four items at a time.
The cost: RTR Unlimited, $159/month; RTR Update, $89/month
Nuuly
Nuuly
Why you’ll want it: You already spend your paycheck on cult-favorite retailers like Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People, so why not rent from the good folks at parent company URBN each month hassle free?
How it works: First, fill out a short quiz about your sizing and shape. Once your personal edit is complete, you can browse the clothing, which include new season items; choose up to six rentals a month. Laundry and clothing repairs are also included in the price. Buy can any item you love and Nuuly will give it to you at a discount which varies from brand to brand. Return the ones you don’t need to own.
The cost: $88/month
Infinity Loft
Why you’ll want it: Who wouldn’t want an endless closet of comfy basics and no-fuss work clothes? Infinity Loft offers everything you love about Ann Taylor Loft —floral prints, warm knits, wrap dresses, etc.—in all the sizes, including maternity and plus.
The details: After signing up, members browse the website to build their own dream closet—the more you add, the more intuitive the suggested picks become. Then click “prioritize” so Infinity Loft knows you want first dibs on those items. Once the three pieces arrive, keep the best treasures for a discounted price (the website doesn’t specify the percentage). When you’re ready to return, just notify Infinity Loft, slap on a pre-paid shipping label, and get ready to receive your next box.
The cost: $64.95/month
Banana Republic Style Passport
Why you’ll want it: Banana Republic Style Passport is another clothing rental service that makes dressing for work quick and seamless process so you have more time for things that matter (lattes, sleep, podcasts).
The details: After curating your own closet, you can rent three items at a time and wear them for as long as you want, or return them using your pre-paid label. You also have the option to get more items any time during the month (some services just do a single bulk shipment).
The cost: $85/month
Fashion to Figure
Fashion to Figure
Why you’ll want it: “Fashion is a state of mind, not a size range,” Fashion to Figure Closet’s site reads. The Fashion to Figure Closet rental service is made for women sizes 12–24 and XL–3XL who want a slew of clothing options to choose from.
The details: Fashion to Figure Closet members can rent three styles from the proprietary brand, and can return and repeat as much as you want. If there’s an item you absolutely can’t part with, FTFC will knock a few dollars off the retail price just for you.
The cost: $54.95/month
Gwynnie Bee
Why you’ll want it: Gwynnie Bee’s website has stylist-curated categories like work and weekend so members can easily browse clothing for every occasion. The service caters specifically to women sizes 10 to 32 from brands like Calvin Klein, ModCloth, and Addition ELLE Eshakti.
The details: Before you even decide to commit to Gwynnie Bee, the company offers a free trial that allows customers to rent two items at a time for one month. After your trial period is over, the pricing increases based on how many items you want to take out at a time. The priciest box allows you to rent up to 10 items and costs $199.
The cost: starting at $69.95/month for two items
Vince Unfold
Why you’ll want it: The rich-girl closet you’ve been pining for is suddenly within reach. Vince Unfold is a good way to try out the brand’s offerings, from breezy linens for an upcoming vacation to leather and velvet suits that’ll make you look and feel one hundred percent that bitch.
The details: Vince Unfold members are encouraged to maintain at least 10 items in their virtual closet; the company sends four at a time. You can wear them for as long as you wish within the month and exchange them whenever you want all month long. Vince Unfold also offers members a discounted price on all its offerings so you can keep the ones you want or return your items for a new batch.
The cost: $160/month
New York and Company Closet
Why you’ll want it: You can beat the mall crowd and get New York and Company’s latest arrivals delivered to your door.
The details: New York and Company Closet gives members the opportunity to add up to 25 items to their virtual closet so there’s a better chance of getting pieces you truly love. Three of those items will be shipped monthly; return and replace your selects as often as you want.
The cost: $49.95/month
Style Lend
Why you’ll want it: Think Real Real meets Rent the Runway. Style Lend allows members to rent designer items from other people’s closets. Hear me out: You get to rent designer bags, dresses, outerwear, anything from brands like Zimmerman, Self Portrait, Emilio Pucci, Chanel, Christian Dior instead of paying full retail price.
The details: If you’ve ever wanted to take Chanel’s signature tweed suit for a test drive or haven’t yet decided if you want to add a Louis Vuitton handbag to your collection, Style Lend has all the brands you could ever dream of in its inventory. You can rent a designer piece for seven days, return it, then rent again. The super affordable monthly fee might come as a shock, but unlike other rental services, the inventory isn’t as expansive, you’re only renting items for a week, and can’t purchase the items you love (unless you speak directly to the seller and they’re okay with giving up that fur-trimmed Emilio Pucci jacket).
The cost: $7.95/month
Bloomingdales My List
Bloomingdales
Why you’ll want it: Do the brands Frame, Zadig & Voltaire, Mackage, and Ba&sh set your heart aflutter? Bloomingdale’s My List has over 60 brands and exclusive pieces for members to choose from each month.
The details: Members start off by building their closet, then BML will ship out four of items. You can keep them until you’re ready for new items or buy them so they’re yours forever.
The cost: $159/month
