Here's Why Renting Your Wardrobe Might Be a Smart Choice

Renting clothes is a concept that has been around for years, particularly among celebrities. However, it has become increasingly popular among ordinary people as a way to "shop" in their day-to-day lives. There are several benefits to renting clothes, including environmental, economic, and fashion-oriented benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider renting your wardrobe.

Fashionable

Our generation's approach to fashion has been heavily influenced by social media. People feel compelled to invest in every new trend, and there is a belief that outfits can only be worn once. If you find yourself in these predicaments, renting might be the perfect solution. Renting allows you to express yourself through fashion while being a more economical and sustainable option than buying something new every time. Additionally, if you want to try a trend-piece that you know won't be a wardrobe staple, you can hire it, style it with your existing core items, and then return it for someone else to enjoy.

Another fashion-oriented benefit of renting is that it allows you to experiment without commitment. If there is a particular style that you've been wanting to try but don't want to commit to fully, you can rent pieces, see how wearable you find them, and test whether they work with your current wardrobe. This gives you the freedom to play with fashion in a way that buying items doesn't. You can have fun with different styles and trends without having to commit to them if you're unsure. Moreover, if there is a particular item or style that you like but doesn't fit in with the rest of your wardrobe, you can still try it without having to work it in with your existing items.

Hurr Collective Isabel Marant Leather Knee High Boots
£ 119.32

By Rotation Perfect Moment Metallic Jacket
£ 104

Hurr Collective Coucou Lanai Co-Ord Set
£ 47.86

By Rotation Paco Robanne Silver Bag
£ 87

Economical

The current cost-of-living crisis means that many households find it challenging to afford luxuries such as fashionable clothing. However, the economic benefits of renting clothes pre-date this crisis. Renting formal wear, for example, makes more sense than investing in an outfit you won't wear often. By Rotation has specific sub-sections for you to shop from depending on the event you're attending, such as a wedding-guest look or ski trip. Saving money by renting these less-wearable looks then allows you to re-invest this money into the staple pieces for your wardrobe. Moreover, if you have had your eye on a designer piece that you can't afford to buy, renting it could be an economic solution. You can find pieces from Fanci Club, Reformation, and even Jean Paul Gaultier available to rent for a fraction of the retail price.

Another economic benefit to renting is that you can rent out your own pieces and earn some money back from them. Instead of allowing items to gather dust in your home, you can rent them out for others to enjoy. Renting is truly a win-win system.

By Rotation Indian Yellow Dress
£ 52

Farfetch Marchesa Notte Strapless Appliqué Gown
£ 625

Farfetch Euro Sciapra Delhy Paisley Silk Scarf
£ 361

Environmental

The fashion industry is a significant contributor to the climate crisis. The industry produces 10% of all humanity's carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply. Similarly, the world consumes about 80 billion new pieces of clothing each year, and the average American generates 82 pounds of textile waste annually. One of the most beneficial things we can do to limit the environmental impacts of the fashion industry is to consume less. Investing in long-lasting staple pieces for your wardrobe and renting the rest when you need it is an excellent way to reduce your consumption and give a new lease of life to items that may not be worn to their full potential otherwise.

It’s Vintage Darling!

Finally, renting also offers access to some fantastic vintage pieces. Renting allows you to track down and borrow some incredible looks that are no longer available to purchase. Just like celebrities and their stylists, you too can dip into the archives and rent vintage pieces to add some timeless charm to your wardrobe.