Renting Clothes: Good or Bad Idea?

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So, to consume fashion in a more responsible way, there are accessible alternatives. Among them, we have upcycling, second-hand, thrift stores, buying from committed and ethical brands, but also clothing rental. Renting clothes is a way to reconcile ecological convictions and the pleasure of dressing up, but is it a good idea? Without further ado, discover our opinion on the subject.

Clothing rental: a growing market

First and foremost, it is important to know that the clothing rental market has been growing exponentially in recent years. According to Data Bridge Market Research report, this growth is expected to reach 10.6% by 2029. The reasons? Rapid urbanization, which gives weight to services that are practical and economical, casual clothing meets this need, the progress of the internet that promotes online rental, and of course, the increase in demand. Faced with environmental challenges, consumers are becoming more and more engaged. And activities that promote responsible consumption patterns are rewarded.

Fashion and rental: a winning duo?

Should we change our consumption habits by opting for rental instead of buying? The only way to answer this question is to weigh the pros and cons. Let us present you the advantages and disadvantages of this type of service.

The advantages of borrowing instead of buying

Did you know that buying clothes is not profitable?

When we invest in a jacket, a top, or even a pair of jeans, it has been shown that the economic value is poor. In other words, the number of times we wear the garment compared to its purchase price is low, which often leads to a feeling of dissatisfaction, especially when the price is low. On the contrary, when we rent clothes, the cost is lower than that of new clothes, and we enjoy them differently (better) thanks to the exceptional nature of the rental (special occasion or short-term effect).

The advantage of renting clothes also lies inevitably in reducing our carbon footprint. When we know that the garment that pollutes the least is the one that is not produced, renting becomes a fashion and ecological reflex that is beneficial.

Opting for fashion rentals will also allow you to satisfy your fashion desires without feeling guilty. In concrete terms, by going through a rental platform, you can, on the one hand, afford to wear a designer piece that you dream of without breaking the bank, and on the other hand, vary your styles by changing outfits frequently. In another measure, this option is also ideal for testing a garment, a style, a color before buying it, and discovering new designers.

The disadvantages of choosing clothing rental

Renting clothes is not suitable for everyone.

Even though the clothing rental market is growing, the number of brands and platforms that offer this type of service is still limited. Therefore, it is possible that among the different online rental wardrobes, the clothes offered may not suit you or you may not find your size.

Also, the purely utilitarian aspect attributed to the garment can also deter some users. Given that we have to return the item after using it, it does not belong to us. It is therefore difficult to attach intimate value to it, especially when it has been worn by several people before. In this case, the garment is no longer seen as an extension of oneself, but as a product that is worn and returned.

Lastly, just like online shopping, clothing rental has the disadvantage of not being able to test the product. Do you enjoy going to stores, getting advice, touching the fabric, trying on clothes, seeing how the cut enhances your figure? Then, you may have some reservations about benefiting from this online offer.

Renting clothes: yes or no?

So, is it a good idea to rent clothes instead of buying from brands whose diversity of offerings leads to overconsumption? To answer this, it is inevitable that this system has advantages: profitability, diversity, reduction of carbon footprint… Clothing rental allows you to reconcile your passion for fashion with environmental commitment. But, it is also a service that does not suit everyone.

To find out if it is right for you, there is nothing stopping you from testing it, first for a special occasion by treating yourself to a luxury piece as offered by Isabel Marant’s second-hand service, and then for everyday wear. And perhaps, renting clothes will become your next habit for a greener fashion.