Rental Fashion: Why Professionals Are Renting Work Wear

Could the future of workwear lie in the rental economy? Unlike previous generations that prioritised ownership and investment, today the consumer considers rental fashion. Platforms like Rent The Runway and Nuuly are empowering them to make a powerful impression at work while budget-conscious and environmentally responsible.

One of the key drivers behind this trend is the increasing cost of high-quality workwear. In a world where first impressions are critical—especially in industries like finance, consulting, and law—the pressure to look polished can be overwhelming. Young professionals, in particular, feel the pinch. For instance, young lawyers preparing for important trials might need several tailored suits but cannot afford it. Renting allows them to wear premium suits without the financial strain.

If your 9-to-5 corporate or legal workplace calls for a curated selection of formal attire, sign up for a rental subscription service that is stocked with sharp blazers and pencil skirts. If you are in the creative industry and want to make an impression at fashion week, advertising client or celebrity interview, securing a few dresses, separates and statement accessories from a style-focused rental service is a smart strategy. Let's take a closer look at rental fashion in the workwear segment! 

Rising Trend Of Workwear Rentals

New York-based fashion rental platform, Rent the Runway, reveals that professionals embracing this model for workwear. "In a market where potentially people feel less security around their job, they are dressing up even more to go to the office", Jennifer Hyman, Co-Founder and CEO of Rent the Runway told Bloomberg. “They’re showing up looking even more professional. Some more formal looks — such as blazers — have also become increasingly fashionable outside of the office, further fueling demand for more formal clothes.”

From entry-level employees to C-suite executives, everyone needs attire that projects authority, style and confidence. To address this need gap, Rent The Runway has a workwear ten-item subscription plan for $114 with code: GetDressed. Offering a selection that includes Smart Casual, Business Formal, Creative, Work from Home, Casual Friday and New Brands for Work, the service is experiencing 13.4% year-over-year subscriber growth, customer satisfaction at its highest in three years, and engagement with the new inventory over-performing across every key metric.

Want something special for a formal work occassion? Independent fashion brands also offer rental services! Customers checking out on Altuzarra can now click Borrow instead of Buy. The American fashion brand has launched clothing rental in partnership with P180, the retail innovation firm that has a minority stake in the business. Burberry has a rental and resale service in partnership with My Wardrobe HQ, making its luxury items available for customers to rent or purchase second-hand. The service is part of the brand's commitment to circular fashion, with rentals for periods of four, seven, ten, or fourteen days.

"Supporting the principles of a more circular economy is key in achieving our ambition to be Climate Positive by 2040," Pam Batty, Burberry VP of Corporate Responsibility, told The Evening Standard. “We are delighted to partner with My Wardrobe HQ to offer our communities a new way to shop sustainably for luxury pieces of the highest quality and craftsmanship whilst expanding on our existing reuse, repair and recycling initiatives.”

At Vivrelle, a top-tier executive could rent fine jewellery from Bvlgari, Christian Dior or Chanel, or Bottega Veneta and Hermes handbags; the rental service is built on loyalty with a three-month minimum subscription offering four membership tiers and access to thousands of luxury items. Undecided? Book stylist appointments, in-person or via FaceTime to help you with the right look! 

Men have great options too! 170-year-old UK menswear retailer Moss Bros. introduced a subscription rental service Moss Hire, for £65 a month. Allow an hour for the suit hire appointment. It can be relatively quick to find the right suit and get measured up, but having more time means you can try on different outfits, weigh your options and ask questions. Searching for the right formal attire for the annual office Christmas party? Try online suit and tuxedo rental service, The Black Tux.

For young professionals just entering the workforce, renting workwear allows them to focus on building their careers without the financial strain of looking smart. Fashion rental service Nuuly has a cost-effective workwear segment that is particularly popular. Simply subscribe and rent any six styles, every month, for $98. What's included: fast, free shipping and returns. If you fall in love with something, buy it. Send back the rest of the items by the billing date and repeat! 

Peer rental services are popular too. By Rotation first launched as an app in the UK in 2019 and is now viable in the US. It works by enabling consumers to rent items from other consumers. Lenders list their items on their profiles, with a price and minimum lend period, and renters select the garment they want and the duration. It is the responsibility of the lender to send the item directly to the renter, and vice versa on return.

Not sure which service provides the best selection of workwear for your needs? The online communities that exist around fashion rental sites are a valuable resource. Most customers of Rent The Runway leave reviews on items they've borrowed; and Tulerie, which sees users borrowing from each other, has witnessed their members wanting to share tips. Join the community now and help each other! 

Workwear Rental: Sustainable And Environmental Friendly

As environmental issues become alarming, this generation is growing increasingly aware of the negative impact fashion has on the planet. A report by ThredUp reveals that 33% of Gen Z consumers have rented clothes, and 67% believe that clothing rental is a more sustainable alternative to traditional shopping. By choosing to rent instead of buy, we help reduce textile waste and the carbon footprint associated with the production and disposal of garments.

A case in point is Emma, a digital marketing executive who has turned to rental services for her office attire. She explains that she was tired of accumulating clothes that she rarely wore, and renting offered a solution to this wastefulness. "I can wear something new for every meeting and rental is eco-friendly," she says. For environmentally-conscious professionals, this model allows them to align their values with their shopping, choosing workwear that is rented, reused, and maintained with sustainability in mind.

Ann Cantrell, an associate professor in the FIT Fashion Business Management program, specializing in economic and environmental sustainability, feels that the environmental footprint of rental services becomes more significant with regular use. And we should consider purchasing something we love — as many rental items are available at a fraction of the retail price. "If you are wearing something more than six or eight times, you should just buy it,” she tells The New York Times.

Why Rental Fashion Is Better Than Purchase

Here are five reasons why renting apparel and accessories is a better option than purchasing everything:

1. Cost-Effective Solution: renting allows access to high-quality luxury fashion at a fraction of the cost of purchase. This is beneficial for occasion wear, which are rarely worn again.
2. Sustainable Fashion: rental fashion reduces the demand for fast fashion, which is a major contributor to environmental degradation. By reusing clothes, it cuts down on waste and promotes a circular economy.
3. Variety: renting provides the opportunity to try out different styles without committing to a purchase. It keeps the wardrobe fresh and versatile without the need for constant shopping.
4. Space Saving: rental fashion eliminates the need for storing a large wardrobe, freeing up closet space. This is ideal for those living in smaller spaces or prefer a minimalist lifestyle.
5. Access to Special Outfits: renting gives access to exclusive formal wear or rich traditional attire, that might be expensive or impractical to purchase outright for one-time use.

Top Rental Fashion Services

• Nuuly: Offering a subscription starting at $98 per month, Nuuly allows customers to rent up to six items from an extensive collection of trendy, high-quality clothing. The service includes brands like Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters, making it an excellent choice for fashion-forward individuals seeking variety and value.
• Armoire: At $89 per month, Armoire provides a curated clothing rental experience tailored to your style preferences. Members can access a rotating wardrobe of designer pieces, perfect for work, casual, or special occasions. The service also offers flexible options for swapping items as needed.
• Rent the Runway: A pioneer in clothing rentals, Rent the Runway starts at $94 per month and offers an extensive library of designer garments for every occasion. Whether for weddings, formal events, or everyday wear, it provides flexibility and convenience with multiple membership tiers and swap options.
• Vivrelle: Starting at just $45 per month, Vivrelle specializes in accessories, including luxury handbags, jewellery, and more. Members can choose from a vast selection of coveted designer pieces, making it ideal for those looking to elevate their outfits without committing to a purchase.
• Cocoon: Charges £79 for access to one bag per month from brands like Saint Laurent or Gucci. Kering invested in the company, which raised an estimated £2.5 million.
• Vince Unfold: This premium service starts at $175 per month and focuses on timeless, minimalist pieces from the Vince brand. Members receive a rotating selection of elegant, high-quality clothing perfect for those who value sophisticated style and effortless luxury.
• Tulerie: Tulerie is a peer-to-peer fashion rental platform that’s free to join. Members can borrow and lend high-end clothing and accessories, creating a sustainable and community-driven approach to luxury fashion sharing.
• Nova Octo: Designed for formal and black-tie events, Nova Octo offers a one-time rental fee per item. It features a curated selection of couture gowns and high-end evening wear, providing access to luxurious outfits for special occasions.
• Switch: Starting at $55 per month, Switch focuses on designer jewellery rentals, offering a wide variety of statement pieces. It’s an affordable way to access high-end accessories for everyday looks or special events, with the flexibility to swap monthly.
• Elysewalker Borrow: Elysewalker Borrow offers a one-time rental fee per item for its curated collection of designer pieces. The service caters to individuals seeking exclusive and chic outfits for special events without the need for a long-term commitment.
• HURR Collective: The London-based rental fashion platform founded in 2019 has built its business around a core principle of offering sustainable and high-quality rental clothing to a Gen Z audience. Their platform allows users to rent everything from essentials to designer wear. With an emphasis on high-end fashion, HURR Collective appeals to fashion-forward customers who want to experiment with luxury garments without breaking the bank or contributing to the environmental toll of fashion.
• Pickle: Despite being relatively new, Pickle has gained traction thanks to TikTok, where #ShopOnPickle appears on nearly two million videos. The platform has also attracted influencers like Remi Bader, Lauren Wolfe and Kit Keenan, who listed items for rent!