Sustainable Style…
…Thanks, its Rented!
In a world where fashion is incredibly fast-paced and trends evolve at the speed of light, the importance of tempering our need for more and to embrace sustainability has become more crucial than ever. Clothing rental, a practice that not only aligns with eco-conscious values but also allows you to flaunt high-end fashion without the hefty price tag; it could very well be a viable option for many of us
The Rise of Clothing Rental: A Sustainable Style Revolution
As we step (stylishly), towards a more sustainable future, clothing rental has become a great option for conscious consumption and circularity. Shedding light on the positive impacts of this movement leading voices such as Professor Kate Fletcher, leading researcher in the field of fashion and sustainability has been discussing the transformative power of clothing rental and advocating for a shift in our approach to fashion. “The logic of renting is based on efficiency — it being a more efficient use of resources to devise a system where one garment can meet many people’s needs…” Kate Fletcher. What is great about fashion rental, is that it keeps garments in circulation for longer.
Fad or Fashion Fix?
Is clothing rental just another fleeting fashion trend?
Well, no. Fashion rental is already popular in the US, Asia and Australia. The online clothing rental market was valued at US$2.2B in 2023, and it is expected to rise to US$6.2B by 2033. (Future Marketing Insights). Here in the UK we are also seeing signs of growth and consumer changes, with consumers increasingly opting to buy second hand or rent. Victoria Prew, co-founder of UK rental platform HURR, believes that
"rental is the future of fashion…"(Harpers, 2019)
To be honest, I would agree. The idea of fashion rental is not a new concept, it is a common practice for those in film, TV and media. Adopting this approach within the fashion industry could help reduce the substantial environmental impact. With global production of clothing having doubled in the past 15 years, contributing to the £140m worth of clothing sent to landfill each year in the UK alone (WRAP, 2023). Rental, could also help to curb excessive buying and returns. Renting your wardrobe opens doors to a more mindful and sustainable way of living. Still think its an abstract concept? Perhaps we all considered the same when brands like Air B&B, and Uber emerged. Now these are common place, and well, a first choice for many of us.
What about accessories?
Renting clothing is a great option, if you want to change your look and style often, and are guilty (as I am sure we all are at times) of wearing things a few times, if at all. It is estimated that nearly one quarter of our clothes have not been warn for at least a year. (WRAP, 2023)
Well, for me personally I have always used the cost per use principle, mainly for justification! I caveat that with knowing the cost should be reflective of the quality materials, product durability and that truly considers the environmental and social impacts in its production it is undoubtedly going to cost more than the fast fashion pricing we now consider to be the norm. That’s why when we design our products, we continue to use the best quality leather in our products. When it comes to quality though it is important to be discerning with your leathers, (see our leather blog post Know your Grain, for more info)
Many rental sites do offer the opportunity to rent beautiful bags, which is great.
However if you’re like me, looking at renting a beautiful bag you may be thinking (in the words of Barney in Pretty Woman) “it must be difficult to let go of something so beautiful”. Then perhaps really thinking about how are things are made, what they are made from, by whom; and investing in those special things that you will want to use over and over again, those things that bring you joy - buying a lot less is an option for us all.
Conclusion: Rent your wardrobe, Invest In Forever Pieces.
Embracing clothing rental not only revitalizes your wardrobe but contributes to a more sustainable and mindful fashion industry. Pairing this practice with timeless leather accessories ensures that your style is not only of the moment but a reflection of enduring elegance.
Ready to embark on your sustainable style journey? Here are five fashion rental platforms to explore, and if you are looking for a beautiful accessory to go with are rented look, check out our curated collection of luxury leather goods and elevate your wardrobe effortlessly!
1. HURR www.hurrcollective.com
2. Cocoon www.cocoon.club
3. My Wardrobe HQ www.mywardrobehq.com
4. By Rotation byrotation.com
5. Rent the Runway www.renttherunway.com
In addition, here are some good choices for brands, offering rental!
Nobody’s Child www.nobodyschild.com/edits/rental.html
LK and Bennett https://www.lkborrowed.com/
