Rent the Runway Review: From High-End Designers to Flexible Rentals
In an era where sustainability and convenience are paramount, Rent the Runway (RTR) has emerged as a major player in the fashion rental industry. Established in 2009 by Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss, Rent the Runway offers a model that allows individuals to rent high-quality, designer clothing and accessories. This review explores everything you need to know about RTR including its pricing model, the designers they carry, the pros and cons of its services, and a comprehensive overview of what you can expect from Rent the Runway.
Rent the Runway provides a platform for renting designer clothing and accessories for various occasions. Their business model revolves around a subscription service and one-time rentals, catering to a diverse customer base ranging from fashion enthusiasts to busy professionals. RTR’s subscription plans are designed to offer flexibility and convenience, accommodating different styles and needs.
Business Model and Services
RTR’s core business model revolves around providing access to high-quality, designer clothing and accessories through a subscription-based rental service. The brand offers two primary services: subscription rentals and one-time Event rentals. The subscription model allows users to access a rotating selection of items, while one-time rentals are available for specific events or needs.
1. Subscription Rentals: RTR’s subscription plans are designed to offer flexibility and convenience. Subscribers can choose from different plans depending on their fashion needs and preferences. The plans range from basic options with fewer items to premium plans offering unlimited rentals, accommodating various budgets and style requirements.
2. One-Time Rentals: For those who don’t require a subscription, RTR provides the option to rent individual items for a set period. This is ideal for special occasions, such as weddings or parties, where a particular outfit is needed for a short time.
3. Virtual Closet and Personalization: RTR has incorporated technology into its service with features like the virtual closet and personalization options. Customers can create a virtual closet to manage their preferences and style choices. Additionally, RTR offers personalized recommendations based on past rentals and user profiles, enhancing the shopping experience.
4. Dry Cleaning and Maintenance: One of the key advantages of RTR’s subscription service is that it includes dry cleaning and maintenance of rented items. This means customers do not have to worry about the logistics and costs associated with cleaning high-end clothing.
5. Flexible Return Policy: RTR’s subscription plans allow for unlimited swaps, meaning that subscribers can return items and receive new ones as often as they wish. This feature is particularly appealing for those who want to continually refresh their wardrobe.
6. Sustainability Efforts: Rent the Runway emphasizes sustainability by promoting the reuse of clothing. By offering a platform for renting high-quality garments, RTR helps reduce the environmental impact associated with fast fashion and excessive clothing production.
Designers Available on Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway boasts an impressive roster of designers, over 750 if you can believe, offering members access to a diverse array of high-end fashion. Here are some notable designers and brands available through RTR:
1. Reformation: Known for its commitment to eco-friendly fashion, The Reformation provides stylish and sustainable clothing options for RTR members.
2. Tibi: Tibi is renowned for its modern, minimalist aesthetic. RTR features a range of Tibi’s sophisticated and versatile pieces, including tailored blazers and contemporary dresses.
3. Self-Portrait: This designer is famous for its feminine, intricate designs. Self-Portrait dresses, often characterized by lace and unique silhouettes, are popular rentals for special occasions.
4. Alice + Olivia: Alice + Olivia is known for its playful and bold designs. RTR offers a selection of Alice + Olivia’s vibrant dresses and statement pieces, perfect for making a fashion statement.
5. Ulla Johnson: Ulla Johnson’s bohemian-inspired designs are available on RTR, featuring flowing dresses and intricate prints that capture a laid-back, yet sophisticated style.
6. A.L.C.: A.L.C. provides modern, versatile clothing suitable for both work and casual wear. RTR’s A.L.C. offerings include chic blouses, tailored pants, and sleek dresses.
7. Staud: Staud is recognized for its trendy, fashion-forward pieces and accessories. RTR’s selection includes Staud’s statement bags and unique dresses.
8. Marc Jacobs: Renowned for its bold and eclectic designs, Marc Jacobs is a featured designer on RTR. Members can rent his standout pieces, including eye-catching dresses and accessories.
9. DVF (Diane von Fürstenberg): Known for the iconic wrap dress, DVF’s collection on RTR includes elegant and timeless pieces that are ideal for both professional and social events.
10. Ganni: Ganni’s modern and playful designs are available for rent, offering members access to trendy and contemporary styles that are perfect for a range of occasions.
11. Veronica Beard: With a focus on modern, tailored pieces, Veronica Beard’s collection on RTR includes chic blazers, dresses, and other stylish essentials.
This diverse lineup of designers allows Rent the Runway to cater to various style preferences and occasions, from everyday wear to special events. The ability to rent such high-caliber fashion makes RTR a valuable resource for those looking to access designer pieces without the commitment of purchasing them.
By providing a wide range of designer options and maintaining a focus on sustainability and convenience, Rent the Runway continues to be a leader in the fashion rental industry, offering a modern solution to contemporary wardrobe needs.
Subscription Plans
Rent the Runway offers a variety of subscription plans, each based on how many shipments you need per month.
- Price: $89 for 1 month – then $94/month after
- Features:
- 5 Items at a time
- 1 shipment/month
- Limited Subscription Closet Access to 9,000 styles with a retail value of $350
- Price: $99 for 1 month – then $144/month after
- Features:
- 5 Items at a time
- 2 shipments/month
- Full Subscription Closet Access to 10k+ styles with a retail value of $9,000
- Price: $169 for 1 month – then $235/month after
- Features:
- 5 Items at a time
- 4 shipments/month
- Full Subscription Closet Access to 10k+ styles with a retail value of $9,000
Rent the Runway’s event rental service offers a flexible, cost-effective solution for accessing designer clothing and accessories for special occasions. Users can browse a curated selection of high-end dresses, suits, and accessories, choose rental durations from 4 to 8 days, and enjoy free shipping and returns. The service includes detailed size guides, fit information, and customer reviews to assist with selection. While renting provides an affordable way to access luxury fashion and supports sustainability by reducing waste, potential drawbacks include limited availability of popular items, fit concerns, and minor wear from previous rentals. Overall, RTR’s event rentals simplify the process of finding the perfect outfit for any event.
Besides the monthly subscription plans and single event rentals, RTR offers shoppers a large selection of pre-rented items for up to 90% off. At the time of writing, there were over 750 items you could purchase for huge savings. Things to note are that all sales are final for the deeply discounted items and these pieces may show significant wear as they have been rented and shipped multiple times.
Pros of Rent the Runway
Variety and Flexibility: RTR’s subscription plans offer a wide range of clothing and accessory options, from everyday wear to special occasion outfits. The flexibility to swap items as often as desired ensures that members always have access to fresh and current styles.
Cost-Effective: For fashion enthusiasts who frequently update their wardrobe or need outfits for different events, the subscription plans can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing high-end clothing. The price of renting a designer dress or outfit is often significantly less than buying it outright.
Sustainability: Renting clothes promotes sustainability by reducing the demand for new clothing production and minimizing waste. RTR’s model supports the growing trend of eco-conscious fashion consumption.
Convenience: The subscription service is designed for convenience, offering free shipping and dry cleaning. The ability to return items and receive new ones without additional charges simplifies the rental process.
Access to High-End Designers: RTR provides access to a range of designer brands that might be otherwise out of reach for many consumers. This feature allows members to wear high-quality, trendy pieces without the hefty price tag.
Flexibility in Usage: The ability to rent items for an unlimited period within the subscription period and the option to swap out items at any time provides a high level of flexibility. This is particularly advantageous for people who have varying needs and preferences.
Cons of Rent the Runway
Cost of Subscription Plans: While the subscription model can be cost-effective for frequent renters, it may be pricey for those who only need a few items per year. The monthly fees can add up, especially for the higher-tier plans.
Availability and Size Limitations: Some users may experience issues with availability, especially during peak times or for popular items. Additionally, while RTR offers a range of sizes, certain high-demand pieces may have limited size options, potentially causing frustration for some customers.
Wear and Tear: Despite the brand’s rigorous cleaning processes, there is a possibility of receiving items that show signs of wear or aren’t in perfect condition. This is a common concern with rental services where items are used by multiple individuals.
Customer Service and Return Issues: While many customers report positive experiences, some have experienced issues with customer service and the return process. Problems such as delays in processing returns or difficulties in getting resolutions for issues can impact the overall rental experience.
Limited to Specific Designers and Styles: Depending on the subscription plan, access to certain high-end designers or specific styles might be restricted. Members of lower-tier plans may have limited access to premium items, which could be a drawback for those seeking high-end fashion.
Fit and Personal Preferences: Renting clothing can sometimes be hit or miss in terms of fit and personal style preferences. Unlike buying new clothes that you can try on and make immediate adjustments, rentals might not always align perfectly with individual tastes or body types.
Conclusion
Rent the Runway offers a compelling subscription-based model that caters to the modern consumer’s needs for variety, flexibility, and sustainability in fashion. The various subscription plans—5, 10and 20 items per month—provide options that accommodate different lifestyles and preferences, from casual wearers to fashion aficionados.
The pros of RTR, including its cost-effectiveness, convenience, and access to high-end designers, make it a valuable service for those who frequently update their wardrobe or seek sustainable fashion choices. However, potential drawbacks such as subscription costs, size limitations, and occasional wear and tear of items should be considered when evaluating the service.
Overall, Rent the Runway is a noteworthy option for anyone looking to enjoy designer fashion without the commitment of purchasing. It aligns well with the evolving fashion landscape that emphasizes access over ownership and supports eco-friendly practices. For those who value variety and flexibility, RTR represents a modern solution to contemporary fashion needs.