I am sharing my honest review of Rent the Runway’s designer clothing rental subscription service, and why I keep my membership despite working from home! You can try RTR too and get a 30% discount on your first month of clothing rentals with my referral link!
I have been an on-and-off member of Rent the Runway since 2021. I found the company when I did not want to sink hundreds of dollars into a standout formal gown to accompany my husband to the Marine Corps Ball.
I love to place one-time rentals for wedding guest dresses and unpause my membership’s monthly subscription whenever I have special events like our annual trips to Newport Beach.
What is Rent the Runway?
If there is one thing you need to know about me, I love to brag about renting my clothes from Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway is a subscription service that allows you to rent high-end, designer clothing and accessories for a fraction of the retail price. In addition to renting, the platform also allows users to purchase their rented items with heavily discounted sales.
When Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss co-founded Rent the Runway in 2009, they aimed the change the way women get dressed and shop for clothes. Together they envisioned a shared dream closet of every trend, color, and print that you could ever want without the investment or commitment of owning every piece. Imagine a world where you can continually update your closet with statement pieces you might wear one time and return it back without covering the shipping cost.
Today that dream is a reality, the online e-commerce website, operates under a membership plan you can pause and reactivate depending on your budget needs. All while providing you access to clothes that might otherwise be out of reach price-wise.
How Renting Your Clothes from Rent the Runway Works
Your journey in renting your clothes begins after you make your member account with Rent the Runway and choose a membership plan that works best for you. There are several tier plans
Shipments arrive really quickly in reusable garment bags you will use to return the rentals when you want to swap styles. Rent the Runway works really hard to ensure your order arrives clean and well-maintained. They have an entire facility dedicated to laundering, dry cleaning, and sorting their clothes, which is all included with your membership.
User-Friendly Ordering
One of the standout features of Rent the Runway is its user-friendly website and app, which make managing your rental experience a breeze. The website and app both offer a clean and well-organized shopping experience. While browsing items you filter by category, size, color, and occasion, or use their AI search for specific items,
I spend way too much time liking new products and organizing them to rent later. You can make folders of items you like, so I have one of all the items I’ve previously rented.
In the rare instance a piece of clothes does arrive damaged, a short email to customer support or chat with support in the app or website will quickly supply you with a free return label to swap the piece for something else. I really love that they work hard to make things right with your membership so you really get your money’s worth.
Rent the Runway Subscription Plans
The amount of items you get in each shipment is determined by the subscription plan tier you choose as a paid member. Each option has a different maximum number of shipments you get each month and the number of items in each shipment.
I generally switch all my items out at one time, but if there is a certain piece I especially like I can keep the item as long as my membership is active. They also have the option to add extra spots if you need more spots one month than the next.
One-Time Advanced Rentals
One-time advanced rentals were my original introduction to Rent the Runway, and they remain one of my favorite ways to use the service. The rental option allows you to rent specific items for a one-time fee without committing to a subscription plan and is perfect for occasions where you need to plan ahead and know the deadline you will need a standout outfit, but don’t want to spend a fortune on something you will only wear once like a formal gown and jewelry.
One-time rentals are great for special events like weddings or formal events. All you have to do is browse RTR for items available on the 4 or 8-day rental period you need, choose the item in your regular size and free backup size, and checkout. You always get 25% off one-time rentals as a member of RTR.
Even with my monthly subscription I still do one-time rentals outside of my regular shipments, especially if there’s a particular dress I want to claim for a specific event. Competition for trendy items is a thing on Rent the Runway so I recommend planning ahead, ordering early, and having backup plans when using the site.
The Update – 1 Shipment Each Month of 5 Items
The Update is the most basic subscription plan you can get with Rent the Runway is there 1 Shipment Each Month with 5 Items plan. The single shipment is $84 for the first month and then $94 a month after your first 30 days.
I opted against this plan because the subscription only has limited closet access meaning you won’t get access to all of Rent the Runway’s inventory. I found that I can get more value from the other tiers, so I would recommend considering those over this plan.
The Select – 2 Shipments of 5 Each Month for 10 Items Total
The Select subscription plan is ideal for those who need more flexibility and variety. You can receive two shipments per month, with five items in each shipment. Plus, you can rent from all of Rent the Runway’s inventory.
Your first month is $89 and then after $144 each month. This is the plan I’ve always been on and have never had a reason to increase or decrease my plan. I sound like Goldie Locks, but this plan fits my lifestyle just right.
The Unlimited – 4 Shipments of 5 Each Month for 20 Items Total
I have never tried The Unlimited Rent the Runway Subscription, as my social calendar has no need for me to have 4 shipments of 5 items for 20 items every month. If you do try this plan, it is $160 for your first month and then $235 each month after.
I work from home, but if I was in the office every day or really busy with travel or work, there might be a need for this subscription option, I find I have enough flexibility and fresh options with the middle tier subscription. Sometimes, I still don’t even end up wearing all of them either!
Returning Your Rentals
Returning your rentals on Rent the Runway is a straightforward process. All shipments arrive in a reusable garment bag with a prepaid UPS return label, making the return process easy and cost-free.
Before you find a UPS store or drop-off location, ensure that you return the items to their hangers or dust bags and replace the protective covers over the clothing. This helps maintain the quality of the items and ensures they arrive back in good condition. As a part of their commitment to sustainability, Rent the Runway will recycle the plastic covers at their processing facilities.
- Return Deadlines: It’s important to adhere to the return deadlines to avoid any late fees or complications with your subscription. Make sure to check your rental period and plan accordingly to ensure items are returned on time.
- Tracking and Confirmation: Rent the Runway allows you to track your returns online. Once the items are processed, you’ll receive confirmation, so you’ll know when your return has been completed.
In select cities, Rent the Runway offers home pickup for free, which is especially convenient if you’re traveling. Simply pack up your items, hand them over, and enjoy extra luggage space on your return home. Be sure to check their website to see if this service is available in your area.
Style Discovery Recommendations & User Reviews
Rent the Runway’s style discovery algorithm does a fantastic job of recommending items you may like and curates collections regularly based on the seasons and trends. Be sure to add your size and measurement to your profile to get more accurate recommendations and read the reviews for every item you are considering.
I’ve been hurt a few times by a few designers that are either too large or too small. The reviews on RTR are always helpful because you can see how it worked on others with your exact body type, but sometimes I just order stuff to see if I would like it rather than going to the mall or ordering elsewhere online and realizing I absolutely hate the style or would probably never wear an item in real life.
People add pictures and give detailed responses on why a piece did or did not work and why for their body. There is even a virtual stylist you can chat with to get personalized recommendations.
Why I think Rent the Runway is worth it
To me, my Rent the Runway member has been a game-changer. As someone who wanted to avoid making impulsive credit card purchases on clothes and budget better for shopping,
I inevitably did before and while on any trip or before a party. The convenience, ever-evolving variety, and environmental sustainability benefits have kept me coming back month after month.
Pros of RTR
Overall, I would recommend considering the subscription especially if you want to appreciate quality luxury goods without the expensive price tag. Some of the other big benefits I’ve found from my membership including:
- Free and Fast (1-3 Day) UPS Delivery and Returns
- Dry cleaning or maintenance handled with your subscription
- No charges for reasonable damages such as snags or stains to items
- Access to high-end fashion without spending thousands of dollars for one singular item
- Cost-effective and flexible plans where you can pause your account if necessary
- Contributing to the lessening of fast fashion’s environmental impact by participating in a cirular fashion economy, where multiple people use the same item effectively reducing waste
- Wearing a stunning piece without the guilt of only wearing it once
- Always finding unique statement pieces that match any moment imaginable
- 25% off one-time rentals at checkout—just for being a member
- Members-Only Sales when you get first dibs on designer deals and exclusive discounts on purchases
- Birthday Gift each year
- Bonus rental item on your membership anniversary or when you refer a friend
- Exclusive Partner Perks like special deals, sweepstakes, and more
There really is an entire social aspect to Rent the Runway too. There’s nothing I love more than running into other girlies who have a membership and recognize the piece you have on from their likes.
Cons of RTR
However as there is with anything, there are a few issues that could be possible downsides you should be aware of with a Rent the Runway subscription. One of the biggest frustrations I run into is having an item in my cart and it getting rented before I can complete the purchase, but honestly, that is a part of the fun of it all.
Some other cons of RTR may include:
- Availability, especially for popular items during peak times (Try to plan your rentals ahead or consider a one-time rental like if you need a Long, Down Puffer Coat in the middle of winter for an upcoming ski trip)
- Not being able to try on items for size before renting
- Very rare, inevitable wear and tear, where items do not arrive in pristine condition
- Losing an item and having to pay the ticket price
While I find the subscription cost to be reasonable, I would be lying if I said there were months that I didn’t pause my subscription. Be sure to manage your shipping timelines carefully to avoid late fees. I’ve never run into any issues with a delay in my return, but it’s important to remember other people are renting the items you’re returning if you’ve already said you would send it back.
My Favorite Brands to rent from RTR
Over the years, I’ve been able to find some of my favorite brands on Rent the Runway. So far I’ve tried 52 designers and rented 65 items worth a retail value of $23,015.
Here is a list of some of my favorite brands on RTR as well as links to some of my all-time most iconic rentals:
- Amur
- BlankNYC
- Cinq À Sep
- DL1961
- Elliatt
- Farm Rio
- For Love and Lemons
- Hervé Léger
- LoveShackFancy
- Show Me Your Mumu
- Madewell
- Marc Jacobs
- Reformation
- Saloni
- Sea New York
- Simon Miller
- Shoshanna
- Slate & Willow
- Staud
- Veronica Beard
some of my past favorite rentals + Items on my radar
There’s a reason I’ve kept my Rent the Runway subscription active despite working from home and hardly leaving the house. The service has done wonders for my budget and finances while stimulating my passion for online shopping and finding fashion deals. It’s a true lifesaver!
You can try RTR and have a fit for every occasion too. Don’t forget to use my link for 30% off your first month!
