The global clothing rental market is estimated to grow to US$ 2.08 Billion, by 2025, with a CAGR of 8.7%. And yet, fashion rental is nascent in India. According to research, renting one item of clothing can help save up to 24% water, 6% energy and 3% CO2 emissions, as compared to buying a new item. Renting helps extend the lifespan of the garments, as well as makes a strong case for brands to produce less. Some argue that renting may increase our appetite for clothes. Of course, as with everything else, we must guard against mindless consumption. But without a doubt, renting is a more sustainable option for clothing that invokes one-time-wear.
As the year moves towards festive, wedding and holiday season, instead of falling prey to all those sales screaming at you from every corner, try renting. It’ll help you serve some new looks without breaking your bank or the planet’s resources. Wondering where to start? We’ve got you covered. These three platforms cover all your needs.
Rent An Attire
Location: Stores in Pune, Dehradun and Indore. Pan-India service through www.rentanattire.com.
Go to them for: Bridal, wedding and Indian festive wear
Headquartered at Pune, Rent An Attire specializes in wedding wear. They partner up with designers as well as with brides who wore couture to their own wedding, but don’t know what to do with those clothes now. ‘Every time your wedding dress goes on rent, you get 40% of the rent,’ explains Gaurav, sales head at Rent An Attire.
They work in a 3-day cycle, where Day 1 is store pick-up/home delivery of the garment, Day 2 is the event you need to wear it to, and Day 3 is for return. For outstation deliveries, they normally cater for an extra day, in case of sizing issues. If you’d like to rent for longer, they also offer 5-, 7- and 10-day packages—not something you need to worry about if you’re on a destination wedding within India, because they will deliver anywhere, saving you some baggage space, too.
The rent includes a refundable security deposit, starting at Rs 1,500 for men’s suits and Rs 5,000 for women’s gowns and lehengas, increasing as the cost of the item increases. The rental covers drycleaning before and after, any necessary alterations and even minor damages like spills, fallen buttons, or a rip at the seams. But in case of any permanent damage, you won’t be getting your security back.
Whether you’re the bride, the groom, a wedding-goer or just looking to amp up the ante at the next cards party, Rent An Attire has the answers you’re looking for.
Rerack
Location: Mumbai through www.rerack.in.
Go to them for: Holiday wear, black-tie occasion wear, girly dresses.
Given that most rental platforms are heavy on Indian festive and occasion wear, Rerack is a refreshing change. Founder Khyati Gupta describes it as an ‘easy-to-rent platform’, since unlike the rest, they do not charge a security deposit. They offer 3-, 7- and 14-day rental packages, with an additional platform fee of Rs 99. The item will be dropped off on the day of your selection, you can try it out, and in case it doesn’t work for you, you can return it immediately and get a full refund. On the return date, Rerack will have the item picked up and then dry cleaning before ‘reracking’ it for reuse. Minor repairs and drycleaning are borne by Rerack. But in case of major damages, the customer will have to pay on actuals.
Heading on vacation, or looking for something new for a day out, a special event or a date? Skip the shopping. Rent from Rerack.
Aulerth
Location: Stores in Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Pan-India service through aulerth.in.
Go to them for: Statement jewellery pieces.
Headquartered in Gurugram, Aulerth is redefining the way jewellery is designed and consumed. Their goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of the jewellery industry, through using sustainable metals as well as offering customers a closed loop circular system that allows them to own, exchange and rent jewellery, as well as have it repaired at any point in time. Founded by Vivek Ramabhadran, Aulerth collaborates with designers like JJ Valaya, Shivan & Narresh and Amrapali, to create couture jewellery made of recycled metals and manmade semi-precious stones.
You can rent these pieces for a 2-week period, with the option to extend or even buy if you’d like. There is small security deposit, which is refundable. But you must return the jewellery in its original packaging.
From stylish everyday pieces, to striking occasion jewellery, Aulerth allows you to try, buy and keep things circular in every way imaginable.
