Renting clothes is a great way to cut down on your fashion footprint. It helps keep your looks fresh and occasion appropriate, without you having to buy new for what’s likely to be a one-time wear. However, there are a few things to be mindful of while renting. Here’s what you need to know.
1. The clothes may have been worn before. Unless you’re fortunate enough to nab an item that’s new on a platform’s inventory, chances are the garment’s been worn before. As with all things preloved, there is a chance an item may show some signs of wear. Even though rental platforms take great care to ensure the clothes continue to look good as new, don’t go into it expecting something that’s spanking new.
2. You have to wear with care. Most clothing that’s being offered on rental is expensive and often one-of-a-kind. Show it some extra love, just as you would an item that you own. While most rental platforms take care of minor damages like spills and buttons or zippers that have come undone, you have to pay for any permanent damages you may cause. This could be in the form of having to forfeit your security deposit, or paying actuals, depending on the platform.
3. The hygiene is not suspect. Garments are always drycleaned between rentals. Most rental platforms have it drycleaned before they send it to you as well as after having it collected. So you really don’t have to worry about the hygiene. Keeping the drycleaning part of their charge ensures the items are cleaned thoroughly and not at the whim of individual customers. The charge for the drycleaning is part of the rental and not the security deposit, if there is one.
4. Alterations are possible. Most rental platforms offer trial and alterations in case of sizing issues. A few upcoming ones that don’t, such as Rerack, allow you a trial and refund your money in case the garment doesn’t fit.
5. There is a delivery and collection service. Rental platforms do not expect you to pick-up or drop the item. While checking out your cart, you need to confirm the date you need the item by, so they can ensure timely delivery. If a platform has a brick-and-mortar store in your city, you may choose to hop across, try out the outfit and then rent. Even so, the item will be delivered to your address on the date you’ve chosen. The minimum rental is 3 days, including delivery and collection. If you need an item for longer, various platforms offer packages starting at 5 and going up to 14 days, at the end of which they will have the garment picked up from your address. If you’re travelling, say for a destination wedding, platforms like Rent An Attire will even have your selection delivered to the destination, so you don’t have to bother with packing and taking it along.
