Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway provides unlimited access to designer clothing through monthly subscriptions. Choose 5, 10, or 20 items per month from 750+ brands including Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, and Proenza Schouler. Items arrive ready to wear, return in prepaid bags, and RTR handles all cleaning. Perfect for fashion-forward professionals who want variety without closet clutter.

About Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway fundamentally changed fashion consumption when it launched in 2009. Co-founders Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss recognized that the traditional model, buying expensive clothes, wearing them a few times, then storing or discarding, was wasteful and financially burdensome. Their solution: the world’s largest shared designer closet, where members access 750+ luxury brands through monthly subscriptions.

The premise is simple but revolutionary. Instead of owning designer pieces, you borrow them. Order online from brands like Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, Proenza Schouler, and hundreds more. Items arrive ready to wear. Return in prepaid bags when done, no cleaning required, RTR handles everything. Then select new pieces, creating an infinitely rotating wardrobe without closet overflow or buyer’s remorse.

For fashion-forward professionals, the economics are compelling. Monthly membership costs $109-265 depending on item count. In return, you access clothes with retail values up to $3,000 per piece. A single blazer from the collection might retail for more than a month’s membership. For those who need variety for work, events, or simply love fashion without waste, RTR delivers unprecedented value.

Pricing Plans

Rent the Runway offers tiered membership options:

Plan	Monthly Cost	Items/Month	Details
5-Item Limited	$109	5 total	Limited brand selection
5-Item Full	$129	5 total	Full 750+ brand access
10-Item	$164	10 total	2 shipments monthly
20-Item	$265	20 total	Maximum rotation

First Month Discounts:

• Often 50-60% off first month with promo codes
• Referral programs offer additional savings

All Memberships Include:

• Free shipping both ways
• Free dry cleaning (you never clean items)
• Damage insurance
• Pause or cancel anytime
• Backup sizes for events (request when ordering)

One-Time Rentals:

• Available without membership for events
• 4 or 8-day rental periods
• Good for testing before subscribing

How It Works

1. Subscribe: Choose your plan based on how many items you want monthly. Start with 5-item to test, upgrade later if needed.

2. Browse and Select: Explore 750+ brands online. Filter by size, occasion, color, brand, or style. “Heart” items to track availability.

3. Receive Your Items: Orders ship free and typically arrive in 2-3 days. Items come cleaned, pressed, and ready to wear.

4. Wear and Enjoy: Keep items as long as your membership allows. Style for work, events, casual outings, whatever you need.

5. Return When Done: Place items in the prepaid return bag, drop at UPS or home pickup. No cleaning required, RTR handles it professionally.

6. Swap for New Pieces: Once items return to RTR warehouse, your “spots” free up for new selections. The rotation continues.

What’s Included

Brand Access (750+ designers including):

• Diane von Furstenberg
• Theory
• Proenza Schouler
• Tanya Taylor
• Veronica Beard
• Alice + Olivia
• Badgley Mischka
• And hundreds more

Item Categories:

• Workwear: Blazers, dresses, blouses
• Casual: Weekend wear, athleisure
• Events: Cocktail dresses, gowns
• Accessories: Handbags, jewelry (some plans)
• Seasonal: Coats, vacation wear

Services:

• Professional dry cleaning between rentals
• Quality inspection before shipping
• Minor repair services
• Damage forgiveness policy

Who It’s For

Perfect For:

• Working Professionals: Need variety for office, meetings, travel
• Fashion Enthusiasts: Love trying new designers without permanent commitment
• Sustainability-Minded: Prefer sharing economy over constant consumption
• Event-Heavy Lifestyles: Frequent occasions requiring different looks
• Closet Minimalists: Want great clothes without storage overflow

Consider Alternatives If:

• You’re Outside the US: Currently domestic only
• You Need Extended Sizes Consistently: Inventory varies
• You Want Specific Items Guaranteed: Popular pieces sell out
• Budget is Very Limited: Even $109/month may exceed clothing budget
• You Prefer Ownership: Some people value owning their wardrobe

Rent the Runway’s 4.1 Trustpilot rating across 560 reviews reflects genuine satisfaction with the service, though the 30% 1-star ratings highlight the importance of managing expectations around item availability and condition. For the right user, someone who values variety, convenience, and access over ownership, RTR delivers a unique fashion experience unavailable anywhere else.

Sustainability Benefits

Rent the Runway promotes fashion sustainability:

Environmental Impact:

• Extends garment lifecycle through sharing
• Reduces clothing waste from single-wear purchases
• Decreases demand for fast fashion production
• Professional cleaning extends item longevity

Economic Efficiency:

• Access expensive items without full purchase cost
• Try trends without commitment
• Reduce closet clutter and storage needs
• Avoid buyer’s remorse on special occasion pieces

Industry Recognition:

• Pioneer in fashion rental economy
• Studied by sustainability researchers
• Inspired similar services globally
• Advocated for circular fashion model

Tips for Success

Maximize Your Membership:

• Add items to “hearts” for availability notifications
• Check inventory early in the month when fresh
• Be flexible with sizing, read reviews for fit guidance
• Try similar items when first choice unavailable

Ensure Good Fit:

• Read member reviews for real fit feedback
• Order backup sizes for important events
• Check garment measurements against your own
• Note brand sizing tendencies for future orders

Manage Returns:

• Schedule UPS pickups for convenience
• Return promptly to free up spots for new items
• Check items before returning for personal belongings
• Keep return bags organized and accessible