Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway pioneered the fashion rental industry, transforming how women access designer clothing. Founded in 2009 by Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss, the company offers unlimited access to 750+ designer brands through subscription memberships, making luxury fashion accessible without the ownership commitment or closet clutter.

Company History

Rent the Runway launched in 2009 with a revolutionary concept: why buy a designer dress for one event when you could rent it for a fraction of the price? Co-founders Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss recognized that women wanted access to designer fashion without the financial burden of ownership. What started as event-focused dress rentals evolved into a comprehensive subscription model offering everyday workwear, casual pieces, and accessories alongside formal attire. The company went public in 2021 and operates the largest shared designer closet in the world, with over 20,000 styles from brands like Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, and Proenza Schouler.

Products & Services

Rent the Runway offers subscription memberships with different item allowances:

• 5-Item Plan: $109/month - Keep 5 items at home, limited closet access
• 5-Item Full Closet: $129/month - Full 750+ brand access
• 10-Item Plan: $164/month - Two shipments monthly, full access
• 20-Item Plan: $265/month - Maximum rotation, power users

All memberships include free shipping, dry cleaning, and insurance. One-time rentals also available.

What Sets Them Apart

Rent the Runway’s scale and selection are unmatched in fashion rental. Access to 750+ designer brands with items valued up to $3,000 each, impossible to replicate at any other service. The logistics are seamless: order online, wear, return in prepaid bags, and they handle dry cleaning. No closet clutter, no cleaning hassles, no buyer’s remorse. For fashion-forward professionals who want variety without waste, RTR delivers an infinitely rotating wardrobe at a fraction of ownership cost.