The 6 rental services fashion insiders use to make designer shopping cheaper and more sustainable

Fashion rental is having a huge moment, but what exactly is it?

With only a few weeks of summer left and a beautifully crisp autumn ahead of us (let’s start manifesting those leaf-filled park walks with no rain now), is anyone else desperately searching for a super chic wardrobe pick-me-up that isn’t already owned by at least one of your friends or colleagues?

Add to that our severely depleted bank accounts after the last couple of years and our perpetual fear of the fashion world’s damaging impact on the state of the planet, and you’ll realise why the struggle is proving frighteningly real.

Over recent months, however, there’s been a real rise in an entirely new way of shopping which makes designer fashion not only more affordable but also more sustainable. I know that sounds too good to be true, but for once it’s not.

Fashion rental services have exploded onto the scene over the last couple of years, offering daily/weekly loans of high-end, wish-list, could-only-ever-dream-of-owning outfits for a mere fraction of their regular price.

Providing the perfect antidote to fast fashion, this way of borrowing clothing slows down relentless production lines – which usually produce far greater supply than demand and result in unimaginable waste – and in turn requires far less material than if were we to all buy each item as new.

Here’s how all of us at GLAMOUR HQ are getting our mitts on designer pieces this seasn without the price tag, and without the environmental guilt.

1. COCOON

Why we love: A luxury bag subscription service, from £79 a month you can tap into Cocoon‘s huge archive of quintessential handbags, from limited editions and vintage to the hottest new styles. Deliveries arrive the next day and are in perfect condition thanks to Cocoon’s partnership with Restory.

2. ROTARO

Why we love: Perfect for those looking for fashion-forward, insider-favourite labels, Rotaro is a fashion rental platform co-founded by former trend forecaster, Georgie Hyatt, and her partner Charlie Knowles, that’s fast-becoming the go-to for fashion insiders and influencers. They’ve also just launched an exclusive capsule rental collection with Ganni. Run, don’t walk.

3. BY ROTATION

Why we love: The UK’s first peer-to-peer fashion rental app, By Rotation is the perfect place to snap up that high-end, cult piece that you couldn’t possibly afford outright. Most-loved amongst fashion influencers for its Dior Saddle Bag, a burgundy Lady Dior, Zimmermann’s summer dresses and Jacquemus’ iconic Le Chiquito Bag, the By Rotation team are now on the hunt for a timeless tweed Chanel suit.

4. MY WARDROBE HQ

Why we love: One of the most comprehensive rental fashion services available, My Wardrobe HQ runs a huge operation and works with a smorgasbord of influencers who help retain the platform’s personable approach. Its buy and borrow model allows consumers to ‘try before they buy’ with no hidden costs.

5. HURR

Why we love: Specialising in mid-range luxury brands – think Rixo, Ganni and Rejina Pyo – Hurr is a peer-to-peer rental service with no central hub, meaning lenders are responsible for posting, couriering or exchanging their items in person – kind of like Airbnb for fashion. Seven day dress hire starts from £30 and for those living in central London, items can be delivered by fully-green bicycle courier service Pedals.

6. BAG BUTLER

Why we love: A London-based bag rental service launched in 2019, Bag Butler’s team keeps a consistent eye on the latest trends in the handbag world and ensure availability of a strong rotation of the very latest must-have bags. Available from £60 for a four-day hire, you can book a bag for as long as you like and will receive a reminder email the day before it’s due to be returned – you know, just before you start to get too attached.

For more from Glamour UK’s Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather