Last Updated: 7th March 2025
Rent the Runway is an e-commerce platform where users can rent, subscribe to, and buy designer apparel and accessories. It was founded in November 2009 by Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss.
Rent the Runway was founded in 2009 by Jennifer Hyman and Katrina Fleiss who met at Harvard Business School. Inspired by Hyman’s observation of her sister overspending on a wedding dress, thus they envisioned a rental service for such special events, later expanding to an unlimited access model.
The idea was initially pitched to fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, who suggested creating their own multi-brand site, which led to her becoming one of their first designer partners. The company gained attention with a 2009 New York Times article, and later when it expanded its offerings to include everyday clothing via a subscription model in 2016. Since then it has secured over $400 million in funding from investors like Fidelity and TCV.
Rent the Runway’s mission is centered around empowering customers by offering them a unique choice through its rental and subscription service model: whether to rent or buy designer clothing. This flexibility stands out in today’s market, as it allows users to “try before they buy,” giving them the opportunity to experience high-end fashion without committing to the purchase.
By providing this innovative option, Rent the Runway not only enhances accessibility but also promotes sustainable consumption by making luxury attire more attainable and reducing waste through its rental model.
Rent the Runway offers a diverse selection of clothing items, including dresses, gowns, blazers, tops, sweaters, jeans, pants, skirts, jumpsuits, and outerwear.
Beyond their extensive apparel collection, they also provide a range of accessories such as earrings, necklaces, handbags, and sunglasses.
Rent the Runway’s official website is designed for speed and efficiency, ensuring smooth performance across all devices, especially mobile phones.
Despite its simplicity, the site effectively combines visual appeal with ease of use. The homepage greets visitors with a prominent “Rent New Arrivals” banner, reflecting the brand’s commitment to its original mission. Below, users can explore numerous items showcased through high-quality images of models. At the top of the page, buyers can find useful navigation sections such as “New Arrivals,” an “Occasions” section (which includes subcategories like everyday wear, vacations, work, events, and weddings), a comprehensive “Clothing” section, a “Designers” section for those with specific tastes, and a “Buy” section for those ready to make a purchase.
This review primarily focuses on the “Clothing” section and its offerings, as well as how the renting model works. Upon selecting this category, users are directed to a page where they can refine their search further. For instance, choosing the “dresses” subcategory leads them to options like Black Tie Dresses, Wedding Guest Dresses, Gowns, Cocktail Party Dresses, Vacation Dresses, Work Dresses, and Event Rentals Under $50.
Before diving into these categories, users are presented with a curated selection of items and an option to choose their rental preferences: Subscription or One-Time Rental. The latter allows rentals for 4 or 8 days, while the Subscription offers more flexibility. Selecting either option displays available items, which can be filtered by size.
Each product is displayed with high-quality images that highlight the item from multiple angles, providing a comprehensive view and serving as fashion inspiration. These images often include coordinated accessories. Below the images, users find the Rent Price alongside the Retail Price. Selecting a specific product takes buyers to an individual product page, which features additional high-resolution images and detailed information about the item. This includes a brief description, materials used, and measurements to assist with size and fit decisions.
Notably, there’s also a “free backup size” option, reinforcing the brand’s Fit Guarantee pledge. Towards the bottom of the page, users have the option to “Rent the Look,” which means they can rent any accessories featured in the look as well, offering an excellent rental experience.
Before discussing pricing, let’s first explain how Rent the Runway’s One-Time Rental system works. To begin, users should select a delivery date 1-2 days before the event to ensure the outfit arrives on time. To make sure the outfit fits just right, a free backup size is included in every order.
The items are delivered dry cleaned and ready to wear. If they arrive earlier than expected, users can still keep them until the original due date. Returning the items is hassle-free with an included and prepaid return shipping label.
Alternatively, there’s the option of renting through a membership plan where users can choose a plan, select their desired items. Orders are typically delivered within 3 business days, sometimes sooner depending on the delivery location. Members have the flexibility to decide which items to return and when.
Now, onto the pricing. Since this section will include both the Rent Price as well as the Retail Price, it will take a look at only a handful categories for their vast selection. Dresses range from $10/$168 to $385/$8,990. Jeans are priced between $30/$98 to $135/$750. Whereas, skirts vary from $30/$128 to $270/$1,495.
Shipping typically takes 2-3 days, depending on your shipping location within the United States, as well as the specific plan selected. The cost of shipping is included in the price, but please note that this applies only to one-way delivery. When renting items, the return shipping costs are also covered.
Rent the Runway offers a fashionable yet sustainable fashion rental service with a wide selection of high-quality designer apparel, allowing customers to “try before they buy” for an unparalleled shopping experience.
If all this sounds like something interesting, you have nothing to lose by renting a few pieces and seeing what you like!
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