SUSTAINABLE FASHION

How to Rent Clothing

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Fashion rental has become increasingly popular in recent years. Not only does it reduce waste and save money but it makes designer apparel much more affordable and accessible. If you’re wondering whether it’s for you, read on!

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 Fashion rental is really just that; instead of buying garments, shoppers can pay a fee to rent and wear clothing, shoes or accessories for a few days or up to a few weeks. This means you can enjoy a fabulous new outfit for a while and when the rental period is up, return the garments.

 The service is ideal for weddings and other special events, when you want to look and feel great in a show-stopping outfit without the price-tag – and the guilt of seeing it sit in your wardrobe for months unused.

 Many services offer high couture which is otherwise out of reach to most of us. With clothing rental, suddenly a Carolina Herrara dress or a pair of Manolo Blahniks are no longer just a dream – at least for a few weeks. Asos offer party clothes and occasion wear that are even more affordable to rent, via their highly rated service.

Of course, clothing rental has great advantages for sustainability. It presents an attractive alternative to fast fashion by encouraging consumers to share and reuse garments, reducing the demand for constant production. It gives those who want to change up their wardrobe and their look a circular, slow fashion solution which is also great fun.

Here’s how to do it:

 1. Plan your outfit.

What is the occasion? What will the weather be like? Do you need shoes with that? A bag?Jewe llery? Pinterest is a great place to find inspo for your look.

 2. Set your Budget

Rental prices vary depending on how long you want to rent for, the designer and the garment. Some lenders require extra fees to be paid for particularly delicate garments. In general, rental starts at £20 per item for four days. This fee usually covers delivery, dry cleaning, rental and return postage though services differ, so do check their policies and  FAQs.

 3. Choose your Outlet

◦ Most clothing rental services run online and offer delivery of your chosen items, usually as quickly as the next day. Most also have similar options for the length of time you can rent an item for. Peer to peer service, Hurr has a minimum rental period of 3 days, where as most other services quote 4 days as their minimum.

 ◦ There are broadly two types of service, one kind operates the whole service, owns the clothing, deals with renting, returning and laundering. The other service is peer to peer; those wanting to rent items search and connect with members who own the item privately. Prices are broadly similar. If you want the security and certainty of dealing with an entirely professional service, the first type may be more attractive. Peer to peer services may offer you a bigger range of garments, however.

 ◦ All of the services we looked at have a list of designers. You can also search by garment type and size. Hurr also provides location details so that you can arrange to collect from lenders located close to you. If you have a specific outfit in mind, then searching all of the services is your best bet.

◦ Check policies on stains and damage to garments and on what to do if the garment doesn’t fit. Services vary.

◦ Check out the list of services below for more info and links.

4. Pick your clothing and accessories

▪ Have fun searching and browsing the different sites for the items you need and follow the instructions on booking rental of your garments and accessories.

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▪ It is worth booking arrival of your items a day or so in advance of wearing them. Try them on to make sure they fit. Some services offer full or partial refunds for items that aren’t, but you must return them within the specified time and in the condition they require.

▪ Wait for your special clothing to arrive! 

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5. Enjoy wearing your chosen outfit

▪ Time to flaunt your look and enjoy the compliments!

▪ Avoid any activities likely to damage your garments. In the event that there’s a spillage or tear, check the rental service’s policies. Serious damage may result in you being charged the full market value of the item.

▪ Pack up and return the items on time to avoid penalties.

▪ Enjoy the feeling of making a sustainable choice!

Clothing Rental Services

Here’s a selection of the clothing rental services that are available, and a few of our fave finds.

  John Lewis Clothing Rental

• Offers a variety of designers including Coach, Hugo Boss, Jigsaw, Queens of the Archive, Whistles and Swarovski.

• Rent for 4, 8, 16, 30 days.

• The Rental page contains all the information you need including information about their Fit Guarantee which allows you to receive a refund (minus dry-cleaning charge) if your item doesn’t fit and you return it quickly.

• John Lewis 4 on Trust Pilot 

We found this show-stopping dress by Sabina Musayev for rent at £73 for 4 days (retails at £477)

Rent Naomi Dress - Sabina Musayev | John Lewis (johnlewisfashionrental.com) 

This Kate Spade bag retails at £525, You can rent it for 4 days from around £60

Rent Perfect Match Matchbox Resin Small Frame Clutch - Kate Spade | John Lewis (johnlewisfashionrental.com)

https://www.johnlewis.com/our-services/fashionrental

Hirestreet from ASOS

• Range of brands includes RIXO, Karen Millen, Nobody’s Child and Reformation

• Prices start at £14 for 14 day hire (plus a £8.50 shipping and cleaning fee)

• Hire 5 items for £60 for 14 days for a holiday

• Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot (Excellent)

We found this stunning embellished mini for £14 for 14 days

https://www.hirestreetuk.com/product/asos-edition-curve-v-neck-embellished-mini-shift-dress-with-fringe-in-gold

https://www.hirestreetuk.com/

Photo by Thatselby on Unsplash

My Wardrobe HQ

• Offers a large choice of garments, including top designers

• Offers a subscription service which for a monthly fee allows you to hire 2 or 4 new items monthly.

• The option to buy at a much reduced price is available for some items.

• Rated 3/5 on Trust Pilot 

MY WARDROBE HQ - The UK's #1 Rental and Resale Destination

Photo by Chalo Garcia on Unsplash

 Hurr Collective

• Peer to peer renting. Members lend to, and rent items from each other.

• A star rating system is in place to help assure the standard of the service you receive from lenders

• Rent for 4, 8,16 or 30 days.

• Sign up as a lender if you have suitable items – garments must be on their designer’s list and less than 2 years old.

• As a lender, on average, you make your money back within 4-5 rentals (according to the site).

• Rated 4.7 on Trustpilot (Excellent)

We love this Rixo short chic black dress, from 4.20 per day if you rent for a month.

Rent Golden silk velvet dress - RIXO | HURR (hurrcollective.com)

This statement Dior choker, retails at £540. £60 for four days.

Rent Danseuse Étoile choker - Dior | HURR (hurrcollective.com)

https://www.hurrcollective.com/

Photo by Dollar Gill on Unsplash

By Rotation

• Peer to peer lend, rent and resale.

• Flexible rental periods, agreed with lenders (minimum: 3 days).

• Rated 4.5 on Trustpilot

We love these beautiful blush Manolo Blahniks from £29 (retail £945)

Rent Manolo Blahnik Beige Shoes | By Rotation UK

Rent, Resell designer fashion dresses bags | By Rotation UK

https://byrotation.com/ 

(Items are examples and were available at the time of writing).

 

How to Support Circular Fashion

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Fashion has always been synonymous with change, but the tide is turning. As the environmental and social costs of the fast fashion industry become increasingly apparent, many of us are seeking a more sustainable and responsible approach to dressing.

Enter circular fashion – a movement that promotes longevity, sustainability, and ethical production in the world of clothing. In this blog post, we'll explore what circular fashion is and how you can support it as a conscientious consumer.

Understanding Circular Fashion Circular fashion is a philosophy that aims to create a closed-loop system in the fashion industry. Unlike the traditional linear model (take, make, dispose), the circular fashion approach prioritises the following principles:

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Design for Durability: Circular fashion starts with designing and producing garments that are made to last. Quality materials, craftsmanship, and timeless designs are key components of this principle.

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Repair and Maintenance: Rather than throwing away clothes with minor flaws, circular fashion encourages repair and maintenance. This involves sewing, mending, and alterations to extend the life of your garments.

Reuse and Upcycling: Circular fashion promotes the reuse of clothing through thrift shopping, swapping with friends, or participating in clothing rental services. Upcycling, or transforming old pieces into something new, is also part of the equation.

Recycling and Responsible Disposal: When a garment is no longer wearable, circular fashion encourages responsible disposal through recycling and repurposing. This minimises the environmental impact of textile waste.

 Educate Yourself: The first step in supporting circular fashion is to educate yourself about sustainable and ethical brands, materials, and practices. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), and OEKO-TEX to ensure the products you buy meet ethical and environmental standards.

Photo by Ethan Bodnar on Unsplash

Choose Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that will last for years rather than trendy, disposable fashion. Quality garments often have a higher upfront cost, but they pay off in terms of longevity and reduced environmental impact.

    Second-Hand Shopping: Thrift stores, vintage shops, and online second-hand marketplaces offer a wide range of clothing options. Buying second-hand not only extends the life of garments but also reduces the demand for new production.

Rent or Swap: Consider clothing rental services or clothing swap events with friends and family. These options allow you to enjoy a variety of styles without the long-term commitment.

    Support Sustainable Brands: Seek out and support fashion brands that prioritise sustainability, transparency, and ethical production practices. Research the brands you love to ensure they align with your values.

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   Learn Basic Repair Skills: Basic sewing skills can go a long way in extending the life of your clothing. Learn how to mend small tears, replace buttons, and alter garments to fit better.

   Proper Care: Follow care instructions on clothing labels to ensure your garments stay in good condition. Washing clothes at lower temperatures and air-drying them can help prolong their lifespan.

Recycle Responsibly: When a garment reaches the end of its life, don't toss it in the trash. Look for textile recycling programs in your area or explore creative ways to repurpose old clothing.

   Supporting circular fashion as a consumer is a powerful way to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry. By choosing quality, embracing second-hand options, and supporting brands that prioritise ethical and environmental concerns, you can make a positive impact on the planet while still expressing your personal style. Remember that every small choice you make as a consumer has the potential to shape the future of fashion in a more sustainable direction.

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How to Upcycle Clothing

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   Whether you are a seasoned designer, a thrifty fashion enthusiast, or someone looking to make a positive impact on the planet, upcycling clothing offers a world of possibilities.

It empowers us to reimagine the potential of our wardrobes, inspiring us to embrace creativity, sustainability, and a more conscious approach to fashion.

Our ‘how to’ guide to upcycling helps you dive into the world of upcycling and unlock the hidden treasures in your closet, one stitch at a time.

1.  Assess your wardrobe: Start by going through your wardrobe and identifying clothing items that you no longer wear or that are damaged. Look for garments made from materials that can be easily repurposed, such as cotton, denim, or wool.

2. Gather supplies: Before you begin upcycling, gather the necessary supplies. These may include sewing tools like scissors, needles, thread, and a sewing machine. Additionally, consider collecting buttons, ribbons, lace, and other decorative elements to enhance  your upcycled creations.

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3.  Brainstorm ideas: Let your creativity flow and brainstorm different ways to upcycle your clothing. Think about how you can transform a shirt into a trendy crop top or turn jeans into shorts. Research upcycling projects online or look for inspiration on social media platforms like Pinterest or Instagram.

4. Repair and mend: If you have garments with minor damage, like small tears or missing buttons, repair them before proceeding with upcycling. Simple fixes can extend the life of the clothing and make them suitable for upcycling projects.

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

5.  Plan your project: Before cutting or altering any garments, create a plan. Use a sketchbook or paper to sketch out your ideas, note measurements, and visualize how the final product will look. This will help you stay organized and ensure your upcycling project turns out as intended.

Photo by Maria Lupan on Unsplash

6.  Get cutting and sewing: Once you have a plan, start cutting and sewing your clothing. Use your scissors to remove unwanted parts or to modify the shape of a garment. Consider adding patches or fabric inserts to give new life to old clothes. Get creative with different stitching techniques to add unique details.

Photo by Mel Poole on Unsplash

7.  Add embellishments: Enhance your upcycled creations by adding decorative elements. Sew on buttons, beads, ribbons, or appliques to transform a plain piece into a statement item. This is your opportunity to add personal touches and make your upcycled clothing truly unique.

8.  Experiment and learn: Upcycling is a chance to experiment and learn new skills. Don't be afraid to try different techniques or combine various fabrics and textures. If something doesn't turn out as expected, view it as a learning experience and adjust your approach for future projects.

9. Share and inspire: Once you've successfully upcycled your clothing, share your creations with others. Post pictures on social media, participate in local fashion shows, or organize a clothing swap event to inspire others to upcycle their textiles too. Encourage sustainable fashion practices and promote the idea of reducing waste.

Remember, upcycling clothing and textiles not only helps reduce environmental impact but also allows you to express your creativity and create unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Enjoy the process and have fun with your upcycling projects!