I share my opinion on the two most popular clothing rental services, Hire Runway Unlimited and Nuuly. <— I've added both of my referral links here if you decide to check them out!
Hello friends! How are you? I hope you are having an amazing week so far. It was good here. I had choir (one of the highlights of the week), taught two barre classes, and met friends at True Food for dinner. The pilot and I took some time to plan the rest of the year, estimate the budget and make plans.
I LOVE reviewing our subscriptions every year and *reducing the bulk.* We’ll often notice that we’re paying for things we don’t use or need, and it’s an easy way to get some $$ back. (Especially when the groceries are a billion dollars.) As we went through everything, he saw that we were both paying Rent a runway and Nuulyand he told me that he thought I should keep them, because it cuts down on my online shopping habits a lot, especially since we’ve had a lot of travel and events.
It’s true! I’ve definitely cut back on my purchases over the past few years and I’ve still been able to try out a bunch of fun new options thanks to RTR and Nuuly.
Here’s a little about why I love using these two services, why they’re worth it, and any cons I’ve experienced. You can also view an older review RTR here and Nuuly here.
Rent the Runway vs Nuuly – which is better?
i love both of them RTR and Nuuly because they have different choices and are for different occasions. I use RTR for more common seasonal pieces like a cozy jacket or special events like if I know we’re having a military event or party. I love Nuuly for the more casual options, like tops and dresses, and also if we’re going on vacation.
I have used both services in the past and have canceled at various times. I’ve been combining the two services for a few years and here are some things I’ve noticed:
ADVANTAGES:
– Less shopping. I shop less and am less focused on *fast fashion.* Because I can hire luxury options and the options are always changing, I never feel like I’m missing out and I don’t feel forced to buy a bunch of extra stuff.
When I shop now, it’s things I really need and love (like a great new pair of jeans or shoes), or maybe I keep something from an RTR or Nuuly consignment and pay for it at a discount. I discovered new brands and learned my sizes for different brands without buying and changing a bunch of times.
(This jacket was a keeper from the Nuuly delivery)
– I can order dresses for girls. I also like to pick out dresses or sweaters for Liv in my shipments because we’ll often have events together (like the NCL tea). The cost of two dresses would easily be more than I pay monthly RTR subscription. I also ordered some kids options for P from Nuuly for events, and she loved them.
– Different styles and uses. Nuuly is clothing and brands Anthropologie, doc Rent a runway is a mix of designer brands. Some of my favorites include Ulla Johnson, Derek Lam, Rails, Mother, MISA and Farm Rio, so I’ll often filter the selections by my favorite brands. They also have accessories, such as sunglasses and jewelry, handbags and outerwear.
– More variety and the ability to try out trends without committing completely. I tend to dress more classic, but if there’s something that’s in style and I want to try it on without actually buying it (like the whole “vest as shirts” vibe), it’s not a commitment.
– Better for the country! I feel like I’m doing something for the earth by renting clothes instead of buying new things all the time. Don’t get me wrong, I still LOVE to shop, but I feel much more mindful about my shopping habits. I also like that both companies ship items in reusable bags and RTR recycles all plastic packaging.
CONS/DIFFERENCES:
– Sometimes delivery is slow, especially for Nuuly. Rent a runway it tends to be a bit faster, but I feel like the delivery time always cuts a bit short of the subscription month.
– Quality. I feel like Rent the Runway as a whole is always fresh, new and clean. I’ve already received some worn and dirty pieces from Nuuly, and I’ve had to wash some things that didn’t smell very fresh.
– It depends on what you’re looking for. If you have a vacation or event coming up, I would definitely recommend Rent the Runway. If you’re looking for more everyday options, I’d check out Nuuly.
– The cost. Here is the price difference between the two options:
Nuuly is about $100 with taxes/postage (6 total for the month) and Rent a runway is about $150 (total of 10 for the month; you get 5 at a time and can exchange them once). As far as I’m concerned, it’s been worth it considering the amount of events and travel this past year. I might cancel one for the summer depending on what happens. I can see this being especially worthwhile if you work in an office environment and want to change your rotation. My good friend works in an office and has to look at least business casual every day, and she is delighted with RTR.
(I still wish I had kept this one!)
If you want to try them out, here are my referral links!
Nuuly
Have you tried any of these online clothing options? Do you have any others that you use and love??
xo
Gina
