Is Renting Clothes More Sustainable Than Buying?

The rental fashion market is booming, but does it really help the planet?

At first glance, renting clothes seems like a sustainable alternative to buying new ones. It promises less waste, fewer garments in landfills, and the appeal of a constantly refreshed wardrobe. But as with many things in fashion, the reality isn’t so black and white.

Let’s unpack what’s really going on and whether renting is the right move for your wardrobe and the world.

Rental Fashion Is On the Rise

There’s no denying it, rental clothing is having a moment.

As more consumers rethink the need to own every outfit; especially for one-off occasions like weddings, parties, and corporate events, the rental market has surged.

The global online clothing rental market is projected to grow by $1.16 billion over the next four years.

With this kind of momentum, it’s clear that the demand is real. But what about the impact?

The Case For Renting

Renting can absolutely support a more circular, less wasteful fashion system, especially when it replaces fast fashion hauls or impulse buys for special events. Some of the benefits include:

• Lower demand for new production

• Maximised use of each garment

• A more accessible way to wear high-quality or designer pieces

In short, renting encourages us to treat fashion as a shared resource, not disposable consumption.

The Hidden Environmental Cost

Here’s the catch: renting isn’t impact-free. In fact, studies have shown that the environmental footprint of renting can sometimes be higher than buying, especially if the same outfit is shipped back and forth frequently.

Some of the hidden costs include:

• Shipping emissions from frequent deliveries and returns

• Dry cleaning, which often uses harsh chemicals and a lot of water

• Packaging waste, especially from single-use plastics or boxes

If renting replaces a purchase that would have been worn multiple times, the sustainability math doesn’t always add up.

So… Which Is Better?

It depends. If you’re choosing between:

Renting a dress for a one-time event vs. buying one you’ll never wear again - renting wins.

Renting frequently for everyday wear vs. buying high-quality, timeless pieces and wearing them for years - buying may be better.

Ultimately, sustainability isn’t just about what you consume, but how.

When Renting Makes Sense

Renting is a great choice when:

• You need something for a special event

• You want to try before you buy

• You’re avoiding a fast fashion purchase

• You commit to low-impact care and shipping options

Our Verdict

Renting clothes has real potential, but it’s not a silver bullet. Like most sustainable choices, it comes down to context, frequency, and intention.

At Reinvntd, we believe the most sustainable wardrobe is one that’s intentional, loved, and long-lasting, whether that means renting smartly, buying better, or simply wearing what you already own more often.

Curious about how to build a more sustainable wardrobe?

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