A Guide to Sustainable Fashion: Rent the Runway vs. Nuuly
As our world becomes more environmentally conscious and the fashion industry is beginning to push for more sustainable options, many of us are questioning how we can shop sustainably. Personally, I am constantly looking to update my closet and tend to find myself buying bold pieces I would only wear a handful of times. Learning how destructive the fashion industry is to the environment, I now feel a sense of guilt when shopping on fast fashion websites, such as Shein. Like shopping regularly, there isn't one definite way to "shop sustainably." Some may only buy timeless staple pieces they can re-wear, alternating each outfit. However, I chose a more modern route through trying out two monthly clothing rental companies. With my love for constantly buying bold new clothes, I decided to compare Rent the Runway and Nuuly. I had always heard of Rent the Runway and had been tempted to join, but never fully committed. I had just come across Nuuly, newer to the clothing-rental market, in one of my fashion classes. I decided to try both out for a couple of months to hopefully find my new alternative to sustainable shopping.
Nuuly:
I first joined Nuuly because it was cheaper for only $89 a month for six clothing items. I had also browsed their closet and seen lots of Free People, For Love and Lemons and LoveShackFancy, all brands I know and love. I quickly picked out my six items and had it shipped and to me within a few days. My shipment originally got messed up, so they added a 7th item for me for free. It came in this huge brown paper box that was partially open and my clothes were falling out and seemed somewhat thrown into the box. I was a little disappointed not only because of the broken package, but these kinds of companies preach their environmental efforts with sustainability only to use paper packaging. However, all of my items were adorable, and the only top that didn't fit was the For Love and Lemons top. Every outfit I wore with one of my Nuuly items, I got at least 5 compliments on. As I went on to my next shipment, I realized some of their clothes didn’t necessarily match my lifestyle. I tend to gravitate towards more chic pieces than the free-flowing bohemian style clothes that arrived, but I was still able to find some super cute options. I even kept the Metallic Plunge-Neck Blouse and Apollo Metallic Puffer from my first shipment. Nuuly also offers discounts for whatever you choose to buy. I got both of my items at a 30% discount. Also, to ship it back, I just had to pack all of my clothes in the (damaged) box and drop it off at UPS with the prepaid label. I was then able to shop again for my second Nuuly. Below are photos I got with each of my shipments.
Shipment 1
Shipment 2
Rent the Runway (RTR):
I joined Rent the Runway shortly after with their middle plan that includes 2 shipments per month with 4 items each plan. The first two months are only $99 and then eventually $135. When browsing I found Rent the Runway’s closet is much bigger and had a lot more higher end items. In my current rental (shipment 2), it all together has a retail value totaling $3,005. For my first shipment, I ordered 2 red tops for Valentine’s Day, a romper for when my parents came to visit, and Valentine’s day earrings. The only item that didn’t fit was the romper, which I should’ve expected given I am 5’9 (I’ve yet to find a romper that fits my taller body). One benefit of RTR is they have the option to rent accessories ranging from jewelry to bags to sunglasses. I received my RTR in a reusable black garment bag, and my clothes were all neatly hung on hangers in recyclable clear plastic garment bags. Returning my RTR was super easy as I just walked into Fedex, put my shipment with the prepaid label in their package shoot, got my receipt, and walked out. I didn’t have to speak to anyone. Again, with every item I’ve worn from RTR I’ve received countless compliments. All in all, my experience with Rent the Runway was 10/10, and I am so excited to continue my subscription. Below are pictures from my 2 shipments.
Shipment 1:
Shipment 2:
Conclusions:
Now for the important part… the comparison. I think RTR better fits my style and what I want out of a clothing rental service. RTR has a larger closet filled with designer items that I normally would love to purchase, but are well beyond my price range. If you compare the breakdown per item, Nuuly costs around $15 per item and RTR costs (at full price) $17. For two more items, two shipments, and higher end designer options, I say RTR is worth it. But I really value the focus of sustainability, as that is the whole reason I began this journey. From my personal experience, I feel as though RTR has a better awareness and action of their sustainability value. Through their packaging and even just through their website, sustainability is a huge component of their brand. I also was able to get higher quality items such as a Stuad shirt, a jacket that retails for over $1,500, and a Marc Jacobs snapshot bag in just one shipment. RTR also started in 2009, whereas Nuuly started in 2019 and is a subgroup of URBN, the conglomerate that houses Free People, Urban, and Anthropolgie. Although Nuuly is based out of a major conglomerate, it’s still new and working out the kinks of a booming business in an already competitive industry. My best advice if you’re tempted to get a subscription is to browse both closets and see which better suits your style. I’m 100% a RTR girl now, and I don’t see myself going back. Sustainable shopping is the new direction for the industry, and I’m glad I was able to share my experience and thoughts with you!
Graphics by: Laura Flores