Excited in the moment but guilty in retrospect – this is a common cycle for many shoppers. You might love the process of buying something special for an event and, if you’re lucky, you may wear the piece a couple more times before it collects dust in your cupboard. With more people wanting to reduce fashion’s environmental and financial burden, upcycling, repairing, and buying second-hand have become go-to solutions for many.
At first glance, renting clothes may feel wasteful as you’re investing money in pieces you don’t own. However, a study by the University of Technology Sydney found that renting clothes increases the financial value of clothing, introduces less textile waste, and reduces carbon emissions during production.
The Rise of Fashion Rentals
The study focused on what many sustainable fashion experts have been using to measure textile waste: cost per wear. This calculates the value of your clothes by dividing the purchase price by the number of times you’ve worn the piece. The lower the cost per wear, the less textile waste there is in landfills. “While every garment has carbon emissions attached to it, the more you utilise an individual garment, that figure goes down,” says Timo Rissanen, associate professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
Bernadette Olivier, co-founder of Australian rental site The Volte, emphasizes the importance of this model. “If we’re serious about reducing fashion’s environmental footprint, increasing clothing utilisation through rental must be front and centre of the solution.” A formal gown that’s normally worn only once, for example, can be worn dozens of times more through renting.
Exploring Australia’s Leading Rental Platforms
For those who’ve never rented clothes before, it can be hard to know who to trust – whether it’s for a special event or if you just want to try something new before investing in a purchase. We’ve compiled a list of 10 Australian rental businesses to get you started.
The Volte (Australia-wide)
The Volte partners with stores and designers around Australia to rent out old and new stock to borrowers, offering door-to-door delivery in all major cities. It has more than 71,000 listings between sizes 4 and 22, from local brands like Aje to international labels like Prada.
If you want to lend out clothes for some extra cash, The Volte has a comprehensive guide on how you can use its platform to rent out clothing that might be sitting untouched in your wardrobe.
Stylist Archive Rentals (Melbourne)
If you’re looking for edgy and subversive pieces, Stylist Archive Rentals is a good place to start your search. Most of its sizes range from XS to M from brands like Jean Paul Gaultier, Miaou, and Emily Watson, and it offers Australia-wide shipping.
You can try on pieces in Collingwood during a one-on-one 30-minute appointment for a $10 fee, which goes towards your hire if you choose to rent something on the day.
Revibe (Sydney)
Previously known as Rntr, Revibe offers a wide selection of rental garments from some of Australia’s most-loved brands. The team connects people to brands hiring out their clothes, but also offers “re-commerce solutions” like repairs, trade-ins, and resales through brands like Assembly the Label and The Iconic.
You can rent pieces from brands like Oroton, Simetrie, and Autark with a size range of S to XL. The site offers different price tiers depending on the length of time you want to borrow a piece and has a range of pieces that range from formal to casual. You can also hire jewellery and bags to complete your outfit without a huge price tag.
RK Rentals (Melbourne)
RK Rentals provides a curated collection of event wear from Melbourne’s inner east, offering maxi, cocktail, and floor-length gowns. Its range is simple but classic, with a variety of styles like silk gowns and lace sets in a small size range of XS to M.
There’s a short return period, with outfits to be returned two days after your event, but RK Rentals offers complimentary try-ons in person and $25 round-trip postage Australia-wide. Cleaning is included in the rental price, so you don’t need to worry about hidden extra costs.
Rent Club (Gold Coast)
Found in the suburbs of the Gold Coast, Rent Club offers 30-minute appointments for its extensive collection of Diesel, Dion Lee, and With Jean outfits. Its variety of feminine fabrics can be found in a mix of styles, from corsets to maxi and miniskirts, in sizes XXS to XL. If you’re looking for rentals that go beyond just formal occasions, its style edits are fit for barhopping and festivals.
The Designer Hire (Brisbane)
The Designer Hire offers a more varied size range, covering sizes 4 to 20, with more than 1000 options to choose from. The rental business allows you to become a lender if you’re seeking to hire out your own designer pieces. Although they’re based in Brisbane, there are lenders all over Australia including Cairns, Ipswich, and Wagga Wagga. The Designer Hire specialises in designer pieces from brands like Natalie Rolt, Lirika Matoshi, Acne, and more.
By Tuesday Rentals (Perth)
By Tuesday’s range suits those who are looking to experiment with textures, colours, and patterns. Although most rentals specialise in formalwear, By Tuesday is more universal – its variety of casual, summery options is perfect for a brunch or work function. With a size range of XXS to L, the site has a dedicated list of dresses with polka dots, sequins, florals, lace, and colour from labels like Realisation Par, Apres Studio, and Sir.
The Closet Collective (Adelaide)
The Dover Gardens boutique sells and rents gowns, bags, sets, and dresses, each with its own set of sizes ranging from 6 to 14. Its collection boasts an assortment of simple, flowing styles suitable for your next holiday getaway, from labels like Effie Kats, Zimmermann, and Shona Joy. The Adelaide-based business has a loyalty program to encourage circularity, with points available to redeem for savings and rewards.
All The Dresses (Australia-wide)
The store lives up to its name, with more than 7000 clothes and accessories available to choose from. All The Dresses operates Australia-wide and offers bump-friendly dresses to elevate maternity style. Its site is organised by occasions and edits, making it easier to navigate for specific events.
Mondo Hire (Brisbane)
Found in Paddington, Mondo Hire has a collection of vintage and archival styles ranging from bridal dresses to cocktail sets. Its vintage collection starts from the ’60s and continues to the early 2000s, and fits sizes 4 to 14. Mondo Hire has become known for its striking dresses featuring interesting silhouettes and tailoring. There are categories catering to people with fuller busts, and taller and shorter statures. Visit its Brisbane showroom to try on styles before you borrow – or, if you’re prone to falling in love, you can purchase retired styles from its sales archive.
The Future of Fashion Rentals
The announcement comes as the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. As more consumers become aware of the benefits of renting, platforms like these are likely to expand their offerings and reach. The move represents a significant shift in consumer habits, aligning fashion with sustainability goals.
Meanwhile, experts predict that the rental market will continue to grow, driven by consumer demand for sustainable and cost-effective fashion solutions. As the industry evolves, rental services may become a staple in the fashion landscape, offering a viable alternative to traditional retail models.
With the rise of these innovative platforms, the future of fashion looks set to be more sustainable, accessible, and diverse. Whether you’re a seasoned renter or new to the concept, these Australian businesses provide a compelling case for embracing rental fashion as part of a sustainable lifestyle.
