Recently, Chhavi (one of my readers) had asked my opinion on 'Renting Clothes Vs Buying' over on Instagram. In response a typed such a long answer that I immediately thought, "Voila! This is my next week's blogpost!". So here goes ...
The only clothing rental service I have used is: Rent The Runway. It is my first stop whenever I need something for a special occasion (like weddings and such). I had considered their monthly rental service for my work wardrobe as well, but I soon realized that I simply don’t have the bandwidth for weekly returns via the post office or time to scroll through options and order new pieces. For my personal style and shopping mantra (Quality > Quantity) it made more sense for me to invest in one time capsule wardrobe than to shell out monthly membership (which is $159/month for RTR). [ Related: Five Tips For Outlet Mall Shopping ]
In my winter capsule closet, I have a total of 5 Trousers and 3 Skirts and 5 turtle necks and a number of tops and shirts (accumulated over the past decade). Earlier this year, I documented over six-months-worth of my weekly work wardrobe. You can see there how I wore the same pieces over and over again. That’s my wardrobe in a nutshell. I am content with having a few pieces and mixing and matching them.
Renting PROs
- Less Carbon Footprint
- Regular New Options
- Designer Clothes
Rent CONs (for me)
- Time (Returns and Orders)
- Membership Cost [ Related: Shopping Ban: When, Why, How ] I buy when either things stop fitting me right, or are beyond alterations or are worn-down to their last thread. Sometimes I also shop when I need a refresh or boost in my options and get out of a style rut. Personally too many options give me a headache and feel like a royal waste of my time. While shopping I am not interested in filling my closet with random purchases. Instead, I have a running list of things in my 'Notes' (on my phone) of pieces which I lack in my closet and if I happen to stumble upon them then I will purchase them immediately as those pieces will be a part of a 'puzzle' or 'a building block in my closet' so to say. They are never an impulse purchase or driven by trends. I have waited for years sometimes to purchase things on my list. Unless they are basics (inners, socks, office shirts) there is never an urgency for me to buy them. I need the fit, the color and the fabric to be exactly what I am looking for. For example, I have a classic professional work style. My goal for my workwear is to be comfortable, efficient and polished. I am not interested in making any statements (intentionally). The minimum effort that is required on my end in the morning, the best. Hence, I choose shopping fewer, classic, versatile pieces than having to come up with new outfits every week via renting, is my preferred way of life. In no way am I saying that renting is the wrong option. It is just not for me and these are my reasons.
Location - Istanbul, Turkey
Sweater | Skirt | Bag | Boots
What are your thoughts on Renting Vs Buying?
