Would you ever rent out clothes for a formal event? I think it’s a cool, sustainable way to experiment with new styles, outfits and potentially save cash. Since the Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2008, there’s been ongoing discussions and awareness surrounding the horrific conditions created to make cheaper clothes.
It’s no secret that the fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to global pollution. And no matter where you turn now, there are people telling you to thrift more, buy local and support sustainable businesses.
However, the most sustainable thing you can do is use what you have, and outsource what you need. But if you’re someone who requires something different for an event – where exactly can you rent out clothes in South Africa?
Renting clothes certainly isn’t a new thing and you’ll find plenty of local brick and mortar stores that offer this service, from costume hire to bridalwear. The advent of popular US-based online retailer, Rent The Runway, changed everything. Founded in 2009, this online service offered consumers a subscription service where you could rent out designer outfits (think GANNI, 3.1 Phillip Lim and Helmut Lang amongst others) for a 4-day or 8-day period.
Anyways, I was wondering if anyone South African had jumped on the band wagon and offered an easy way to rent out clothes for local consumers.
Style Rotate
Founded in 2013 by two close friends, Cleo and Tash, Style Rotate hit the online streets round about last year? I kept seeing ads for it on my Insta-feed and went to have a look. The website is easy to browse through and clothes are organised by occasion and size (4 – 18). You need a bouj brunch look? They’ve got something for that. Style Rotate offers a standard four-day rental, which is perfect for anyone with a special event coming up. Big concern for you is cleanliness? SR gets all their garments cleaned professionally.
And yes, they deliver nationwide.
Being passionate about the future of fashion, as well as empowering women by allowing them to look and feel their absolute best, we’re on a mission to make renting an everyday occurrence for the South African fashion lover
Style Rotate
Shared Collective
Want to rent out your own clothes but don’t want the hassle of Facebook Marketplace or Instagram DMs? Shared Collective is a local company that provides a platform for clothing rental. You need a matric dance dress and don’t want to spend a ton of money around it?
Browse the website and have a look at what’s on offer. Alternatively, you can rent your pieces online and make some cash on the side. Do note, the business is Gauteng-based only.
We do what we do because we believe that by sharing what we have we are creating a space for conversation, connection and collaborative consumption. We do this by empowering you to make your own money by renting out items from your wardrobe. We often hold onto items for sentimental purposes or buy things that we only wear once. But by renting out these items you are giving them a new life and story each time, as well as creating a side hustle for yourself.
Founders, Kishana and Simone
Want to know more about selling your clothes and buying secondhand? Have a read about Yaga Marketplace and why you should try it out.
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alyx carolus 