Is this the future of fashion? See how YOU can earn from your closet with this trend
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We've all been there, haven't we? That irresistible sale, that stunning piece that just had to come home with us, those impulse buys that seemed perfect at the time.
Over the years, our wardrobes have grown, filled with treasures from special occasions, fleeting trends, and those ‘just in case’ moments. Yet, despite the overflowing closets, we often find ourselves reaching for the same few favourites, leaving the rest to gather dust.
It's a common dilemma, a testament to our love of fashion and tendency to accumulate more than we can ever wear. But what if there was a way to give those forgotten garments a new life, a chance to shine, while also putting a little extra money in our pockets?
Imagine the scene: dresses from university balls, high school formals, and other special occasions in your wardrobe. They're too precious to part with, yet they hang there, gathering dust.
This was the dilemma Larissa Manley, a first-year university student in Victoria, faced in 2014. She sought a creative solution with just $300 in her bank account. Instead of selling her dresses, she decided to rent them out.
She began posting photos of her dresses on social media. Before long, her friends became her first customers. Fast-forward to today, and Rent a Dress boasts 38,000 followers, a testament to the potential of this innovative side hustle.
The world of peer-to-peer clothing rental is gaining traction in Australia, offering fashion enthusiasts a way to make money from their closets. The concept is simple yet powerful. By renting garments, you earn money and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a champion of circular economies, highlighted the importance of rental, resale, and repair in reducing waste and extending the life of garments.
According to Jules Lennon, who leads the foundation's fashion initiative, renting is crucial for a sustainable future in the fashion industry. It extends the lifespan of clothing, promotes durable design, and prevents garments from ending up in landfills.
Research also showed that renting a cotton dress could cut carbon emissions by 41 per cent. Rental options include peer-to-peer options and professional services like GlamCorner and Air Robe, which maintain a collection of pieces and collaborate directly with designers.
How can you get started in the clothing rental game?
The clothing rental business is similar to setting up a listing on Airbnb. You choose a platform, create an account, and upload high-quality images of the items you wish to rent.
Platforms like Air Closet, The Volte, and Rent a Dress charge a 15 per cent commission on rentals. They offer a user-friendly interface and handle the logistics of exchanges, including customer service support.
When snapping those garment photos, The Volte said the best images are clean and well-lit, so think about professional photos or a shot of you rocking the item at an event—avoid pictures of it just hanging on a coat, lying on a table or floor.
They also suggest steering clear of photos with lots of people in them and remembering to fill in all the details about the item, like the designer, size, fabric, and rental price.
When a booking is made on your rental platform, you will receive detailed information, including the rental period and how the renter will receive the item.
Most services operate through mail: you send the garment using a prepaid satchel to facilitate its return by the renter later. Some services provide options for pickup or courier, which can be organised through direct messaging.
The lender is responsible for cleaning the item to avoid any laundry issues. A late fee may be imposed if the garment is returned after the due date. For instance, Volte charges $25 per day.
If a garment is not returned, the renter may incur a non-return fee, which is determined by the platform's terms and conditions.
Which clothes are best for renting?
Nicole Shiraz, founder of Air Closet, noted that luxury and event wear dominate rentals, with designer dresses and statement accessories particularly sought after.
‘Our users love to rent items they know they only want to wear once and probably never again,’ Shiraz said.
Bernadette Olivier, co-founder of The Volte, suggested that emerging lenders keep up with current trends while focusing on classic design.
‘The customer loves new pieces, but we are seeing through our data that brands like Alemais and Alex Perry have dresses renting that are several years old,’ she said.
‘A new lender will see greater success sharing special occasion, investment pieces in a gently worn condition.’
What items should you not rent out?
Shiraz suggested not to rent out sentimental pieces because ‘you might part with that item more than you might think.’ Consider how you would feel if a spilled drink or a heel punctured the hem of the dress.
‘Most of our lenders rent out their items on average eight to 10 times a year.’
Manley added: ‘While it’s uncommon, accidents do happen, we do have compensation pathways in place, but for sentimental pieces, the monetary value is not usually the primary concern. If in doubt, save your special pieces for yourself.’
Is the fashion industry's future in garment rentals?
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation predicts that clothing rental could revolutionise the fashion world. Sustainable business practices might achieve a market value of $700 billion by 2030, significantly lowering the industry's carbon emissions by 16 per cent.
Businesses are already using technology to make the rental process more efficient, as shown by The Volte's collaboration with David Jones, which enables customers to list new items for rental right after buying them.
On the other hand, Air Closet is developing a virtual try-on feature that combines AI and selfies to help users see how a garment might fit.
‘We are more than just a fashion rental platform. We are a movement towards sustainable fashion and financial empowerment,’ Shiraz added.
Would you consider renting out your wardrobe? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear how you're making fashion work for you.
Over the years, our wardrobes have grown, filled with treasures from special occasions, fleeting trends, and those ‘just in case’ moments. Yet, despite the overflowing closets, we often find ourselves reaching for the same few favourites, leaving the rest to gather dust.
It's a common dilemma, a testament to our love of fashion and tendency to accumulate more than we can ever wear. But what if there was a way to give those forgotten garments a new life, a chance to shine, while also putting a little extra money in our pockets?
Imagine the scene: dresses from university balls, high school formals, and other special occasions in your wardrobe. They're too precious to part with, yet they hang there, gathering dust.
This was the dilemma Larissa Manley, a first-year university student in Victoria, faced in 2014. She sought a creative solution with just $300 in her bank account. Instead of selling her dresses, she decided to rent them out.
She began posting photos of her dresses on social media. Before long, her friends became her first customers. Fast-forward to today, and Rent a Dress boasts 38,000 followers, a testament to the potential of this innovative side hustle.
A Victorian university student turned her personal collection of special occasion dresses into a thriving rental business, starting with just $300 and a creative idea. Credit: Pexels
The world of peer-to-peer clothing rental is gaining traction in Australia, offering fashion enthusiasts a way to make money from their closets. The concept is simple yet powerful. By renting garments, you earn money and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a champion of circular economies, highlighted the importance of rental, resale, and repair in reducing waste and extending the life of garments.
According to Jules Lennon, who leads the foundation's fashion initiative, renting is crucial for a sustainable future in the fashion industry. It extends the lifespan of clothing, promotes durable design, and prevents garments from ending up in landfills.
Research also showed that renting a cotton dress could cut carbon emissions by 41 per cent. Rental options include peer-to-peer options and professional services like GlamCorner and Air Robe, which maintain a collection of pieces and collaborate directly with designers.
How can you get started in the clothing rental game?
The clothing rental business is similar to setting up a listing on Airbnb. You choose a platform, create an account, and upload high-quality images of the items you wish to rent.
Platforms like Air Closet, The Volte, and Rent a Dress charge a 15 per cent commission on rentals. They offer a user-friendly interface and handle the logistics of exchanges, including customer service support.
When snapping those garment photos, The Volte said the best images are clean and well-lit, so think about professional photos or a shot of you rocking the item at an event—avoid pictures of it just hanging on a coat, lying on a table or floor.
They also suggest steering clear of photos with lots of people in them and remembering to fill in all the details about the item, like the designer, size, fabric, and rental price.
When a booking is made on your rental platform, you will receive detailed information, including the rental period and how the renter will receive the item.
Most services operate through mail: you send the garment using a prepaid satchel to facilitate its return by the renter later. Some services provide options for pickup or courier, which can be organised through direct messaging.
The lender is responsible for cleaning the item to avoid any laundry issues. A late fee may be imposed if the garment is returned after the due date. For instance, Volte charges $25 per day.
If a garment is not returned, the renter may incur a non-return fee, which is determined by the platform's terms and conditions.
Which clothes are best for renting?
Nicole Shiraz, founder of Air Closet, noted that luxury and event wear dominate rentals, with designer dresses and statement accessories particularly sought after.
‘Our users love to rent items they know they only want to wear once and probably never again,’ Shiraz said.
Bernadette Olivier, co-founder of The Volte, suggested that emerging lenders keep up with current trends while focusing on classic design.
‘The customer loves new pieces, but we are seeing through our data that brands like Alemais and Alex Perry have dresses renting that are several years old,’ she said.
‘A new lender will see greater success sharing special occasion, investment pieces in a gently worn condition.’
What items should you not rent out?
Shiraz suggested not to rent out sentimental pieces because ‘you might part with that item more than you might think.’ Consider how you would feel if a spilled drink or a heel punctured the hem of the dress.
‘Most of our lenders rent out their items on average eight to 10 times a year.’
Manley added: ‘While it’s uncommon, accidents do happen, we do have compensation pathways in place, but for sentimental pieces, the monetary value is not usually the primary concern. If in doubt, save your special pieces for yourself.’
Is the fashion industry's future in garment rentals?
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation predicts that clothing rental could revolutionise the fashion world. Sustainable business practices might achieve a market value of $700 billion by 2030, significantly lowering the industry's carbon emissions by 16 per cent.
Businesses are already using technology to make the rental process more efficient, as shown by The Volte's collaboration with David Jones, which enables customers to list new items for rental right after buying them.
On the other hand, Air Closet is developing a virtual try-on feature that combines AI and selfies to help users see how a garment might fit.
‘We are more than just a fashion rental platform. We are a movement towards sustainable fashion and financial empowerment,’ Shiraz added.
Would you consider renting out your wardrobe? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear how you're making fashion work for you.
