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If you’re wondering if Rent the Runway is worth it, this Rent the Runway review will give you my honest review after using the clothing rental service over the past 10 years. I’ve also included my unique Rent the Runway discount code RTRXLORNAR50 so you can get 50% off your first month!
I first tried Rent the Runway in 2015 for a fancy holiday party. A one-month plan costs far less than buying 2 evening dresses and 2 statement purses, so I started my Rent the Runway subscription. I was hooked for years after that.
I paused during 2020 when my calendar was light and loungewear was my favorite thing, then rejoined with a fresh runway membership once travel and social life picked up again.
Rent the Runway Plans, Shipments, And What To Expect
There are multiple Rent the Runway subscription plans and monthly subscriptions to fit your lifestyle. You can get up to 6 shipments/month & 25 items/shipment.
I’ve tried a couple of months at different tiers and now have the 5-piece/1 shipment per month membership because it fits my calendar and price point. I also liked the 8-piece/2 shipment per month too so I could swap mid-month. You can always adjust for a month or two. Rent the Runway is very flexible with adjusting plans, which I love.
You can see the latest Rent the Runway promos here. My Rent the Runway discount code RTRXLORNAR50 gets you 50% off your first month.
Shipping is typically a couple days, sometimes a couple of days extra around holidays. If you need a fast turnaround for social events or a formal affair, add a few days to make sure your shipment comes in time.
Rent the Runway returns are simple: drop at the UPS Store. It’s easy to return your shipment because everything arrives in a reusable garment bag. In some areas, including my area, Rent the Runway offers pick up. I do this sometimes to save some time!
Good news: if your first or second shipment has a style that doesn’t work, RTR will often add extra spots in your next shipment during your first months to help you find a good fit without extra cost. It ensures you get the most value for your money as you find the best sizes and fit.
See all the latest Rent the Runway promos here. My Rent the Runway promo code RTRXLORNAR50 gets you 50% off your first month.
How I Use My 5-Piece Rent the Runway Membership Plan Today
These days, I’m on the 5-piece plan, and I choose my clothing items with intention. I usually pick a good coat that I can wear on repeat and a dress for an upcoming event.
Depending on the season, I can choose cozy sweaters, some beautiful, colorful vacation dresses, a unique purse that I wouldn’t usually splurge on, or something unique e.g., a sparkly sequin dress for the holidays or an extra snuggly teddy coat for winter.
I’ve added lots of photos of me in clothing that I’ve rented from Rent the Runway over the years. Overall, I love how varied the selection is. It adds so much color and variety to my wardrobe.
I often rent designer pieces that I don’t want to wear over and over again. After vacations, everything goes straight back in the reusable garment bag – no overstuffed closet, no dry cleaning bills, just a streamlined return process with the prepaid return label.
It’s a great way to enjoy higher-end items and luxury brands at a discounted price without committing to ownership or spending a lot of money on individual pieces.
Brands I rent on repeat: Lilly Pulitzer, Maje, Sandro, Badgley Mischka for formal wear, LoveShackFancy, Hill House Home, Farm Rio, Free People, Ulla Johnson, Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch, and Veronica Beard.
These brand names help me explore new styles that fit my personal style without the guilt.
If you’re building new outfits for travel and social events, renting is an affordable way to rotate new pieces and new clothes for special occasions while skipping long-term storage.
See the biggest Rent the Runway discounts on offer today. My Rent the Runway discount code RTRXLORNAR50 gets you 50% off your first month.
Rent the Runway App, Reviews, And Availability
Over the years, the app has become much better. Three things that I love:
- Smart filters that help me pick clothes easily e.g. I can filter by dresses, by a particular brand, that are in size small, and available to rent now. It narrows the long list of dresses down.
- Photo reviews that show real bodies, different sizes, and notes like “runs small” so you can pick the right size for your body type and usual style.
- Smooth checkout for specific dates when you’ve got formal events on the calendar.
Sometimes on my commute home, I’ll spend a fun 30 minutes online shopping the latest drops and hearting favorite items so that when my window opens, my first order is fast. I also love seeing which RTR items are trending and how people style them.
Rent the Runway Customer Service: Small Gestures, Big Impact
This part of my Rent the Runway Review deserves its own headline. I rejoined a few months ago after a break, then got so busy with travel/work and hadn’t placed an order 10 days into my membership. The customer service teams called to check in, restarted my month, and made sure I was set. What great customer service!
I’ve heard people online mention poor customer service, but in my experience, the support has only improved over time with thoughtful phone calls and quick resolutions. I also love the fact that you can give feedback on the app directly and quickly.
Rent the Runway Sizing And What I Skip
I’m typically a small or size 4. I rely on reviews and user photos to pick the right size. Dresses and coats are easy wins; pants and jeans are always trickier for me as I am often in between sizes, so I skip them on Rent the Runway to avoid the “almost” fit.
If you’re between sizes or worried about a fashion risk, choose forgiving fabrics and customer photos to get a good fit the first time.
Start your Rent the Runway clothing subscription adventure today. My Rent the Runway discount code RTRXLORNAR50 gets you 50% off your first month.
Rent the Runway: Rentals vs Buying
For trips or a when I have a lot of formal events in a row, I’d easily buy 3-4 outfits plus a bag. With Rent the Runway, I rotate designer clothes at a fraction, and I’m not stuck with pieces I’ll wear twice. I also reduce outfit repeating in photos without expanding my new wardrobe permanently. Compared to a store haul, this subscription service lets me test new things and favorite things at a friendlier price point.
How I Build My Clothing Subscription Each Month
This “system” keeps my Rent the Runway Review so positive:
- Check calendar and weather for specific dates and upcoming trips/events.
- Pick one “extra” piece – outerwear, a fabulous dress, or vacation dresses.
- Add a “workhorse” day dress for everyday clothes.
- Choose a bag that links multiple looks.
- Confirm delivery window in business days and plan couple days buffer.
I love that I can explore fashion trends and pay just over $100 per month. It’s also a great way to sample higher-end items from labels I might splurge on later.
Some other tips for getting the most from your Rent the Runway clothing subscription:
- Plan your queue a week out if you have specific dates.
- Use reviews for fabric, stretch, and length on different sizes.
- If fit is off, ask about extra slots in your next shipment.
- Drop returns at the UPS Store and keep the prepaid return label handy.
- If you’re brand-curious, filter for luxury brands you’ve eyed, like Proenza Schouler or Veronica Beard.
Explore all the beautiful pieces on Rent the Runway. Save with my Rent the Runway coupon code RTRXLORNAR50 to get 50% off your first month.
Rent the Runway Review: Is Rent the Runway Worth It?
Short answer: yes, Rent the Runway is worth it.
Longer answer for this Rent the Runway Review: if your calendar includes travel, dinners, and a few parties, renting keeps your closet fresh, reduces waste, and helps you enjoy designer pieces without the commitment. For my lifestyle, “is Rent the Runway worth it” is a confident yes.
My Rent the Runway subscription review remains glowing precisely because I focus on what the platform does best. I plan, pre-heart, leverage reviews, and choose categories that deliver consistent wins. When you do that, Rent the Runway is such a treat.
Thanks for reading this honest Rent the Runway Review. If you’re still debating, check for any Rent the Runway coupons or promos here. My Rent the Runway discount code RTRXLORNAR50 gets you 50% off your first month.
As a returning renter with a busy life, my Rent the Runway subscription review adds up to a happy yes. I’ve been meaning to write this Rent the Runway review for a while now as it’s truly a service I love so much.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Rent the Runway worth it for travelers and frequent event-goers?
Yes, if you’re building multiple looks across one-time rentals for trips and dinners, renting is a great way to enjoy designer clothes for special events without storage headaches or a big extra cost. For me, Rent the Runway is worth it.
What’s the best plan for a first-time renter reading a Rent the Runway subscription review?
Start with fewer pieces to learn your fit and cadence, then scale up. Watch for any current promotion on monthly subscriptions to test the waters. This balances rental fee with flexibility and keeps your first month low risk. My Rent the Runway discount code RTRXLORNAR50 gets you 50% off your first month.
How fast is shipping, and what about the return process?
Standard delivery is often 2-3 days, with occasional lag time around holidays. Returns are easy: pack the pieces in the reusable garment bag, affix the prepaid return label, and drop off at a UPS Store. Most swaps take just a couple of days end-to-end.
What if my first order isn’t the right size?
Use reviews to target the right size, and ask for extra slots in your next shipment during your first month (there is a spot on the app for this). This keeps fit issues low and your Rent the Runway Review experience high.
Which labels photograph beautifully on vacation or at formal events?
I’ve had great luck with Lilly Pulitzer, LoveShackFancy, Hill House Home, Farm Rio, Ulla Johnson, Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch, and Veronica Beard. These deliver vibrant prints, elegant lines, and a good fit across many body types.
Any cons of Rent the Runway that you’ve noticed over a long time of renting?
Popular pieces can book out near holidays and pants are tough for me. Still, compared with buying new dress after new dress, my Rent the Runway Review verdict stays positive.
If you have any more questions about this Rent the Runway Review, Rent the Runway subscription review tips, or styling RTR items for formal events and vacations, send me a DM on Instagram or my contact page. I’m always happy to help you find the right size and discover new things you’ll love.
