Rent The Runway Unlimited Subscription Review – October 2016
Rent the Runway is a designer clothing and accessories rental service – similar to Le Tote, but higher-end. The offer two options: you can rent up to three items for a specified period of time (4 or 8 days) or for as long as you’d like with the Unlimited subscription!
The items come in a zip-up, fold-out garment bag on hangers. Inside, there is a zipper pocket with your return shipping label and pouches for accessories.
My Subscription Addiction paid for this box. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
This review is of the Unlimited, $139 a month, subscription.
The Subscription Box: Rent the Runway Unlimited
The Cost: The Unlimited subscription is $139 a month. If you rent items for a specified number of days, you pay the cost of the items. Returns are free for both options
COUPON: Coupons do not apply to subscriptions, but you can save 20% off your first regular RTR order with code FIRSTRTR20P
The Products: Up to 3 items of designer clothing and accessories
Ships to: U.S.
Good to know: Returns can be dropped off or scheduled through UPS
Check out all our Rent The Runway Unlimited reviews and more clothing & accessory boxes in the Women’s Subscription Box Directory!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Hunter Bell Black Chevron Skirt – Rental: $75, Retail Price: $460
I wanted to try Rent The Runway for an upcoming wedding I’m invited to. Sure, I have some great dresses in my closet, but it’s always fun to wear something new (or new to me!). I recently found this awesome top (pictured above) and have been looking for the perfect skirt ever since. I was immediately drawn to this one on Rent The Runway’s Unlimited site!
The pencil skirt is 100% nylon and covered in sequins that create a chevron pattern. The back of the skirt has high-low double slits in the back, which adds to the interest of this skirt. I am happy to report this skirt fits true to size!
ML Monique Lhuillier Overtones Sheath – Rental: $50, Retail Price: $500
I really wanted to rent something bold in color, funky in pattern, or something different than I normally buy. Monique Lhuillier is one of my favorite fashion designers, so I got very excited when I saw this dress. Unfortunately, my excitement quickly diminished when I tried the dress on. Although my size, it simply did not fit well. And I can’t tell if it’s the construction or ill-fit, but the vertical black ribbon running the length of the dress was very crooked.
The back of this dress is not my typical taste, but I absolutely love this cut-out! You definitely need to consider the right bra or undergarment, but I really love how the cut-out shape works with the lace pattern and silhouette.
How unique is this lace?! I’ve never seen anything like it and it truly feels high-end and unique.
Lizzie Fortunato Tahitian Floral Port of Call Clutch – Rental: $75, Retail Price: $505
The third item I rented is this leather and hand-embroidered purse! It arrived in a Rent The Runway pouch for additional protection. Although the flowers are tropical, the colors felt autumn-appropriate and I really wanted to see what this would look like in person. Although slim, there is plenty of room and two interior pockets.
The embroidery is really beautiful and a little reminiscent of the 80’s, but in my opinion, in a good way! The center of both flowers is encrusted in coral sequins and gold beads. The purse measures 8.5″ x 11.25″ and I think I’ll wear it as a clutch.
Verdict: I am overall pleased with my first order of Rent the Runway Unlimited! For $139 a month, it is a good subscription for anyone who likes to keep their closet fresh or attends a lot of events and needs to switch up their wardrobe often. Although I am disappointed in the dress I rented, I don’t necessarily feel it is a reflection of the service itself. I found their site easy to navigate; they offer occasion-based categories you can shop from and you can filter by size, price and the delivery date you need, which is super helpful!
What do you think about Rent the Runway?
Written by Sara McClelland
I am on my third month if the unlimited subscription. RTR has the unlimited program set up for weekday only shipping. This really slows down turn around time. I live in Michigan. My average turn around time from drop off to receiving the new garment is 6-7 days.
I did notice that items seem to ship back to RTR faster if I drop them off at an actual UPS store and not a drop box or a location inside another store.
Another comment mentioned tax. For me, my monthly total is $147. The unlimited subscription is a lot of fun. But for me personally, expensive.
I am not sure if I will be keeping the subscription for a fourth month. If RTR offered weekend shipping, I would feel most justified to continue my relationship with RTR.
Can you comment on the shipping turn around times in your next review. I had this service but canceled awhile ago because it took almost a week from sending my items back to receiving the next shipment. So I was only able to get 2 maybe three shipments a month which wasn’t worth it. If they improved their shipping times I would consider joining again. BTW thanks for the pictures. You looked great!
Thanks for the feedback, Tia! I only experienced one shipment but agree it would be helpful to see how multiple shipments shape up in a future review!
I used RTR Unlimited for about a year and I LOVED it! The customer service was phenomenal and the selection is incredible. I never had trouble finding pieces to rent. I had a few instances where the item I received was damaged or just too worn, and they responded by shipping out a replacement item the same day. I had another issue with an item not being available although it showed as available, and the stylist made sure it was sent with Saturday morning delivery. I reluctantly took a break from it, as I am trying to save money, and the $147 (after tax) per month was an obvious place to make a cut. The website says they are now on a waitlist again.
Those shoes are gorgeous? Mind sharing brand info, etc?
The brand is Bamboo and I purchased them at modcloth.com last year!
My daughters have used RTR for special events dresses for several years now. For the MOST part – we have had a good experience and received quality items. Twice however we did NOT . My daughter requested a dress to wear in a pageant- dress was “out of stock” so we received 2 other dresses in vastly wrong sizes ( wears 4- sent two size 10 replacements) 2 days before event. The second time, this past month- my daughter’s MOH received her bridesmaid dress in the correct size but someone had altered the dress and it was 6 inches TOO short!
In both cases- because we live rurally and not in a major city- using the Fed Ex ( send another dress option) was not an option for us. SO the day before, two major events we were out shopping an hour away from home for dresses for MAJOR events that had been reserved and paid for well in advance
In RTR defense- they DID refund the rental costs in both situations- which was really about ALL that they could do under the circumstances.
If you are looking for a great outfit to wear and it is NOT a “have to have X” type of deal this is a very GOOD service. Sometimes though they really slip on their quality control side of things and then you are left scrambling for a suitable outfit at the very last minute.
SO the moral of the story is ALWAYS have a backup plan with an outfit rental service- you will be much happier and stress-free if you do!
good info to share. thanks.
I am confused as to how this works – you pay $139 PLUS $75 per item to rent??
I think the $139/mo is the unlimited rate. The rental prices listed are if you rent the items a-la-carte style.
You are correct! Unlimited is a monthly subscription charge of $139. If you choose to rent for 4 or 8 days, you are charged the rental price listed for each item.
Those shoes make the outfit!
I love RTR for special events. My only issue with them is the slow shipping. There’s been times I waited up to 2 weeks to get my items. It’s as if they purposely ensure you can’t get more than 2 shipments a month…?
With that being said, this is also s good sub for those of us who want to spice up our closet without wasting too much money on trendy pieces that will only be worn once or twice.
I’d sign up in a heartbeat if it wasn’t for this issue. they need to figure out how the Rockbox people do it. they have phenomenal turnaround.
Great review! The skirt is STUNNING. And the lace on the dress is gorgeous — too bad about the fit/crooked seam. Hope we see more reviews of this sub especially as I could picture myself actually wearing the items you chose!
Thanks for your feedback, Beth!
Great review! I have no use for this sub atm but will definitely consider if the need arises lol
Thanks!
Stunning!!
Thanks!