Fashion rental isn’t new—but it’s finally caught up with how we actually live. According to McKinsey, nearly 40% of Gen Z is already thrifting. Wearing secondhand feels native, setting the stage for rental subscriptions to thrive.
Renting for everyday life—not just special occasions—builds on that shift: it’s flexible, lower-risk, and surprisingly fun. We want to look fresh on social, experiment with style, and get dressed for everything from errands to events—without impulse buys, overflowing closets, or fast-fashion guilt.
Rental subscriptions gave me a smarter way to get dressed. I tested three major platforms—from newcomer to incumbent—BNTO, Nuuly, and Rent the Runway (RTR), all of which professionally clean their pieces. Here’s the breakdown:
Best for Style Discovery: BNTO
BNTO just gets how Zillennials actually dress and share. Think a cool mix of Revolve, SSENSE, and emerging DTC brands—like Miaou, Guizio, and Coperni—plus exclusive Korean, Japanese, and Scandi labels. You’ll even find runway darlings like Collina Strada and AVAVAV (if you know, you know). But BNTO’s workwear is nothing to sneeze at. Brands like Klint Studio and Yumi Row bring great fits with subtle, compliment-worthy details. And the AI stylist? Genuinely helpful and kind of addictive—the more you use it, the better it gets. (Plus, they offer accessories!)
Being part of URBN, Nuuly’s assortment heavily overlaps with brands like Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Anthropologie. If you’re into a feminine, whimsical, or bohemian style, it offers a wide range of options, but only in apparel.
Rent the Runway is the most mature and editorial of the three—think Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom. It’s polished and elevated, whether you’re looking for clothes or accessories. You can tell their customers are brand-loyal and less discovery-driven, as the same core designers are always front and center in their marketing messaging.
Best for Formalwear: Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway still dominates the formalwear space. From Ulla Johnson to Lauren Ralph Lauren, and polished workwear like Veronica Beard, it’s the most reliable option for black-tie events, weddings, and structured looks. And every item is steamed, packed in disposable plastics on a hanger. Just know: access often depends on your plan tier, and the best pieces go quickly.
Nuuly has great bridal options, including URBN’s own BHLDN. However, I found that their clothes, in my experience, are a bit more visibly worn–a loose appliqué here, a worn hem there. Not as polished as I’d like.
BNTO is great for night-out and celebration looks, but it has limited gown or black-tie selections. But, I love that so many of their clothes arrive new with tags or looking brand new! Everything feels fancy and new.
Size Inclusivity & Inventory Depth: Nuuly
Nuuly has the largest inventory and most inclusive size range, thanks to its URBN brand base. That already makes it a fan favorite for shoppers of all ages.
BNTO’s global curation tends to skew smaller, though they’ve introduced petite collections and include helpful fit notes for styles that run small. They do better on the petite end, but plus-size options are still limited. Inventory on BNTO moves quickly; if you see something you want, it’s smart to act fast. So when I loved a few pieces I rented, I ended up buying them (at a big discount with my bonus credits)—because they might not be there next month. Regardless, BNTO is adding new arrivals everyday, meaning there’s always new styles to choose from!
I also find that everything I like on Rent the Runway is often out of stock, though they’ve been actively promoting their growing inventory in response to customer demand.
Easiest to Use: BNTO & Nuuly
Both BNTO and Nuuly offer clear, simple pricing:
- $98/month for 6 items with free shipping and returns
- No late fees (keep the box as long as you want; you’re charged monthly)
- Flexibility to return early and start your next box early by simply shifting your billing date
Neither Nuuly or BNTO offers swap options mid-month—I wish they did, but it’s more cost-efficient and eco-friendly to limit shipments and skip polybags.
Rent the Runway is the most flexible with one-off rentals and three subscription tiers, but the options can feel a bit confusing —especially for first-time users. And their use of hangers and garment bags are great for hygiene, not the environment.
My Final Verdict? BNTO Leads the Pack, But All Three Subscriptions Delivered
I’ve tried all three—BNTO, Rent the Runway, and Nuuly—and honestly, they all had something good to offer. But if I had to pick a favorite? BNTO, hands down. It felt the most me. Super easy to use, always up-to-date with trends, and somehow every piece just worked for my everyday life—whether I was headed to work, brunch, or a night out.
Rent the Runway was great for fancier events and designer moments, but it felt a little more high-maintenance to manage. However, to help me plan around my life, depending on the plan, they offer a few different pause options.
Nuuly had tons of comfy, boho styles (perfect if you love Free People vibes), but I didn’t get that same thrill of discovering something new—and a few items looked a little too loved. But I love that I can pause my subscription for up to 3 months!
Overall, BNTO kept me the most excited to check the app, try new things, and actually wear what I rented. And if I ever need to pause, I can pause for a month at a time and rollover my bonus credits. If you're into fashion that feels fresh but wearable, it's the one I'd go with.
