
Tired of an overflowing closet full of “meh” impulse buys and that one dress you wore once? Same. Between wedding season, work events, and just wanting to look cute without committing to every trend, I found myself constantly buying and rarely rewearing. So I decided to test-drive the top clothing rental services to see which one was actually worth the closet cleanse.
Over the course of a few months, I tried six of the biggest fashion subscription boxes: Armoire, Nuuly, Rent the Runway, FashionPass, Gwynnie Bee, and Haverdash. From sign-up to styling to returns, I rated each one on ease, quality, variety, and how excited I was to open that next delivery. Spoiler: One brand stood out big time, and yes, I’m still subscribed.
1. Armoire: The Only One I Kept Subscribed To
Let’s cut to the chase - Armoire is the best clothing rental service I tried, hands down. The onboarding quiz nailed my style preferences, and the first box was full of polished, versatile pieces I could wear to work, date night, and everything in between. Think structured blazers, elegant wrap dresses, and effortlessly cool separates.
Unlike other services that lean trendy or event-focused, Armoire serves up high-quality, wear-everywhere fashion with an eye for real-life functionality. Their wide size range (up to 26W, plus maternity) is a huge win, and I loved that I could choose between 4 to 7 items a month depending on my needs. Plus, the fit was so spot-on that I rarely returned anything.
Oh, and it’s woman-founded and sustainability-focused, just another reason to feel good about wearing it. This is the only service I looked forward to getting, and the only one I’m still subscribed to.
✅ Best for: Busy women who want curated, elevated style
2. Nuuly: Trendy, Fun, and Great for Playing Dress-Up
If you love Anthropologie, Free People, or Urban Outfitters, Nuuly is your dream closet. Their pieces are fresh, fun, and perfect for standing out. The styles skew youthful and Insta-ready, and I had a blast wearing them out to brunches and weekend hangs.
But Nuuly doesn’t shine as bright for professional wear, and with only six items per month and no unlimited swaps, it’s not the most flexible option. Still, the brands and playful styling make it a favorite for fashion lovers wanting to experiment.
✅ Best for: Trend-forward 20-somethings
3. Rent The Runway: Designer Duds, But High-Maintenance
Rent the Runway is your go-to if you need to make an entrance. Their inventory is packed with designer gowns, statement pieces, and glam silhouettes. Great for weddings or important events where you want to look like a million bucks (without spending it).
That said, it comes at a premium, and stock issues can be a major buzzkill. It was frustrating to find that top styles and popular sizes were constantly out. And for the price, I expected everything to arrive in pristine condition, which didn’t always happen.
✅ Best for: Event dressing and luxe occasions
4. FashionPass: Cool and Casual, But Not Very Versatile
FashionPass is the definition of “cute for the ‘gram.” From puff sleeves to bodycon minis, the vibe is perfect for social events and casual weekends. The sign-up was smooth, and I appreciated the fresh, rotating pieces.
But it’s not for everyone. The size range caps at L, and the quality didn’t always hold up—some pieces felt more fast fashion than fashion-forward. If you're looking for chic workwear or timeless staples, you'll want to look elsewhere.
✅ Best for: Casual-chic, trend-loving renters
5. Gwynnie Bee: Inclusive, But Lacks Style Punch
Gwynnie Bee offers sizes up to 32, which is a huge win in the fashion subscription box world. It gets points for inclusivity. But the styles felt dated, and I had a hard time getting excited about what was available. Delivery also lagged behind others, and the clothing didn’t give me that “wow” moment.
✅ Best for: Plus-size shoppers seeking staples
6. Haverdash: Budget-Friendly, But a Bit Too Basic
Haverdash is the most wallet-friendly option on this list, and it’s a great starter if you’re new to clothing rental services. It’s easy to use and ships fast—but the styles are pretty basic, and the brand selection is underwhelming. Great for dipping your toe in, not for a full wardrobe overhaul.
✅ Best for: Rental rookies
Final Verdict: Armoire Is the Clear Winner
While every clothing rental service has its perks, Armoire stood out as the most versatile, professional, and consistently delightful experience. It’s not just a box of clothes—it’s a personal stylist in subscription form. Whether you're headed to a big meeting or a weekend brunch, Armoire makes you feel pulled-together, powerful, and polished.
If you're only going to try one fashion subscription box, make it Armoire. You won’t regret it, and your closet will finally breathe easy.