Fast Fashion has created a culture of overconsumption, with wardrobes bursting at the seams while in reality, studies show that we wear a mere 20% of our clothes 80% of the time, leaving the majority languishing in closets or even worse: never even worn. This problem isn’t just about clutter—it has serious environmental consequences. In Ireland, for example, the average person discards 32 kilograms of textile waste annually, much of which ends up incinerated or is exported without proper traceability.

Amid this wasteful cycle, renting clothes emerges as a promising solution. However, for this model to truly support the circular economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it must meet specific conditions. Let’s explore how clothing rental can fit into a sustainable lifestyle, particularly for special occasions like New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day.

Why Renting Clothes Matters

Clothing rental platforms are an eco-friendly alternative to owning garments, particularly those you might only wear a handful of times. Renting helps extend the lifespan of clothes, which is crucial for reducing the environmental impact of production. Think of it this way: instead of letting resource-heavy items like silk maxi dresses or tailored blazers gather dust in your closet, renting ensures they get the wear they deserve. Plus, research shows that truck deliveries for rentals emit four times less GHG per kilometer compared to consumers driving to stores.

But renting isn’t just about helping the planet—it has perks for you too. You can save money, free up closet space, and even treat yourself to designer pieces you wouldn’t splurge on otherwise. It’s a chance to experiment with styles, look incredible at special events, and avoid the commitment of owning something you might only wear once. Renting also taps into the sharing economy, where we use what we have more wisely, making fashion more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Research backs this up. Formalwear like gowns and suits—often worn just once or twice—can see a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per use when rented. By embracing this model, you’re not only cutting back on waste but also showing that you don’t need to own everything to look amazing.

The Conditions for Sustainable Renting

While renting clothes has clear advantages, its sustainability depends on meeting certain conditions:

1. Substituting Purchases, Not Adding to Them: Renting must replace buying rather than serve as an additional consumption habit. If consumers rent for one occasion and still purchase garments they rarely wear, the environmental benefits are nullified.
2. Minimizing Dry Cleaning: Many rental platforms rely on dry cleaning, which has a high environmental cost. Chlorinated solvent dry cleaning, for example, has an impact 25 times greater than domestic washing. To improve sustainability, platforms must prioritize eco-friendly cleaning methods.
3. Durability and Quality: Garments available on rental platforms should prioritize durability to withstand multiple uses. Some platforms already focus on more robust designs, but this needs to become standard practice.

Occasion Wear: Renting’s Sweet Spot

Formalwear is one of the best examples of how renting can work sustainably. For instance, a silk maxi dress consumes a significant amount of fabric and has high GHG emissions during production. When rented, however, its lifetime wear count increases dramatically, reducing its environmental footprint per use.

Occasions like New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, or weddings often call for special outfits.

How to Start Renting Clothes

If you’re ready to try renting, here’s how to get started:

1. Research Local Platforms: In Ireland, rental services like Happy Days, Dressed Up are great places to start browsing. Change Clothes is a great budget friendly option that also offers swap shops and many workshops during the year.
2. Look for Eco-Friendly Practices: Choose platforms that minimize their environmental impact, such as those offering green cleaning services or focusing on durable garment collections.
3. Start with Special Occasions: Try renting for your next formal event. Whether it’s a glittering New Year’s Eve gown or a sharp Valentine’s suit, starting with occasional wear is a great way to test the waters.
4. Plan Ahead: Renting requires new shopping habits and planning, such as ensuring the garment is available and fits correctly. Many platforms offer delivery options, making the process seamless.
5. Spread the Word: Share your experience with friends and family to inspire them to try renting. Sustainable fashion thrives on collective action.

A Step Toward Circular Fashion

Renting clothes is a great step toward circular fashion, where garments are used longer, shared among many, and disposed of responsibly. While challenges remain, the combination of thoughtful consumer choices and improved business practices can make renting a sustainable alternative to owning.

This New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day, why not give clothing rental a try? Not only will you look fabulous, but you’ll also be part of a movement redefining fashion for the better.

‍