'Fashion rentals' is a growing phenomenon in sustainable fashion, globally. It allows consumers to rent fashion items for a limited time instead of buying them, reducing the number of garments produced, consumed and 'wasted'.
It speaks to the 7Rs of sustainability by:
- Reduce: By encouraging consumers to rent instead of buy, fashion rental reduces the number of garments produced, ultimately reducing waste.
- Reuse: Rental encourages people to reuse items and extend their lifespan.
- Recycle: Rental platforms often donate or recycle unsold or worn out garments, reducing fashion waste and promoting the circular economy.
- Repair: Repair services are usually provided by rental companies, with any damages occurring during the rental period being fixed.
- Refuse: Instead of buying and wearing something once or twice, rental platforms give consumers the opportunity to refuse to engage in fast fashion.
- Regulate: Fashion rental platforms usually assess the environmental credentials of what they offer to ensure that products meet ethical and sustainable requirements.
- Rethink: Rental platforms encourage consumers to rethink their approach to fashion by offering a more sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution.
By embracing sustainable practices and integrating new business models, the fashion industry can reduce its environmental impact, improve social conditions, and create a brighter future for all stakeholders.