Is Your Closet a Black Hole? Men’s Clothing Rental Services to the Rescue
Let’s be real, guys, the struggle is real. You look into your closet, packed tighter than a clown car, yet you feel like you have nothing to wear. Sound familiar? You are not alone. Women have sidestepped this crisis for years with services like Rent the Runway, accessing designer clothes without steep costs.
But what about us guys? Are we doomed to this wardrobe Groundhog Day? Fret not! The menswear rental scene is gaining steam, and it is time we took notice.
Rent the Runway for Men? Meet Your New Best Friends
While Rent the Runway is focused on women, several services are stepping up for men. Let’s explore some of the best options.
Thred: Your Everyday Style Upgrade
Think of Thred as the cool cousin of Rent the Runway. They get straight to it: “Is there a men’s equivalent? Welcome to Thred.” Problem solved. Thred isn’t about flashy rentals for black-tie events. It’s about upgrading daily style. They offer subscriptions for clothing rentals from brands like Buck Mason and Todd Snyder. You pick your subscription and pieces. Within three business days, a box of style arrives at your door. Simple.
Taelor: Style with a Brain (and AI)
Taelor strategies differently. They position as more than a rental service. They claim to offer “a wardrobe solution beyond what Rent the Runway provides.” Interesting, right? Taelor aims to elevate everyday style, not just for events. They encourage dressing for your goals using professional stylists and, yes, AI. Artificial Intelligence aids your wardrobe choices now. Welcome to the future.
Stitch Fix: The Styling Hybrid
Stitch Fix is a known name in personalized styling. While rentals aren’t their focus, they deserve mention. They offer style for everyone—women, men, and kids—in one place. Their stylists curate clothing boxes just for you, which you can purchase. Not rental in the traditional sense, but it’s a way to refresh your wardrobe with expert help. Think curated shopping delivered to your door.
Nuuly: Sorry Guys, Not This Time
If you hoped Nuuly might have menswear options, prepare for disappointment. “Nuuly does not offer rental subscriptions for men’s clothing.” Bummer. Maybe in the future they will expand, but currently, men are out of luck. However, we still have Thred and Taelor, so chin up!
Nuuly vs. Rent the Runway: A Women’s Wardrobe Showdown
While discussing Rent the Runway, let’s peek into women’s clothing rentals and compare RTR with Nuuly. It helps understand clothing rental services overall.
Nuuly often seems like the budget-friendly option. It focuses on building a wardrobe with new and used items, emphasizing “accessible fashion.” Monthly subscriptions start around $98, appealing for those watching wallets. Nuuly has a wider range of styles, including basics and trendy pieces, perfect for trying different looks without overspending. Quality remains decent, with many items being new.
Rent the Runway reigns supreme in designer and high-end clothing. If you want a designer dress for a special occasion, RTR is your go-to. It’s typically pricier than Nuuly. Subscriptions begin around $94, often more expensive based on items and plans rented. RTR emphasizes designer wear, offering a vast inventory of dresses, tops, and accessories. Known for quality garments and service, Nuuly builds a versatile wallet-friendly wardrobe; Rent the Runway offers designer statement pieces to impress.
Beyond Rentals: More Style Resources for Men
Rental services are just the beginning. Let’s explore other avenues to enhance your style.
Stitch Fix (Again!): Styling for Everyone
Yes, Stitch Fix returns, not just for rentals but styling too. They offer personalized style for everyone. They have amazing clothes for women, men, and kids—let our Stylists do the shopping! Convenience is key, and Stitch Fix aims to be your one-stop shop for everyone in your home.
Plato’s Closet: The Secondhand Goldmine
Do not underestimate secondhand gems. Plato’s Closet is full of stylish finds for men and women. They offer “a vast selection of high-quality clothing,” making it “worth a visit.” If you’re on a budget but crave style, Plato’s Closet is your thrifting haven.
Subscription Box Bonanza: Various Options
Subscription boxes are popular in menswear too. Here are some top choices:
- Bespoke Post: Known as the “Best Subscription Box For Men,” it delivers curated boxes of lifestyle goods, sometimes with clothing.
- Stitch Fix (Still!): Also considered a “Best Clothing Subscription Box For Men.” They are covering all bases.
- MeUndies: “Best Underwear Subscription Box For Men.” Comfort and style start here.
- Stance: Improve your sock game with the “Best Sock Subscription Box For Men.” Stylish socks matter.
- Harry’s: Keep that face smooth with the “Best Shaving Subscription Box For Men.” Grooming is key.
Retail Therapy Online: ASOS, Zara, Fabletics
For traditional online shopping, ASOS and Zara offer extensive menswear collections. ASOS is a trendsetter for “New In” clothing and accessories. Zara’s shirts are legendary with various cuts, fits, and oversized shapes. For fitness enthusiasts, Fabletics Men offers stylish “Men’s Activewear & Workout Clothes.”
A Dash of Menswear Philosophy: Couture and Class
Let’s elevate this conversation. Men’s couture? Male couture has existed before it was strictly called that. High fashion for men is not new, even if less discussed than womenswear couture.
Want classy and expensive dressing even if renting? Here are some rules:
- Ditch the Logos: “Avoid clothes with logos.” Subtlety speaks volumes.
- Fit is King: “Wear clothes that fit.” Ill-fitting clothes scream “unrefined.”
- Iron is Your Friend: “Iron, clean, and maintain clothes.” Wrinkles ruin class.
- Shoe Rotation: “Have plenty of shoes and rotate them.” Shoes make the man, variety shows care.
Rent the Runway: A Unicorn’s Tale
Rent the Runway is more than a rental service; it’s a business phenomenon. They became a “Unicorn”—a startup valued over $1 billion. Rent the Runway’s rise showcases their impact.
CEO Jenn Hyman has led since 2008, over 16 years now. Her yearly compensation is $6.05 million, including salary and bonuses tied to company stock. Not bad for disrupting fashion.
If you decide to pause renting, canceling your membership is straightforward. “You can cancel via Your Membership settings before your next bill date.” Easy.
The Rental Universe Expands: Nuuly Thrift and Others
The rental market evolves constantly. Nuuly launched “Nuuly Thrift,” a platform initially separate for buying and selling used clothes. It now integrates into the main Nuuly platform as a “Thrift Shop,” focusing on Nuuly’s
Nuuly makes a smart choice with its own inventory instead of a peer-to-peer model.
Rent the Runway faces competition. HURR, The Volte, and Armoire are top contenders. Gwynnie Bee offers “unlimited styles for women.” Sadly, Le Tote is defunct after bankruptcy. RIP, Le Tote.
Suited for Success: Groups Helping Men Dress Well
Several groups help men dress for success. They focus on job seekers. Think about supporting these resources:
- One Hundred Suits for One Hundred Men: This group works with Midnight Run to give business clothes and aid to men looking for jobs across the US. Visit 100suitsnyc.org and midnightrun.org.
- Career Gear: Career Gear serves as “Dress for Success” for men. They provide professional clothing, mentoring, and life skills to low-income men.
So there it is, gents. The world of menswear rentals and style resources is broad. Whether you seek to upgrade your wardrobe, find a standout outfit for an occasion, or explore new styles, options exist. Embrace the rental revolution!
