In a time of countless opportunities to dress to impress, maintaining a social media feed full of never-been-Instagrammed-before clothing is tricky. With a newfound appreciation for both minimalism and sustainable fashion, renting clothing and accessories makes perfect sense.
This is especially the case in a time when anxiety-inducing living costs in many major cities leave little cash left to add more designer dresses or purses to your busting-at-the-seams condo-size closet.Recognizing a market opportunity, a handful of well curated clothing and accessory companies have opened up shop in recent years. These Canadian fashion rental companies are offering all of the designer labels your heart desires – even if they’re only yours for a hot minute.
Here are 9 Canadian fashion rental companies you should know about!
Atelier Privé
In forever-fashionable Montreal, Atelier Privé’s appointment-only showroom offers editorial-worthy designer cocktail dresses, gowns, and jumpsuits, along with clutches and jewellery to complete the look. These include brands like Badgley Mischka, ML Monique Lhuillier, Keepsake, and Cynthia Rowley, to name a few. Three-day dress rentals here cost from about $80 to $200. If you’re strapped for time, there is the option of returning the garment via courier for an additional cost.
Rent Frock Repeat
Rent Frock Repeat is the pioneer in Toronto’s dress and accessory rental scene. Recently, it took a cue from the U.S. by adopting a subscription-based business model starting this fall and adding everyday wear to its lineup. Members will be able to rent workwear, weekend wear, and outerwear, and will receive a monthly box of clothing delivered to their home. The pieces can be selected by customers, or curated by an in-house stylist. The company closed the doors to its physical showroom, and regular dress rentals are currently on hold but will resume renting online this fall as part of the subscription service. Sign up to get on the wait-list for its new subscription service.
The Fitzroy
The Fitzroy compares itself to your best friend’s closet, only with better stuff. Having recently outgrown its original location, it’s moved to a much larger spot in the city’s west end. Offering a quick (fancy) fix even at the 11th hour, it’s shiny new sprawling showroom is filled with conversation-starting cocktail dresses, gowns (which rent from around $70 to $110 for the standard four-day rental), and is open seven days a week, with no appointment necessary! In addition to dresses, you can also rent an assortment of handbags and fascinators of all colours – perfect for a day at the races this summer.
KukaMelon
Keeping you well accessorized, new Toronto-based startup KukaMelon offers sunglasses and handbag rentals on a subscription basis. For $39 per month, subscribers can expect a prettily packaged designer purse delivered to their homes each month. Allowing the ability to switch up the shades for each summer festival without denting the wallet, members can also opt for sunglasses for $29 per month. Users ship their borrowed goods back after 30 days, unless they opt to extend the rental on a monthly basis.
dresst
Officially launched on March 1, dresst is Canada’s newest online subscription clothing company. This retailer is ensuring you always have something new to wear. This online closet is full of contemporary designers like Ted Baker, Free People, Current & Elliott, Joie as well as some less accessible brands like Gal Meets Glam and Vince For $99 per month, women can select three items from the dresst closet to wear as their own.
Goldie
Another newer player on Toronto’s bustling dress rental scene is Goldie. Within its Dupont Street showroom, you’ll find over 30 different brands and over 150 dresses for rent. Goldie stocks items that are difficult to find in Canada, as well as assortment of vintage and designer haute couture options. Rentals range from $50 to $185 for a four-day loan. Dresses are neatly organized by category for guests to browse online, whether you’re in the market for an afternoon affair, a business function, a wedding, or date night. Guests are invited to make appointments online and nationwide shipping is available for those who live outside Toronto (for an additional $25 to $35).
Flauntbox
On the west coast, Flauntbox – which launched in 2015 – offers an assortment of vintage and designer cocktail dresses and gowns from beloved eventwear labels like Alice + Oliva, Elizabeth and James and Zac Posen. The frocks are available both at the company’s Coquitlam, B.C., studio or via its website. Dress rentals range from about $70 to $150 for a four-day rental. Helping your cause, the fee includes nationwide shipping. The company also just launched a monthly subscription service for $99 per month.
Boro
Toronto-based Boro is filled with finds straight from the closets of Canada’s most fashionable. For a rental period of four, 10 or 30 days, you can rent online from individuals who list their pre-worn and pre-loved garments and handbags on the site. With prices ranging from $45 to $125 that include dry cleaning costs, brands include names like Marchesa, Valentino, YSL, Gucci, and Chanel. Also, returns and shipping are free.
Sprout Collection
Putting together your dream wardrobe is easy with Sprout Collection! The Canadian fashion rental company, which originally began as a maternity clothing subscription box, recently launched non-maternity packages. Each month, subscribers can pick two or more pieces from the Sprout Collection and have them shipped straight to their home. For $79 to $119 a month, each package includes your pieces of choice, plus free shipping, return labels, and dry cleaning. It’s a great way to add new pieces to your closet in a environmentally and economically conscious way.
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