The grand Indian wedding is always a memorable affair. From location, to menu, to decor, grandeur is key. And most important of all is the perfect outfit. Even if worn only once in a lifetime, people spend a fortune on their dream wedding couture. However, with the rise of sustainable fashion, more and more people are opting for reusable alternatives that are also economical. One of these options is to rent clothes and jewelry online for weddings and festive occasions.
An upward trend
While the online fashion rental industry is still in its infancy, it is on the rise year after year. Market data forecasts the global online fashion rental market to nearly double from just over $1 billion in 2021 to over $2 billion by 2026. Analysts predict that the Indian online fashion rental market will grow at a faster than average global rate. over the next few years.
“Until a few years ago, there weren’t many options. Every new occasion meant either repeating outfits or buying new ones. It is expensive and unsustainable. In addition, storage is a real headache. Rental fashion is the perfect solution,” says Aanchal Saini, CEO of Flyrobe, an online fashion rental service that caters to almost all metropolitan cities.
Industry players
“At Flyrobe, a user rents a designer garment for an occasion at 10-15% of the MRP. For example, if a Sabyasachi lehenga costs ₹5,00,000, the rental price will be somewhere between ₹50,000- ₹56,000,” Saini informs. Popular categories at Flyrobe include apparel and jewelry for weddings and wedding-related occasions, including men’s and women’s pre-wedding shoots, and their festive collection.
Another player in the same space is The Clothing Rental, which delivers all over India. “From wedding lehengas, dresses, maternity dresses to tuxedos, men’s suits, sherwanis and kurta pajamas for the festivities, we have it all under various brands and designers,” says Shilpa Bhatia, Founder.
Meanwhile, The Stylease, also available across India, rents out high-end Indian outfits and accessories for 8-10% of retail value for a period of four to eight days. Here you can not only rent but also rent your clothes. “We consign designer clothes as well as individuals. We share 40-50% of the rental amount with the person who gave us the outfit,” says Jheal Shah, CEO. The price varies from ₹2,500 for a more festive Indo-Western outfit ₹50,000 for high-end designer lehengas.
The process
Users can visit websites or stores to book in advance. The product is modified to fit and after quality control, delivered. “In cities like Delhi and Bangalore, where we have stores, you can pick up your order immediately. If you are renting for your wedding, make a reservation in advance due to high demand,” says Saini.
There is also a refundable security deposit that is charged with the rental, which in most cases is equal to the rental amount. The charge covers the business against loss or damage and also ensures timely returns. The standard rental period ranges from three to four days with an option to extend the reservation for an additional charge.
