Buying clothes at this current moment can seem like a tough financial decision. With a lot of folks out of work, and business suffering, it’s hard to imagine shopping again. Eventually though, we will have parties to attend, job interviews to go on, work to restart. We all need clothes, but maybe we need a shift in how we get those clothes. I got really interested in learning about clothing rental services and tried one, Gwynnie Bee, for a whole year. Here is my experience with the process!

How it Works

Gwynnie Bee is a clothing rental services that utilizes their app to curate your wardrobe. You download the app (or you can utilize their website on a desktop if you prefer), decide how many pieces per month you’d like to rent (I opted for 2), and then you add items to your virtual closet. You can add as many pieces as you like, and then a few pieces from your virtual closet are shipped to your home. You can wear the pieces as often as you like, or not at all, and then put them in a pre-labeled envelope and mail them back. A new piece will automatically get selected from your closet and mailed to you to replace the item within a few days. The pieces you receive are from major brands like Eliza J, Adriana Papell, Vince Camuto, Modcloth and more.

The pieces you receive might be lightly worn, but they all are quality controlled and professionally cleaned before they arrive to your doorstep. Though you pay a monthly fee for the service, if you choose to keep any of the pieces that arrive to you, you pay a fraction of the full retail cost. The more active you are with the service (like adding more items to your closet, shipping back multiple items in one return, etc.), the more “bonus points” you can earn, which you can use towards anything you’d like to purchase

The Pros

It’s nice to hear someone at work comment on how I always have pretty dresses, or how often I’ll have new pieces of clothing to shoot content with. It’s also fun to have a guaranteed package each month that I can use for an unboxing video, or just be surprised by! When compared to other rental services, I appreciate that I don’t need to buy the product first in order to wear it (like Le Tote, Trunk Club or Dia & Co). I also appreciate that most of the pieces I would consider wearing every day, unlike a special occasion piece you’d find on a platform like “Rent the Runway”.

I feel good about not purchasing fast fashion, or single use pieces for one photo shoot. Lots of influencers utilize big box departments stores for their photo shoots, then return the pieces after the shoot. When they do this, the product gets damaged out of inventory as its been worn, thus causing more work for more associates, and it kills the original salesperson’s commission! It’s not only irresponsible to operate this way- it’s cruel. I know that the dress I send back won’t harm someone’s paycheck and can still find a forever home with someone else.

• Always have something new to wear
• Not fast fashion
• The thrill of a package in the mail
• No one’s commission is ruined by the return!!
• Size inclusive
• You do not need to buy to wear
• More everyday than services like “Rent the Runway”

The Cons

Perfection is something we strive for, but that doesn’t mean it exists. Gwynnie Bee is fun, but you cannot anticipate an exact piece. If you see the perfect green dress for example, don’t expect to receive it by St. Patrick’s Day. Though there is an option to prioritize items, I have NEVER seen the function work. I have prioritized items and never received them. It is somewhat randomized, so you have to think of it as a supplement to your existing wardrobe. If you don’t wear dresses, this might not be the platform for you. Though you take a style quiz, and the algorithm makes suggestions based on your style, it’s full of mostly feminine items- and if you like separates, you’ll probably be paying more money for additional looks, as you are charged by the number of pieces you’d like to receive.

• Selection is randomized, no guarantee at what time you will be receiving which item
• Best for folks who wear dresses/more feminine in style
• Supplement to existing wardrobe, not intended to build wardrobe.
• Pieces are lightly worn, not brand new

My Verdict

Despite some of its shortcomings, I love the service that Gwynnie Bee provides. It suits my style and my budget, and I always have cute things to wear. I am hopeful that as these services gain traction and viability, more tastes and styles will be accommodated. Have you tried a subscription clothing service? I’d love to hear about your experience! And if you want to try Gwynnie Bee for 50% off your first month, click here and try it (and $10 off your first month after that)! Happy renting!