Online Clothing Rental Market Set for Significant Growth, Driven by Sustainability and Consumer Demand for Affordable Fashion

Online Clothing Rental Market

The global online clothing rental market is set to experience robust growth, with a projected market value of USD 2,279.9 million in 2023, expanding to USD 6,244.1 million by 2033. This represents a significant CAGR of 10.6% over the forecast period. The growing consumer inclination towards sustainable fashion, the rise of e-commerce, and the increasing adoption of online rental platforms are the key drivers of this market expansion.

Key Factors Driving Growth

  • Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
    Millennials and Gen Z consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. According to a report by NRF and IBM (2022), 50% of consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that are environmentally friendly. Peer-to-peer sharing models and subscription-based services are further catalyzing the growth of online clothing rentals by offering a sustainable alternative to fast fashion.
  • Growing Demand for Fashion for Special Occasions
    The rental market for clothing has traditionally been driven by demand for attire for theme parties, weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. As consumers look for affordable and convenient access to high-end fashion for limited use, online clothing rental platforms are becoming increasingly popular.
  • Cost-Effectiveness and Consumer Behavior
    The economic challenges brought about by the pandemic made consumers more price-conscious, leading many to shift towards rental clothing as an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to buying new clothes. This trend is further amplified by rising awareness of the environmental impact of textile waste. According to a study by Rent the Runway (RTR), renting clothes can lead to a 24% reduction in water consumption, a 6% decrease in energy consumption, and a 3% drop in CO2 emissions compared to purchasing new clothing.
  • Influence of Social Media and Fashion Trends
    The rise of fashion influencers and vloggers on social media has significantly impacted consumer behavior, particularly in terms of how fashion choices are made. Social media platforms have become essential touchpoints in the shopping journey, influencing consumers to experiment with different styles and clothing options. Online rental platforms offer a cost-effective way for consumers to try new fashion trends without committing to full purchases.
  • Technological Advancements and E-commerce Growth
    The rapid evolution of mobile technology, coupled with the growth of e-commerce, has expanded the reach of online clothing rental services. Consumers now have greater access to a wide variety of rental options through user-friendly digital platforms, allowing them to browse catalogs, check live inventory, and book rentals with ease.

Market Trends and Category Insights

  • Gender Distribution: Women continue to dominate the online clothing rental space, accounting for 58% of the market. However, the male segment is growing rapidly, with projections for a 12.5% CAGR over the next decade.
  • Popular Categories: Suits and blazers remain the most popular rental items, with this segment holding a 31.5% market share. However, casual wear rentals are expected to see significant growth in the coming years as consumers seek cost-effective, everyday clothing options.
  • Business Models: The standalone model remains the most prevalent business model in the online clothing rental industry, accounting for 76% of the market share in 2022. This model allows consumers the flexibility to rent from multiple service providers, increasing variety and choice.

Regional Insights

  • United States: The U.S. is projected to dominate the online clothing rental market, capturing 95% of the regional share by 2033, with significant growth expected through 2026.
  • Germany: Germany holds the second-largest market share in Europe, with steady growth anticipated at a CAGR of 12% through 2033.
  • China: China leads the Asia-Pacific region, with rapid market expansion expected, driven by increasing fashion consciousness and high internet penetration.
  • Japan: Japan is experiencing growing demand for online clothing rentals, fueled by high interest in Western fashion and a strong influence of social media trends.

Competitive Landscape

To expand their global footprint and secure a larger revenue share, market leaders are concentrating on launching new products, forming strategic partnerships and collaborations, pursuing mergers and acquisitions, and integrating innovative technologies.

For example

  • In 2022, Tommy Hilfiger entered a rental partnership with Rotaro in the United Kingdom. The collaboration might allow renters to wear a variety of unisex pieces from the TommyXRomeo collection, as well as denim from Tommy Jeans and archive Hilfiger pieces.
  • In 2022, a new clothing rental company began providing customers with access to the wardrobes of fashion industry creatives and influencers. Rachel Cornick’s new platform combines fashion rental with the power of social media.

Key Companies Profiled

Rent the Runway; Rotaro; GlamCorner Pty Ltd.; Casstle. Inc.; Mine for Nine, LLC; Dress Hire AU; Thread Rentals; Le Tote Inc.; Urban Outfitters; Rent The Front Row LLC; Dress & Go Company; Chic by Choice Company; STYLE Lend Company; RENT It Bae Company; Mr. & Ms. Collection; The Secret Wardrobe; Gap Inc.; MY WARDROBE HQ; By Rotation Ltd.

Get Connected with Our Expert Analyst on Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com

Online Clothing Rental Market By Category

By Product Type:

  • Men’s
    • Knitwear
    • Trousers & Jeans
    • Jumpsuits
    • Coats & Jackets
    • Ethnic Wear
    • Performance Wear
    • Active Wear
    • Longue Wear
  • Women’s
    • knitwear
    • Trousers & Jeans
    • Jumpsuits
    • Coats & Jackets
    • Skirt & Shorts
    • Ethnic Wear
    • Performance Wear
    • Active Wear
    • Longue Wear
  • Kids
    • Casual Wear
    • Formals
    • Semi-Formals

By Business Model:

  • Standalone Model
  • Subscription Model

By End-User:

  • Business to Consumer (B2C)
  • Business to Business (B2B)

By Age Group:

  • Below 18 years
  • 18-25 years
  • 26-34 years
  • 35-44 years
  • 45-54 years
  • 55 Above years

By Region:

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • East Asia
  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

Contact Us:

Future Market Insights Inc.
Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,
Suite 401, Newark, Delaware – 19713, USA
T: +1-347-918-3531
For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com
Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com
LinkedInTwitterBlogs | YouTube

About the Author

Nikhil Kaitwade

Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc. has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.
His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.
Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like these