Rent the Runway vs. Nuuly

Updated: 9.19.2026

So many people ask me about clothing subscriptions, and since I first published this post in 2019 clothing rental options have taken off! This post has helped many of you over the years, and I owe you all an update on the landscape of the clothing rental subscription landscape in my experience.

Which is better, Rent the Runway or Nuuly? Which do you like more? What’s Nuuly? Which should I get?

The short answer is: they’re both great…but different. I plan to keep both plans because they provide value to my life and allow me to keep my wardrobe fresh but avoid contributing to the impact fast fashion has on the environment. Let me break it down for you.

What are Rent the Runway Memberships?

Rent the Runway Memberships are the subscription arm to the Rent the Runway you may know: renting a special dress or accessory for a particular date for a few days and then returning it. There are three Rent the Runway memberships (Rent the Runway Unlimited is no more, RIP): With the top two tiers of these plans as soon as you’re ready to switch, you hit “return” in the app and you’re automatically allowed to replace the items that moment. So if you are returning 4 items, you can order four new items automatically.

There used to be a RTR store in Georgetown near me, but since the pandemic, that has closed. Rent the Runway has returned to UPS and I’m so happy! They also use Returnmates, a service that picks up your returns at your door in certain areas. Since I’m in the return area, I can use that service rather than dropping off at UPS. If you’re traveling, Rent the Runway can also deliver TO your U.S. destination which is really fun, you can then return your rentals at the end of your trip to the UPS store, or keep them with you on the return.

Then value of this subscription is INVALUABLE for fashionistas who want to constantly switch up their wardrobe, or if your body is in flux (pregnancy, weight-loss/gain) and you need different sizes (yes they do have maternity items), or if you’re looking for really high-quality items but can’t afford the price tag. With this subscription, you can pause or skip a month at any time.

The Rent the Runway app reminds you of deliveries, allows you to see awesome “edits” of the RTR closet (it is VAST), and put your faves into lists like “Spring 2026” or “Pink Aesthetic.”

*Full disclosure, I am a RTR Ambassador, but was using the subscription for a full year before I was asked to participate!

Breakdown:

• Cost: The cheapest subscription starts at $78 (for the first month for new users), $129 after that for new subscribers for 1 shipment per month, with 5 items in each shipment. The next tier is $99 ((for the first month for new users), and $164 a month after that for 2 shipments a month, with 5 items in each shipment. The most exclusive plan is $165 (for the first month for new users), $275 a month after that for 4 shipments a month, with five items in each shipment.
• Special discounts for first time users?: Yes! Use code RTRKELLYLYNNE for 40% off 2 months of RTR’s 8 and 16 item memberships.  The deal you receive using this code changes from time to time, but the code itself stays the same.
• Delivery wait time: 2 -3 business days if you’re getting a delivery to your house/a private address – some zip codes have even faster delivery
• Number of items at a time: Four slots that you can switch up with bags, accessories, clothing, workout gear, and even West Elm decor! You can add extra slots for $39 a per slot. Obviously, this is different for the new 1 swap and 2 swap plans.
• Accessibility: Delivery wherever via UPS, or via their complimentary home pickup in over 30 cities
• Pause/Skip?/Cancel: At any time through the app
• Tips: Going on a trip? Send your RTR bag to the address you’ll be at and skip having to pack those clothes in your bag.
• App?: Yes
• Size Diversity?: I’d give it a 5/10 – RTR has accessories (purses, jewelry, etc) and so that obviously doesn’t require sizes. Other than that, they are not as focused on plus-size options. Nuuly definitely wins in size diversity.
• Favorite Rentals: Designer purses, Christian Siriano cocktail dresses, Tanya Taylor silk dresses and suits, Jonathan Simkai dresses, Gucci sunglasses, Lululemon puffer, Hutch finds, Farm Rio maxis, Nicholas dresses.

What is Nuuly?

Nuuly is a newer rental option that combines URBN companies and the brands that they sell. Don’t know what URBN is? It’s the brand that owns Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropologie. Nuuly’s clothing is typically a cheaper price point than Rent the Runway, and typically is home to more indie designers, more trendy items, and more affordable options (which is great, because you have the option to buy your Nuuly items!). They also offer vintage, mostly t-shirts and denim. Nuuly sends out six items at a time (you can purchase more slots, up to eight slots) and you keep them for the whole month. No switching. Nuuly sends the items in a lined reusable zipper tote with no plastic packaging, which makes it more sustainable than other rental sites that rely on plastic packaging to keep clothing dry back and forth from delivery.

• Cost: $98 per month for 6 clothing items, add more slots for $22/each
• Special discounts for first time users?: Yes, you can get $30 off your first month using this code by clicking this link! (The deal Nuuly offers, changes but I always have a link to an existing discount. If this doesn’t work please DM me and I’ll share with you)
• Delivery wait time: 1-2 business days (seriously, it’s sooo fast!) via UPS
• Number of items at a time: 6 (or add more slots $22 each) per month. This includes only clothing. You keep them for the whole month, no swaps.
• Accessibility: Online only, no stores. Nuuly items are from Free People, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters, etc. Return via UPS store or UPS participating pickup (like some CVS locations).
• Pause/Skip?/Cancel: Pause / cancel at any time
• Tips: Definitely add those extra slots. This subscription has great items, and your first Nuuly comes with a little “emergency” kit that you can use to spruce up your clothes for the month. Make “lists” in a private Pinterest board so you can keep your favorites organized.
• App?: Yep! You can add things to your closet from the app and you can have up to 20 lists in the app – I find this sort of limiting, but I get it.
• Favorite Rentals: Free people gauzy dress, Girl Meets Glam sequin cocktail dress and sundresses, Avec Les Filles gauze trench coat, Anthropologie polka dot off the shoulder dress, Rococo Sand maxis, Hutch dresses, Sui by Anna Sui brocade set.

*This post contains affiliate links in the form of discounts to both subscriptions! Thank you for your support!

Any questions? DM me on Instagram @thelowlowstyle ! I’ll be periodically updating this blog post as I get better discounts and more tips and tricks! ❤