Rent The Runway Vs Nuuly: Rent the Runway vs. Nuuly: Which Dress Rental Service Actually Saves You Money?
Most people think dress rental services are a scam. I thought so too, until I ran the numbers. I’ve been a member of both Rent the Runway and Nuuly for over two years now, and I’ve rented everything from $400 sequin gowns to simple silk slip dresses. Here’s the real story, not the marketing fluff.
The Core Difference: Inventory Philosophy
Rent the Runway and Nuuly come from completely different worlds. Rent the Runway started as a luxury rental service for designer dresses — think Alice + Olivia, Badgley Mischka, and Oscar de la Renta. Nuuly launched as Urban Outfitters’ rental arm, so its inventory leans heavily on Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters brands.
That distinction matters more than any pricing comparison. If you need a gown for a black-tie wedding, Rent the Runway is your only real choice. If you want a trendy Reformation dress or a Free People maxi for a casual beach wedding, Nuuly wins.
What Rent the Runway Actually Stocks
Rent the Runway carries about 800+ designer brands. Their tiered membership gives you access to higher-value items. The “Reserve” plan ($144/month) lets you rent 4 items at a time, with retail values up to $350 each. The “Premier” plan ($235/month) bumps that to items worth up to $600 each. Both include shipping, insurance, and dry cleaning.
What Nuuly Actually Stocks
Nuuly is simpler: $98/month for 6 items. No tiers. No value caps. You get access to everything in their inventory, which includes about 1000+ brands, but the heavy hitters are all from the Urban Outfitters family. You’ll find Farm Rio, Maeve, and Leze the Label in heavy rotation. The retail value cap per item sits around $200-300, which is fine for most casual events.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Both services advertise one monthly price. But here’s what they don’t tell you on the signup page.
Rent the Runway charges $8.95 for backup items if you want a second size shipped. Their insurance is included, but if you damage a dress beyond normal wear, you pay the full retail price. I’ve seen friends get hit with $200+ charges for a small lipstick stain. The return window is strict — ship back by 11 AM on your due date or you get charged for an extra month.
Nuuly doesn’t charge for backups, but their shipping takes 5-7 business days. If your event is next weekend, you’re gambling. I once ordered a dress on a Tuesday for a Saturday wedding — it arrived Friday afternoon. Close call. Their damage policy is more forgiving: minor stains and normal wear are covered, but rips or lost items cost you the retail price.
| Feature | Rent the Runway | Nuuly |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $144 (Reserve) / $235 (Premier) | $98 |
| Items per month | 4 | 6 |
| Designer brands | 800+ (high-end) | 1000+ (mid-tier) |
| Backup size fee | $8.95 per item | Free |
| Shipping time | 2-3 business days | 5-7 business days |
| Best for | Formal events, weddings | Everyday, casual events |
Three Scenarios Where One Service Fails Completely
I’ve learned the hard way that neither service works for every situation. Here’s where each one falls apart.
When Rent the Runway Fails
If you need a dress for a casual brunch or a date night, Rent the Runway is overkill and overpriced. You’re paying $144 for four designer dresses you’ll wear to Applebee’s. The shipping is fast, but the return process is annoying — you have to use their prepaid bag and drop it at a UPS location. No mailbox pickup. I missed a return window once because the UPS store was closed on a Sunday. Cost me $144.
When Nuuly Fails
Nuuly is useless for last-minute events. Their 5-7 business day shipping means you need to plan two weeks ahead. Also, their inventory for plus sizes (above size 18) is thin. I’m a size 14, and I’ve found maybe 30% of their dresses in my size are actually available on any given day. The rest are perpetually rented out.
When Both Services Fail
Neither service works well for multiple events in one month. You get 4 or 6 items per month, but each rental counts as one item. If you have two weddings and a work event in October, you’re either paying for two months or wearing the same dress twice. I’ve done the math: for three events in one month, buying a $50 dress from ASOS and reselling it on Poshmark is cheaper than either rental service.
The Verdict: Pick Your Poison Based on Your Event
After 30+ rentals across both platforms, here’s my honest take.
For black-tie weddings, galas, or any event where you need to look like you spent $800: Rent the Runway Premier ($235/month). Get the Badgley Mischka gown ($695 retail) or the Sachin & Babi sequin dress ($495 retail). You’ll pay $235 for a dress that costs $695 to own. That’s a 66% savings. Just don’t spill red wine on it.
For casual weddings, birthday dinners, or vacation: Nuuly ($98/month). Grab a Farm Rio floral maxi ($198 retail) and a Free People lace top ($128 retail). You get 6 items for $98 — that’s $16 per item. You can’t buy a decent dress for $16 anywhere.
For anyone renting fewer than 3 times per year: Neither. Buy a versatile midi dress from Aritzia ($150) or a simple black gown from Lulus ($80). You’ll wear it more than once, and you won’t have to worry about return deadlines.
My personal pick: Nuuly for everyday use, Rent the Runway for the one big event per year. But I’m canceling both next month — I’ve realized I’d rather own 10 great dresses than rent 30 mediocre ones.
