Rent the Runway vs. Armoire: Which Rental Revamped My Wardrobe?
I’ll admit it: I’m a busy mom running my own business from home, so I spend a lot of time in sweatsuits (okay…groutfits). My arsenal of stylish pieces is pretty much empty, but I still want to look my best for work meetings, brunch with the girls, and date night!
My ultra-fashionable friend let me in on her secret: renting. She suggested Armoire and Rent the Runway, so I signed up for both. I never thought I’d be the “renting” type, but if it helps me break free of my WFH outfits, I’m all in!
Here’s what happened when I traded sweatsuits for actual suits:
The one that makes choosing your clothes hassle-free… Armoire
Armoire has you take a 5-minute style quiz when you sign up, asking you questions about your style preferences and goals. Choose your plan (4 items, 7, or unlimited) and keep for a month. You can order a new case before sending your returns back, so you’re never without clothes! Shipping and returns are free, and you can pause or cancel anytime.
The cool thing is that Armoire uses a combination of algorithm + personal stylist intuition to curate a virtual closet with ONLY pieces you’ll love—promise! You can also filter by category, season, and occasion, and I love that there’s variety without being overwhelming.
On the other hand, Rent the Runway doesn’t offer a quiz to fine-tune recommendations, meaning you have to dig through their 10k+ styles by yourself. I wasn’t finding anything I really loved the first few passes, and I eventually gave up—spending hours window shopping is exhausting!
The one works for every budget… Armoire
Armoire has 3 plans: 4 items for $89/month, 7 for $119/month, and $249 for unlimited rentals and returns (with substantial discounts on your first month).
Rent the Runway is a little pricier: 5 items for $94/month, 10 items for $144/month, and 15 items for $193/month. They don’t offer an unlimited plan, which feels limiting given they have tons of options on their site.
The one that has both designer, professional, and casual clothes… Armoire
Rent the Runway is known for their designer clothes, with many form-fitting, revealing, and unique pieces. I appreciate this for a one-time rental, but fancy dresses aren’t practical 90% of the time.
In contrast, Armoire lets you mix-and-match. I chose sweaters and slacks for work, a cocktail dress, and a pair of PAIGE jeans. Their clothes fit sizes 0-3X, and they spotlight female-owned companies.
The one that restricts your access to clothes, depending on your plan… Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway and Armoire both have a large inventory, but RTR charges a premium for their full range of options. You have to pick the two more expensive plans to access the “complete closet”; otherwise, you can only access the “limited closet.” I didn’t get to rent some of the pieces I wanted on the cheaper plan.
Armoire gives me the flexibility I crave: I have access to their entire inventory, no matter my plan. This gave me the freedom to try unique styles I wouldn’t normally pick for myself (but ended up loving!).
The one that offers free cleaning services and coverage of minor damages…Armoire
So you spilled a tiny bit of sauce on your blouse, or your knit sweater got snagged. Wear-and-tear is a part of life, and Armoire recognizes this! They offer free cleaning and coverage of minor damages if something happens. Did you hear that? FREE. LAUNDRY! No more frantically scrubbing at stains in fear I’ll get charged.
Rent the Runway also covers minor wear and tear, but they charge the retail value plus tax for each item in case of significant damage, lost pieces, or theft. Now, I take good care of my clothes, but I’d rather not roll the dice—and Armoire has me covered.
My verdict? It’s Armoire all the way
In this clothing rental showdown, Armoire absolutely took the cake. I’ve never experienced such seamless renting and returns, the clothes felt like they were made just for me, and the sheer variety keeps me excited to rent every month. Sorry, Rent the Runway—you were fun, but you can’t top Armoire!