Clothing hire changing the fashion game

I am sure we are all guilty of buying a singular piece of clothing, only to have it sit in the darkness of our wardrobe after one night of wear.

Not only does this habit create less space in the closet and damage to the wallet, but it is also an unsustainable way of shopping. A young Hamilton woman felt that same way, while recognizing a gap in the market.

Back in 2017, humble beginnings of simply lending designer garments to her friends later turned into renting out garments to the rest of the country.

Now 19-years-old, full-time student Courtney Hurley took her love of labels and successfully launched it into a popular and thriving business in clothing hire “Courtney’s Closet” located here in Hamilton.

Courtney runs one of the few rental clothing companies in Hamilton. Along with her studies, the business is what takes up the majority of her time.

Courtney’s Closet is a space that will fulfill all your fashion needs and all at a low cost. She holds up to 150 garments in a large spare room in her home. With a collection of play-suits, dresses and sets, including a range of leading designers such as Zimmerman, RUBY, Rat & Boa and more.

The try-on sessions, which Courtney opens up for her customers each afternoon is what takes up the most amount of time in her business. Women of all ages coming in each day to try on their favorite designer garments, whether it be for a school ball, wedding or any other special occasion.

Courtney tries her best to cater to every woman’s needs, especially when it comes to styles and sizing. When sitting down with Courtney, she explained why she thinks the idea of renting clothing is so appealing to customers.

She said, “I think most of the girls like the sustainability of it all, as well as the accessibility and affordability”.

The trend of renting out clothing is relatively new and the idea is great. Not only does it make designer clothing more accessible without the expensive price tag, but it is also a more sustainable way of shopping and keeping up with trends.

We all know, no girl likes to wear the same outfit twice- as Courtney explains on her website. So when hiring a dress for that one night out, the guilt of buying fast fashion is no longer there.

Renting clothing has become a widespread movement and is seen across western society. In the United States, there are a number of rental platforms that are taking the fashion scene by storm, like Rent the Runway.

These larger companies have inspired popular fashion outlets such as Urban Outfitters and Bloomingdale’s to create their own hiring subscription services. It seems the idea is making its way into a fashion revolution. It is changing the game in a sizable way.

Companies like Rent the Runway are not limited to going-out wear, but day-to-day wear as well.  This makes hiring an option for every occasion.

Women subscribing to these platforms receive a number of their favorite pieces of clothing each month, which are then returned to the business at the end of the period.

Courtney Hurley made it her goal to share her love of designer clothing with women alike. She says that helping women feel their very best is one of the most rewarding parts of the business.

She shares that same vision with a majority of rental companies- “it’s special to them, and I find it really cool to be a part of it all.”

Although as a country we are not quite at the stage of the United States just yet, the craze of rental clothing in New Zealand is on its way there.

There are new rental companies launching every other day.  Each with a love for fashion just like Courtney; hopefully inspiring more people in the country to try out a more sustainable and cheaper way of shopping.