I tried Nuuly Rent so you don't have to....but you can!
/First things first:
I am not sponsored by Nuuly or an influencer for them. I pay for my own subscription and will talk about Nuuly from my personal lived experience. I do include my referral link at the bottom if you wish to use it.
NUULY
I have been using Nuuly Rent for 2 years, so I figured it was time to write my review! I subscribed Feb 2022 and only paused it for one month since it began. I heard of Nuuly through a podcast ad and thought it sounded like a cool idea, but questioned if it would really be worth it. I kept it filed in my mind and one day, when I was really overwhelmed by the amount of clothes that were stuffed into my small apartment closet, I considered it seriously for the first time. If I could rent clothes, then I could keep less in my closet while still keeping up with trends, hmmm….
It was time to do some research. I checked out the website and learned the basics:
Nuuly Rent is a clothing rental service that is currently running at $98 a month for 6 items (as of Feb 2024). The user picks out 6 items from a large selection each month, the first day starting at the time of your first payment. You can return all 6 items at your next billing date to pick out a new order. Nuuly is owned by URBN who owns the brands Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Anthropologie. They also partner with other brands to fill their Nuuly stock such as Selkie, Levi’s, and Farm Rio. Plus, your subscription covers washing and damages.
That all sounded pretty good to me but typically with services like these, what you read on paper may not play out in real life. So of course, I also turned to YouTube to find some reviews and found Tiffany Ferguson Vlogs and watched like all of her Nuuly videos. I definitely spent more time than I needed to, but turns out I enjoy watching people try on clothes. Makes sense.
Anyway, after that I was sold. I signed up and picked out my first Nuuly bag! Now that I’ve been using it for 2 years I can tell you my pros and cons and tips and tricks!
PROS
Renting clothings means less you have to buy and store.
You can keep up with trends without the guilt.
I feel like I’m playing dress up! When I get my Nuuly each month, I try everything on the first day and I feel like a little kid again.
You can try new styles! Since you don’t have to commit to owning it, try things you wouldn’t normally buy. For me that’s bright colors, interesting patterns, and lots of dresses!
The selection contains a fair amount of petite and plus sizes. If you’re plus size, I’m unsure if there is enough of a selection to last months. However, I do notice a good amount and have seen plus size baddies rocking it in the reviews!
I would spend at least $98 a month on clothes normally, Nuuly allows me to stay within a tighter budget while still fulfilling my crave for shopping.
Sometimes your bag includes brand new items with the tags!
The App is made really well. It feels like you’re online shopping at any other store. You can save items in your virtual “closet” for the future and make custom lists/categories to organize your interests.
It’s fun to pick out 6 items every month. Sometimes I go on the Nuuly app just for fun in the middle of the month to start preparing for my next one.
You can rent fancy items for special occasions that you would probably only need to wear once anyway.
If you really love an item that you rent, you can purchase it at a discounted price and keep it.
The customer service is great. I’ve only had positive experiences.
CONS
You may receive worn out items. The quality control could use some improvement. I’ve received at least 2 items a year that are too worn or damaged and therefore, unwearable. However, customer service has always been great at providing a partial refund for the item and/or a free bonus item on my next month!
You get charged on the same day every month. Which means you don’t actually get to keep the items for a full month. Let’s say your billing date is on the 5th, you pay and pick your items. It takes a few days for your bag to ship and reach you at home. Maybe you receive it on the 9th and then return it on the 4th of the next month. So you end up with 6 days without a Nuuly in your possession. I usually end up having it for a little over 3 weeks.
You can’t always get the items you want. They have limited stocks of each item so you need some luck to get the pieces you want at the time you want them.
Sometimes it’s hard to let go of items and can make you feel a little sad. However, the best way to fix it is to start looking for your next items!
Could add more petite and plus size options. I feel as Nuuly has been growing, they’ve been adding more.
TIPS & TRICKS
Always look at the reviews, especially the pictures. Items can look a lot different irl than in the model photos.
When looking at reviews, take note of the fit scale and look for reviews of people with your similar body type. For myself, I try to look for others who are 5’-5’2” and around 160 lbs.
Don’t rent something that hasn’t been reviewed unless you’re willing to be the guinea pig and take the hit if it doesn’t fit or look good.
Consider your body shape when choosing items. For example, if you’re short like me, you may not be able to rent regular length pants. If you have large boobs like me, make sure the top is sizable enough for larger breasts. Be realistic, and don’t assume it’ll fit you the same as the model.
Save multiple options for what you want the next month in case your top items are not available.
I prefer to err on the side of caution and choose the larger size if I’m between sizes.
Utilize the filters and search to find what you need. I love looking by Category and then filtering by color. Or using search with terms like “sequins” or “puffy sleeves”.
If you see a clothing trend you like at a store or online, snap a pic and look for something similar on Nuuly.
After you drop off your Nuuly to return it, choose Check My Return so that you can unlock your next Nuuly faster.
Review the items you rent to helps others!
TLDR
After using Nuuly Rent for two years, would I recommend it?
Yes!
If you have a personality like mine, Nuuly is literally perfect. If you agree with a few of these statements below, I think you will enjoy Nuuly!
If you enjoy fashion, keeping up with trends, or frequently having new clothes (get bored of clothes fast).
If you love online shopping; scrolling through images and picking favorites.
If you have limited storage space for clothes.
If you want to try new styles without committing to buying a new wardrobe.
If you want to wear more expensive brands but can’t afford multiple pieces.
If you’re on camera frequently and always want new clothes when filming.
If you’re concerned about fast fashion and want to keep up with trends more sustainably.
If you have a UPS store or drop off location that’s easily accessible.
Now, like I said above, I am not sponsored by Nuuly. However, if you enjoyed this blog post, found it helpful, and you want to sign up for Nuuly, you can send a thank you by using my referral link. This is the referral link everyone gets when you use Nuuly, I’m not special. If you use my link, you’ll get $20 off your first month and I get $10 off my next month! Simply sign up through the link here:
