Have you ever bought a really expensive outfit for your little ones only to instantly regret it?
Have you ever bought a really expensive outfit for your little ones only to instantly regret it? Possibly putting it on them only a handful of times?
Life happens, and events come up that inevitably require an outfit a little dressier than your little one has in their wardrobe. Weddings, parties, even birthdays happen and some little ones (my four-year-old included) just love to dress up for ANY occasion.
‘Rent the Runway’ is a brand in the US that launched in 2009, the idea was that women could benefit from renting black-tie clothes on a night-by-night basis instead of spending a lot of money on something they’d only wear once.
The company has grown in the decade since, offering its members temporary access to everything from holiday wear and summer outfits to jewellery. And now the company is expanding to a different part of the market - children.
I think this is a fantastic idea and something that should definitely be brought to Ireland. I personally love dressing my little ones up but it is disheartening to buy expensive suits and dresses when they are growing so quickly.
Rent the Runway chose to work with more expensive luxury brands for the expansion into kids' clothing because of the impracticality of buying pricey items for children.
"We were just really fortunate to work with an incredible group of brands. Our aim was really to go more high-end and things that don't make practical sense to buy, but as a parent, you'd love to be able to access for a special celebration."
Another aspect of renting children’s clothes is an environmental factor. For women, 83 percent of their wardrobe is worn three times or less annually. I think when people look into their kids' clothes they probably feel a similar sentiment.
Rent the Runway is also looking at expanding the company's children's clothing section even further, focusing on its message of sustainability.
"More and more, people are aware that the global apparel industry is a $1.7 trillion industry and a fifth of it is being thrown away in a landfill every year”.
In Ireland at the moment there is no company like it. There are similar companies that allow you to hire boys' suits for a wedding or a communion for instance but that's it/
We couldn't find any similar company that exists in Ireland for girls' dresses or occasional wear which is a pity, as I can imagine just how popular it would be.
I would love to see something similar to Rent the Runway being brought here to Ireland for both the environment and my bank balance!
Laura Doyle, Mum of 4. Kyle 9, Noa Belle 4, Briar 2 and Milla 12 months. Breastfeeder, co-sleeper, coffee drinker. Staying positive and inspired by the chaos of it all. Follow her on Instagram.
