Are clothing rental services actually sustainable? Experts say it's complicated

Clothing rental services are often marketed as a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion.

The subscription-based services allow consumers to rent and return outfits instead of buying new clothes.

But fashion and logistics experts say the environmental impact of renting depends heavily on how people use these services.

While renting can help reduce one-time purchases for weddings or special events, experts say repeated shipping and returns can also create a significant environmental footprint.

They recommend consumers focus on re-wearing clothing, avoiding unnecessary purchases and choosing slower, consolidated shipping options when possible.