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How to Promote Your Rental Wardrobe: Tips for Securing More Fashion Rental Requests

As the fashion rental industry continues to grow, standing out and attracting more bookings can feel challenging.Whether you’ve already dipped your toes into the world of fashion rentals or are just getting started, one of the most common questions lenders ask is, “How can I secure more fashion rental requests?” As someone who has been lending out my wardrobe for some time now, I understand the challenges that come with standing out in a growing marketplace. Over time, I’ve developed some strategies to promote my rental wardrobe, both online and offline, which I’m excited to share with you.


From using social media effectively to exploring public-speaking opportunities (like my experience guesting on BBC Radio Manchester), this article will provide actionable tips to help you build visibility, establish yourself as a go-to fashion lender, and boost your rental business.

A black woman holding a colourful sequinned dress on a pink hanger, wearing a fruit print dress, wearing glasses, standing in a garden in front of some greenery.
Me and one one of my lovely rental dresses 👗♻️👗

Curate Your Wardrobe with Intent

The first step to securing more rental requests is having a wardrobe that people want to rent. It sounds simple, but the items you list should reflect current trends, timeless classics, or unique pieces that are difficult to find elsewhere. If you can offer something special that people can’t easily buy on the high street, you’ll instantly stand out.


Consider mixing high-quality designer items with versatile, everyday pieces. People renting fashion are often seeking a "wow factor" for special occasions, whether that’s a wedding, party, or even a work event. However, they’re also looking for stylish but practical outfits for everyday wear. Think about the needs of your potential renters—whether they’re searching for a statement dress or a chic blazer for an important meeting. By offering a variety of pieces, you can cater to a broader audience and maximise your chances of more bookings.


Presentation Is Key: Great Photos Make a Difference

We all know how important first impressions are, and the same goes for your wardrobe listings. One of the best ways to capture attention is through high-quality images. When it comes to fashion, a clear, professional photo can make all the difference between someone scrolling past your item or clicking to book.


Invest some time in photographing your pieces well. You don’t need an expensive camera—most smartphones these days have excellent cameras—but focus on good lighting, clean backgrounds, and showing your items from different angles. If you have the time, model the pieces yourself or ask a friend to help. Renters love seeing how an item looks on a real person, as it helps them imagine how it might look on them.


In my experience, adding a personal touch to your listings by including photos of how you’ve styled certain items has led to more engagement and bookings. It’s a simple yet effective way to showcase your fashion know-how while inspiring potential renters to try something new.


Leverage Social Media to Create Buzz

Social media is one of the most powerful tools in your promotional arsenal, and it’s essential to use it strategically. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even Pinterest are perfect for showcasing your wardrobe and connecting with people interested in fashion rentals.

Here’s how I use social media to promote my rentals:


  • Instagram Stories & Posts: Regularly posting about my available pieces keeps them top of mind for my followers. I’ll often share styling tips, behind-the-scenes looks at my wardrobe, and even repost photos from renters who have styled my items. It’s a great way to engage with your audience and build a sense of community.

  • Reels & TikToks: Video content is key! Showing off how a piece moves or can be styled for different occasions has proven to be a hit. I’ll create short videos showcasing my items in different outfits or give followers a quick tour of new additions to my rental wardrobe.

  • Collaborate with Influencers or Other Lenders: If you have the opportunity, collaborating with fashion influencers can provide a major boost to your visibility. You can lend out items to influencers in exchange for them tagging you or featuring your pieces on their social platforms. This creates a ripple effect, exposing your wardrobe to their followers who may be interested in renting from you. You could do the same with other lenders. If you have pieces that they don't that might be of interest to their renters (and vice versa), there is nothing to stop you from working together. To quote a very famous supermarket 'every little helps'.


Build Relationships with Your Renters

The fashion rental business is not just about transactions; it’s about building relationships. Many of my repeat customers have come from positive rental experiences, and word-of-mouth recommendations remain incredibly powerful in this space. Responding quickly to inquiries, being transparent about your items' condition, and ensuring timely deliveries can lead to positive reviews and return renters.


Encourage renters to leave reviews on your listings, as a high rating will build trust with new customers. Whenever someone rents from me, I make sure to send them a follow-up message, thanking them for their booking and asking if they’d like to share photos of how they styled the item. This not only strengthens the connection but provides content I can use for future promotions.


Engage with Your Local Community

Sometimes the best promotional opportunities happen offline. I’ve had the privilege of discussing my fashion rental experiences on BBC Radio Manchester (you can listen in on my website - click on 'Press' and then select 'On the Radio') and the exposure from that one interview opened up a whole new audience of potential renters. Sharing your story, either in local media or at community events, is a great way to position yourself as a thought leader in the rental fashion space.


You don’t need to wait for a media opportunity to come knocking—be proactive! Reach out to local radio stations, podcasts, or bloggers who might be interested in hearing about your journey. Fashion rentals are still relatively new to many people, and they’re often intrigued by how it works, how much you can earn, and how sustainable it is. You’d be surprised by how many platforms are willing to feature local entrepreneurs with interesting stories to tell.


Keep Your Listings Fresh

One of the keys to keeping people interested in your rental wardrobe is regularly refreshing your listings. This doesn’t necessarily mean adding new items all the time (although that can help too), but rather updating the descriptions, adjusting the pricing, and taking new photos to keep things current.


People are more likely to rent items that look well-maintained and appealing. If a listing has been up for a while, check if the item needs dry cleaning, or consider adjusting the rental price if similar pieces are being listed for less. A little maintenance goes a long way in showing that your wardrobe is cared for and desirable.


Offer Discounts and Incentives

Everyone loves a good deal! Offering a discount for first-time renters or bundling items together for a reduced rate can encourage more people to book. Special promotions, like offering free delivery on certain items or running a “flash sale” for weekend bookings, can help drum up interest, especially during slower rental periods.


Position Yourself as a Thought Leader in Fashion Rentals

As the rental fashion industry grows, so does the opportunity to establish yourself as a go-to person in the space. Sharing your experiences and offering advice through blog posts, social media content, or even public-speaking engagements is a powerful way to build your personal brand.


My guest appearances on BBC Radio Manchester (listen on my website - click on 'Press' and then select 'On the Radio') helped to boost my visibility, but you don’t need a big media appearance to get started. Consider starting small by guest blogging for fashion websites or offering to speak at local sustainability events. You can also host workshops or talks (either online or in-person) to educate people on the benefits of renting fashion, how they can start lending their own wardrobes, and what to look out for when renting.


By positioning yourself as an expert, you’ll naturally attract more rental requests and open doors to new opportunities, whether it’s public speaking or collaborations with larger fashion platforms.


Final Stitch: Bringing Your Wardrobe to Life

Promoting your rental wardrobe takes time, creativity, and a bit of hustle, but with these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to securing more bookings and growing your fashion rental business. From curating a desirable wardrobe to leveraging social media and exploring local opportunities, there are many ways to stand out in the growing rental market.


Remember, at the heart of every successful rental business is the ability to connect with people, share your passion for fashion, and provide a seamless rental experience. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your wardrobe to the next level, these tips will help you thrive in the world of fashion rentals.


Good luck, and happy lending!

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