Between extensive gift lists, an inflated food shop and a packed social calendar, party season can be an expensive time – and that’s without factoring in the pressure to step out in something new every time you leave the house.
Social media has done little to encourage the idea of outfit repeating so let me just say (more for myself than anyone else) that no, you don’t need a different dress for every occasion; the washing machine exists for a reason and it’s to help you keep the clothes you already own in good nick so you can wear and re-wear them ad infinitum.
That said, sometimes an occasion crops up where nothing you own will do. Maybe it’s a particularly glitzy work engagement, a black-tie wedding or a festive night out – whatever the event, I can guarantee you there’s a rental frock out there with your name on it. Offering customers access to a wealth of high-end—often designer dresses—at a fraction of the cost, renting is better for the environment and your pocket too. Below are some of our favourite fashion rental places around Ireland.
Drobey
A fashion rental platform with a showroom in Monkstown, Co. Dublin, Drobey aims to take the guilt out of keeping up with fast-changing fashion trends and experimenting with new, one-off looks. Delivering sustainability and access to high-end designers without compromise, the ideas it that you invest in your staple wardrobe pieces you know you’ll wear time and time again, and leave the more showstopping, seasonal pieces to rental.
Rag Revolution
Rag Revolution’s story began with Edel Lyons, a frustrated millennial who wanted to wear her favourite brands and designers while experimenting with fashion in a more sustainable way. Finding that rental services didn’t really exist at the time, Edel decided to launch one of her own. Offering everything from a bridal edit to black tie and lots of partywear too, you’re sure to find at least one gúna that catches your eye.
Happy Days
Rachel Hennessy founded Happy Days back in 2021 when she was stuck by a stark truth; fast fashion has created a demand for “newness” that has no place in a sustainable future. Hoping to encourage the public to rent, not buy, Rachel is helping to change the behaviours of fashion lovers everywhere. Available online and in-store in Leopardstown, Dublin, they have over 400 dresses to rent along with bags, coats and hairbands too!
High-End Hire
A designer dress and occasion wear rental company based in Dublin, High-End Hire wants to help women look and feel their best by giving them access to a limitless wardrobe for the important events in their lives. Brands on offer include Rixo, Rotate and Nadine Merabi amongst others.
Amaya Dress Hire
Based in Kildare, Amaya Dress Hire is the answer for those who want to be more sustainable in their fashion choices – without ever having to repeat an outfit. Based in Kildare, you can try on any of their available garments in-store or simply rent the piece you want online and you’re good to go. Postage and dry cleaning are included in the hire price.
Designer Room
Founded in 2017 by Rhoda McDonagh, Designer Room came to be after she realised that there were no similar services available in Ireland. A staunch fashion lover, Rhoda was intrigued by the idea of starting an investment wardrobe she could share with others and her vision has always been to provide women with as much choice as possible when it comes to occasion wear.
Dressed Up
Fuelled by a love of sustainable fashion, Dressed Up aims to discourage people from buying one-time purchases they’ll never wear again. On their website, you can filter options based on size, length and colour – streamlining the process and making outfit planning a breeze.
Wear Once Loved
Based in Newry, Co. Down, Wear Once Loved ships to Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the UK. They have a gorgeous collection of designers and dresses as well as a special maternity line for those who don’t want to succumb to buying pieces they’ll most likely never wear again.
Best Kept Secret
Inspired by the dress rental movement over in Australia, Best Kept Secret boasts a curated selection of capsule pieces, available to rent, to elevate (and expand) your street style. Their collection spans workwear, occasionwear, and coats, and they also have a small selection of ex-rental pieces available for purchase.
The Fashion Club
From evening gowns to party dresses, The Fashion Club offer a variety of styles including midi, maxi, and plus-size dresses. Founded by Emma Lucey, the platform is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable rental experience. They strive to make every step of the process effortless and enjoyable.
Darlo
Located in Dartry, Dublin, Darlo specialise in standout dresses that make an instant impact when you walk into a room. From stunning gowns fit for a red carpet to the perfect wedding guest, graduation and event looks, there are so many killer dresses ready and waiting.
The Wardrobe Collective
Founded by Emma Grehan, The Wardrobe Collective is a peer-to-peer fashion rental platform where people can borrow and lend out clothes between one another, redefining how we experience fashion in Ireland and making it more accessible to everyone. Empowering fashion lovers to share their wardrobes, save money, and earn from what they already own, the platform helps create a more sustainable, circular way to enjoy style, all without the waste or cost of single-wear outfits.
Blue Gems
Blue Gems is the new ‘it girl’ circular fashion platform in Ireland. Their booking platform gives you access to exclusive Australian labels, blending exceptional quality, cutting-edge artistry, and fashion-forward sustainability, without breaking the bank. They’ve also got a selection of ski wear, so it’s perfect for if you’re planning to hit the slopes but don’t want to invest in a whole new wardrobe.
Club Tia
Another peer-to-peer fashion club, Club Tia allows you to borrow standout pieces or monetise the looks you already love, connecting wardrobes across Ireland with secure rentals and zero commission. You can rent out your clothes and accessories to real women across Ireland on your terms, and list your looks, set your price, and start earning from your wardrobe.
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