You open your closet three days before a wedding and see the same black sheath dress you’ve worn to four other events. You know it’s fine. But you also know everyone else has seen it. So you start scrolling rental sites, and suddenly you’re staring at two tabs: Rent the Runway and Nuuly. Which one actually delivers a dress that fits, doesn’t cost a fortune, and arrives without a tear in the seam?
I’ve used both services for over two years — for weddings, birthday parties, and one very stressful work gala. Here’s the honest breakdown.
How the Plans Actually Work (And What They Cost)
Both services run on a monthly subscription model, but the details matter more than the sticker price.
| Feature | Rent the Runway | Nuuly |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $94 (4 items) or $144 (8 items) | $98 (6 items) |
| Shipping | Free both ways | Free both ways |
| Swap timing | Anytime during the month | First of each month (automatic swap) |
| Dry cleaning | Included | Included |
| Late fee | $25 per day after due date | $10 per day after due date |
| Insurance for damage | $6 extra per month (recommended) | Included up to $50 |
Nuuly gives you six items for roughly the same price as Rent the Runway’s four-item plan. That’s 50% more pieces. But Rent the Runway lets you swap items as soon as you return them, while Nuuly locks you into a monthly cycle. If you need a dress for a wedding on the 15th and another on the 28th, Rent the Runway’s flexibility wins. For one event per month, Nuuly’s extra items are a better deal.
Inventory: Designer Labels vs. Trendy Brands
This is where the two services diverge hard.
Rent the Runway carries the heavy hitters
Rent the Runway stocks designer brands like Badgley Mischka, Prabal Gurung, and Alice + Olivia. You can rent a $1,200 gown for $94. The selection skews formal — lots of sequins, silk, and structured silhouettes. I rented a Badgley Mischka beaded gown for a black-tie wedding and it looked exactly like the $1,500 retail version. No one guessed it was rented.
But the inventory rotates fast. Popular sizes (0-4, 8-10) sell out weeks before major events. I’ve had three orders canceled because the dress was damaged by the previous renter. That’s frustrating when you’re planning an outfit.
Nuuly leans into Urban Outfitters brands
Nuuly is owned by Urban Outfitters, Inc., so you get Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters labels. Think flowy maxi dresses, printed midi skirts, and boho tops. Less formal, more everyday wearable. I rented a Free People lace mini dress for a bridal shower and it fit perfectly on the first try.
Nuuly also stocks third-party brands like Levi’s and Ralph Lauren, but the core is definitely boho-casual. If your event calls for a ball gown, go with Rent the Runway. If you need a cute cocktail dress or a weekend outfit, Nuuly is the better choice.
Fit and Sizing: Where Both Services Struggle
I wear a size 6 in most brands. That means nothing on rental sites.
Rent the Runway’s sizing is inconsistent
Rent the Runway offers reviews with height and weight details, which helps. But I’ve ordered a size 6 in a Prabal Gurung dress that was too tight in the bust and a size 6 in a Badgley Mischka gown that was too loose. The variance between brands is wild. You can order a backup size for free, but that means two dresses arrive and you return one — which adds shipping time.
Nuuly’s sizing is more predictable
Because Nuuly mostly stocks its own house brands (Anthropologie, Free People), the sizing is more consistent. I’ve rented five dresses from Nuuly and four fit true to size. The fifth was a Free People dress that runs large — I should have sized down. Nuuly includes size charts on each product page, but they’re the same charts you’d find on the brand’s website. Not super helpful if you’ve never worn the brand before.
My advice: order your rental at least two weeks before your event. Try it on immediately. If it doesn’t fit, you have time to swap. Both services offer free returns, but the turnaround takes 3-5 business days.
What Happens When Something Goes Wrong
I’ve had both good and bad experiences with customer service.
With Rent the Runway, I received a Prabal Gurung dress with a broken zipper. I called customer service and they overnighted a replacement. The replacement arrived in 24 hours. That saved my event. But I’ve also had a dress arrive with a small stain that wasn’t mentioned in the listing. I didn’t notice until I put it on — too late to return. Rent the Runway refunded the rental fee, but I was stuck without a dress.
Nuuly’s customer service is slower. I once received a Free People top with a missing button. They offered a $10 credit, not a replacement. For a rental, that’s not great. But Nuuly’s damage insurance is included up to $50, so minor issues are covered without extra cost. Rent the Runway charges $6 per month for similar coverage.
Bottom line: Rent the Runway handles emergencies better. Nuuly handles minor damage better. If you’re renting for a high-stakes event (your own wedding, a black-tie gala), Rent the Runway is safer. For casual events, Nuuly’s lower risk is fine.
When You Should NOT Rent a Dress at All
Renting isn’t always the smart move. Here are three situations where buying makes more sense.
- You attend 4+ events per year in the same season. If you’re going to multiple summer weddings, buy a versatile dress like the Reformation Sasha Dress ($248) or a Lulus maxi dress ($70). Wear it to each event with different accessories. After two rentals, you’ve already spent more than the purchase price.
- You’re between sizes. If you’re currently losing or gaining weight, rental sizing becomes a gamble. Buy a dress from a brand with free returns (like Nordstrom or ASOS) and return it if it doesn’t fit.
- You need the dress for more than a week. Both services charge late fees. If you’re traveling for a destination wedding and need the dress for 10 days, you’re better off buying a dress and reselling it on Poshmark or The RealReal.
My Verdict: Which Service Should You Pick?
I’ve used both enough to have strong opinions.
For formal events (black-tie weddings, galas, awards dinners): Rent the Runway. The designer selection is unmatched, and the emergency replacement service is worth the higher per-item cost. I specifically recommend the 4-item plan ($94/month) for one formal event per month. You get a dress, a clutch, and jewelry — complete outfit in one box.
For casual events (bridal showers, birthday parties, weekend trips): Nuuly. The 6-item plan ($98/month) gives you more variety for the same price. The boho-casual inventory from Anthropologie and Free People is perfect for daytime events. Plus, you can rent jeans, tops, and jackets — not just dresses.
If you’re on a tight budget: Nuuly. You get two extra items for $4 more. That’s a better deal if you’re renting for multiple occasions.
I still use both services, depending on the event. For a friend’s black-tie wedding next month, I’ve already reserved a Badgley Mischka gown from Rent the Runway. For a weekend trip to the beach, I’ll grab a Free People maxi dress from Nuuly. Neither service is perfect, but together they cover every event on my calendar.