You have a wedding, a gala, or a formal dinner in three weeks. You need a dress that looks expensive, fits perfectly, and costs less than a dinner out. Two names come up: Rent the Runway and Nuuly. Both rent dresses. But they work very differently.
This guide breaks down exactly how they compare — price, selection, sizing, and which one to pick for your specific event. No fluff. Just the facts you need to book today.
How Their Pricing Models Actually Work
Rent the Runway and Nuuly charge differently. One is a subscription. The other offers both subscription and single-rental options. Here’s the breakdown.
| Service | Monthly Subscription Price | Single Rental Price Range | Items Per Rental | Shipping Included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent the Runway | $94 (RTR Reserve) – $235 (RTR Unlimited) | $30 – $200+ per dress | 4 – 8 items (depending on plan) | Yes, both ways |
| Nuuly | $98/month | Not available (subscription only) | 6 items | Yes, both ways |
Rent the Runway lets you rent a single dress for a one-time event. Prices start around $30 for a casual dress and go up to $200+ for designer gowns (like a Retrofête sequin dress or a Badgley Mischka cocktail dress). You pay per item, plus a $5.95 cleaning fee. Shipping is free both ways.
Nuuly does not offer single rentals. You must buy a $98 monthly subscription. That gets you six items — a mix of dresses, tops, jeans, and accessories. You can swap them out as often as you want during the month, but you pay the flat $98 no matter how many items you rent.
Verdict: If you need one dress for one event, Rent the Runway’s single rental is cheaper. If you want a full wardrobe for a month of events, Nuuly’s subscription wins on value.
Dress Selection: Designer Labels vs. Trendy Brands
This is where the two services split hard.
Rent the Runway carries over 800 designer brands. You’ll find Oscar de la Renta, Marchesa, Carolina Herrera, and Alice + Olivia. They also stock mid-tier labels like Shoshanna and Lilly Pulitzer. The focus is on occasion wear — think bridesmaid dresses, black-tie gowns, and cocktail numbers. If you need a dress that looks like it cost $1,000 but rents for $70, this is your spot.
Nuuly is owned by Urban Outfitters, so the selection leans heavily on their brands: Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, plus a few third-party labels like Ganni and Staud. You won’t find high-end designer gowns here. Instead, you get trendy, boho-chic, and everyday pieces. Great for a summer wedding or a dinner party. Not great for a black-tie gala.
Verdict: For formal events (weddings, galas, fundraisers), Rent the Runway is the clear winner. For casual events or everyday wear, Nuuly offers better value and more current trends.
Sizing, Fit, and the Backup Dress Problem
Both services let you choose a backup size at no extra cost. But the experience differs.
Rent the Runway asks for your measurements (bust, waist, hips) and suggests a size. You can order a primary size and a backup size for free. They ship both in the same bag. If the primary doesn’t fit, you wear the backup. This is a lifesaver for formal events where fit is everything.
Nuuly also offers a backup size, but you have to request it manually — it’s not automatic. And because Nuuly sends six items per subscription, adding a backup can eat into your item count. You might end up with 5 dresses + 1 backup instead of 6 unique pieces.
Both services let you rent for 4 days (Rent the Runway) or a full month (Nuuly). Rent the Runway allows a 4-day rental window with a 1-day grace period. Nuuly gives you the whole month to wear items before returning them.
Common failure mode: People order a dress that looks great online but fits weird in real life. Always order a backup size — especially for fitted silhouettes like sheath dresses or bodycon styles. Both services make this easy, but Rent the Runway’s automatic backup system is simpler.
Shipping, Returns, and Timing
Timing matters for event rentals. Here’s how they compare.
Rent the Runway ships via UPS Ground. Standard shipping takes 3–5 business days. Expedited shipping (2 business days) costs $12.50. Overnight shipping costs $22.50. You return the dress in the same pre-paid bag. Drop it at any UPS location. They recommend returning by the day after your event to avoid late fees ($10 per day).
Nuuly also uses UPS Ground. Shipping is free both ways. Standard delivery takes 3–5 business days. No expedited option. You return items in the same bag. Late fees are $15 per item per day after the 30-day rental period.
Verdict: If you need a dress for a specific date, Rent the Runway’s expedited shipping gives you more control. Nuuly’s month-long window is better if you want to wear the dress multiple times before returning it.
When NOT to Use Either Service
Renting a dress isn’t always the smart move. Here are three situations where you should skip both services.
1. You need the dress for more than a week. If you have multiple events spread across two months, renting gets expensive. A single Rent the Runway rental costs $50–$150. A Nuuly subscription costs $98. After two months, you’ve spent $196. At that point, you could buy a mid-tier dress from ASOS or Reformation for $150–$250 and own it forever.
2. You’re plus-size and need a specific fit. Rent the Runway carries sizes 00–22. Nuuly goes up to 3X. Both have decent plus-size selections. But if you have a very specific fit requirement (like a long torso or a very short inseam), renting is risky. Alterations aren’t allowed on rented clothes. Buy instead.
3. You’re on a tight budget under $30. Rent the Runway’s cheapest single rental is around $30. Nuuly’s subscription is $98. If your budget is $20, neither works. Try thrifting or borrowing from a friend.
Alternatives: For under $100, check Lulus (buy, not rent) or Fashion Nova for cheap event dresses. For high-end rentals, Vivrelle focuses on designer handbags but also rents some dresses.
Which One Should You Pick for Your Event?
Here’s the short version.
Pick Rent the Runway if:
- You have a formal event (wedding, gala, black-tie dinner)
- You want a designer label like Marchesa or Badgley Mischka
- You need a single dress for one date
- You want automatic backup sizing
Pick Nuuly if:
- You have multiple casual events in one month
- You like Anthropologie and Free People styles
- You want a full wardrobe rental (dresses + tops + jeans)
- You don’t need expedited shipping
My pick for a wedding guest dress: Rent the Runway. Rent a Shoshanna wrap dress ($50 rental) with a backup size. You get a polished, expensive-looking dress for a fraction of retail. Nuuly is a solid second choice if you want a more relaxed, boho vibe.
Dress rental services are growing fast. As more people prioritize experiences over ownership, expect both Rent the Runway and Nuuly to expand their selections and improve their fit algorithms. For now, the choice comes down to one question: formal or casual?
