Between extensive gift lists, an inflated food shop and a packed social calendar, Christmas 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 occasionwear.
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.
Soha
Open as of 2022, Soha is an online dress hire store for all occasions. Empowering women to extend the lifespan of their wardrobes one rental at a time, their mission is to be the answer to your “I don’t have anything to wear” crisis. Alongside their clothing offering, they also have a range of accessories for sale including jewellery, bags and headbands.
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.
Covet Boudoir
For brides-to-be, Covet Boudoir in Dublin’s Powerscourt Townhouse is a great place to find designer and vintage fashion and accessories for rent (at a fraction of the retail price). The typical rental period is three days, though you can book for longer if needed and dry cleaning is included in the price.
Photography by @drobey_, @amayadresshire and @happy.days.style.
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