When I was packing for a trip to India—a modest nation recognized for its hot climate—I was at a loss for what to put on. My customary summer wardrobe consists of bike shorts, crop tops, and tanks. Not precisely temple-appropriate. I didn’t need to put money into a entire new suitcase of breathable, shoulder-covering outfits I would possibly by no means put on once more. So I turned to Nuuly, a clothes rental service, and browsed its assortment of over 16,000 items. I added six gadgets to my cart: a flowy white midi skirt, a patterned maxi skirt, two pairs of light-weight Donni pants, a breezy short-sleeve button-down, and a midi gown I by no means wore (too large).
It ended up being the proper center floor: I packed frivolously, nonetheless felt put-together, didn’t overheat, and stayed true to my private model. That journey modified the best way I pack: Renting garments has change into my go-to journey technique—particularly when I have to gown for a totally different local weather or cultural setting, or need to check out new types with out committing to them perpetually.
How Nuuly works
Nuuly enables you to select six gadgets monthly for $98, with no long-term dedication required. I’ve used it on and off for over a yr now, typically pausing my subscription to attempt different providers like BNTO. But anytime I have journey on the calendar, I at all times come again to Nuuly—its model lineup is that strong. You’ll discover items from Agolde, Farm Rio, Donni, Free People, Anthropologie, Levi’s, and Alohas, together with smaller labels you may not have found in any other case, like Find Me Now and Boys Lie. (BNTO’s manufacturers skew extra streetwear or metropolis stylish, so I find it irresistible for on a regular basis life, however Nuuly wins when I want versatile items for a journey.) Nuuly ships your gadgets in a reusable garment bag with a pay as you go return label, and all the pieces arrives freshly cleaned.
There’s no choice to swap items mid-month, so that you’re caught together with your picks even in case you don’t like them or they don’t match—however that limitation has really helped me change into a smarter packer. I plan my Nuuly rental the identical manner I’d build a capsule wardrobe: considering via what can combine and match, what materials will maintain up effectively in transit, and what I’ll realistically need to put on. If you’re keen on one of many gadgets, you should buy it. Most items are discounted from 15 to up to 75% off retail worth, relying on how lengthy the merchandise has been in Nuuly’s rotation.
Picking six gadgets you need may be time-consuming, however the interface makes it fairly simple to curate your cart. You can filter by measurement, colour, model, and even vibe—Nuuly has rotating seasonal “edits” like “Summer Outfitting” and “Trends” that make it simpler to browse. I often spend a little time studying opinions to keep away from sizing surprises—and I at all times go to the model’s web site and reference its measurement chart—however most listings have detailed match notes and images from earlier renters, which helps so you possibly can attempt to see what the piece appears like on a related physique sort. I additionally get to experiment with new types, each when touring and at residence. If I’m undecided if a development will work on me—like Bermuda denim shorts, drop-waist clothes, or skirt-layered-pants—I can attempt it with no strings hooked up. If I don’t like the way it appears, I’ll simply return it on the finish of the month.
Why I find it irresistible for journey
While I discovered it most useful for constructing my wardrobe for India, I’ve used it for different forms of journey, too. On a latest journey to an all-inclusive resort in Aruba (not my standard vibe), I picked two vacation-y tops (one white tube prime and one black embroidered piece) and a seafoam-colored maxi skirt that made me really feel like I needs to be sipping one thing out of a coconut. I don’t usually put on issues like that in my day-to-day life, however for a few days on the beach? It was excellent. And I didn’t have to make room in my already-stuffed closet when I received residence.