Is The Most Expensive Subscription Box Service You Can Buy In The US Worth The Price?

In 2025, people shop for fashion differently than they used to. More style seekers now prefer access over ownership, which means paying to use something when you need it, instead of buying and keeping it forever. Hence, they turn to clothing rental services to try new looks. What drives this trend boils down to some simple ideas; people want to protect the planet and they're fed up with fast fashion. Then, there are people who cannot afford to own luxury clothing brands but at the same time, do not want to go for cheap retailers like Shein. At the forefront are Rent the Runway and Armoire; two subscription platforms that are redefining luxury access and raking in healthy profits.

Rent the Runway launched in 2009 in New York City and targets style-conscious urbanites and event-goers. The company focuses on budget-savvy millennials, letting them rent high-end designer pieces like Oscar de la Renta gowns or Rebecca Minkoff handbags, at a fraction of retail cost. But you will need to return items by their due date and follow basic care guidelines, depending on the item. Armoire was founded in 2016 and it targets professional women in tech, finance, and corporate roles. This is why you will find its racks are stocked with versatile work outfits; from sharp blazers to elegant dresses to polished accessories. Some of the top labels on Armoire are Theory and Diane von Furstenberg.

Rent the Runway (RTR) serves fashion-forward customers who want temporary access to luxury labels like Staud, Veronica Beard, Reformation, Ulla Johnson, A.L.C. and Sandro. Its tiered subscription plans let shoppers pick a budget that fits their wallet and still enjoy premium designer pieces they couldn't otherwise afford. Rent the Runway has three subscription tiers between $59.50 to $316 per month, where shoppers can rent up to five items at once. 

You never have more than five pieces at a time, still there are some perks. For instance, shoppers can hang onto any item for as long as they need, swap out anything that doesn't fit within 60 days, and even score a free consolation piece in their next shipment. And if they find something they love, they can buy it at a discount. Also, every tier comes with free shipping and dry cleaning.

Whether the price feels "worth it" comes down to value delivered, and Rent the Runway's own data tilts the numbers in its favor. In its 2024 SEC Form 10-K, the company says the average subscriber wears more than $45,000 in designer retail value each year — over 25 times what she pays in subscription fees. A March 2024 RTR member survey adds that 82% of users say the service lets them experiment without purchasing. Put simply, if you regularly need fresh, high-end outfits, and would otherwise spend retail dollars to get them, the user-satisfaction records suggest the cost is hard to beat.

With Armoire's Unlimited Plan, shoppers can pay $149 for the first month and $249 every month after. All its tiers serves professionals who need a versatile, work-ready wardrobe without the commitment of ownership. They can pick six high-quality pieces at a time, from blazers and dresses to accessories. They can also swap items whenever they want.

To build each box, Armoire uses an algorithm alongside a stylist's touch. A new user starts by filling a quick survey about their taste and needs. Then, they will receive a selection of items; either Yumi Kim, Cupcakes & Cashmere, or French Connection. With every plan, the subscriber gets free shipping, cleaning, repair services, and access to Armoire's full inventory. 

Now, is Armoire's price tag justified? The numbers point to "yes." Armoire itself calculates that two months on its service can rotate up to 32 items with a combined retail value "nearly $10,000," thanks to unlimited swaps, free cleaning, and shipping. An outside review echoes that math. A My Subscription Addiction tester in 2024 tallied $96,688 in retail value after a few months on the $249-per-month Unlimited plan; about 32 times what they paid. If you cycle through work-ready outfits often, that kind of value multiplies. The growing subscriber base that vouches for it, suggests the subscription more than pays for itself.