M&S attire for hire

As store launches eco-friendly clothing rental service, would you pay £13 to borrow a £69 dress for four days?

MARKS & Spencer is joining the backlash against throwaway fashion by offering shoppers the chance to hire its outfits.

Items cost from £13 for four days – a fraction of the retail price.

The store says it will make it cheaper for those wanting to look smart for a job interview, festive party or wedding, although some might see it as an attempt to discourage unscrupulous shoppers from wearing a posh dress once, then returning it for a refund.

M&S has teamed up with online rental store Hirestreet, which already offers items from brands including French Connection and Bardot. Customers rent clothes through the Hirestreet website for between four and 30 days.

There is a £5 delivery fee and optional insurance against damage. Items are returned via a Post Office using a prepaid return label. There is no need to clean the garments as they will be drycleaned before being rented out to the next customer.

M&S says its research shows more than a third of shoppers now consider the climate crisis when buying clothes. Its first collection of rental clothes includes more than 40 womenswear pieces, made from quality fabrics such as leather and silk, costing up to £299. The selection also features the latest dresses from its collaboration with Ghost.

Katie Bickerstaffe of M&S said: ‘As we grow M&S clothing, we want to be more relevant more often and we know customers are increasingly interested in the circular fashion economy.

‘Our first rental edit doesn’t just showcase the style we have on offer, it also highlights the value and quality of clothing that is made to last.’