Not everyone is able to just go buy a new $5,000 handbag at the drop of a dime.  While every handbag lover would love to fill their closets with the most luxurious handbags, it is just an addiction that’s too expensive for most of us to persist.

I recently stumbled upon a series of handbag rental services; Of course, I was taken aback. Thinking, who in their right might would rent a designer bag? But the internet is full of these types of companies. Just like shopping online for other items, you can temporarily own your very own luxury handbag without paying hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

What I ultimately realized is that renting a bag, would give forward the opportunity to see, feel, touch, wear, and possibly fall in love with a bag before without actually buying it.

In addition to the senses, we can also accessory any of our outfits with a designer bag on every occasion. So, if you want to try that brand-new Chanel bag, sure rent it before you buy it.  Renting designer handbags is a much better option, especially if your pocketbook doesn’t rain in dollars.

Why rent a designer handbag?

1. Affordability – The most obvious benefit of renting a designer handbag is affordability. Renting a designer handbag allows you to carry a high-end designer bag for a fraction of the cost of buying one. You can look fashionable and stylish without having to spend thousands of dollars.
2. Variety – Renting a designer handbag allows you to switch up your look and try out different styles. You can rent a different bag for every occasion and always have a stylish accessory to complete your outfit.
3. Convenience – Renting a designer handbag is convenient. You don’t have to worry about storing or maintaining the bag. Simply rent it, carry it, and return it.

How about renting a designer dress for a minimal cost?

Below are the Top 5 Places to Rent a Designer Bag:

Rent The Runway

Location: New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Topanga, San Francisco
Rentals Type: 4- 8 days, monthly, and “unlimited” subscription
RentTheRunway.com

Launched in 2009, this website allows you to rent designer dresses for roughly 15% of their retail price. Expanding to the world of rental handbags and accessories in 2010, Rent the Runway continues to add even more items to its inventory.

Today you can rent anything from designer sunglasses that retail over $500 dollars to that vary handbag you have been eyeing for the last year.  

Rent the Runway currently has five stores all located within the US.  If you are interested in being styled, you can book an appointment and view their dream closet.  You can also pick out new pieces and drop off old ones in their store.

Rent the Runway’s website has a large range of styles.  They carry sizes from the infamous 0 to 22.  As mentioned before, they carry all of the designer handbags in their catalog.  They are on a subscription rental model.  You can rent a designer bag for one night or as long as you need them with Rent The Runway.

Bag Borrow or Steal

Location: Seattle, WA USA
Rentals Type: monthly and subscription
Website: BagBorrowOrSteal.com

Founded in 2004 and was one of the first “Netflix for handbags” in the niche. It’s gone through a name change in 2008 and reverted back to the cheeky name that customers refuse to let go of.

Made famous by Sex and the City (movie) where Jennifer Hudson, as Carrie Bradshaw’s assistant, is able to carry designer high-end bags on rental, the brand was introduced to the vast Sex and the City audience.  Bag, Borrow, or Steal also allow their subscriber to rent to own all their handbags.

Currently, Bag Borrow or Steal allows you to: rent luxury brand bags for an unlimited time, buy pristine, vintage, pre-loved bags and sell your pre-loved handbags, accessories, and clothing.

Rental prices start at just $50/month for mid-designer labels like Tory Burch and MICHAEL Michael Kors and go up to around $500 – $600/month for high-end purses from Chanel and Louis Vuitton.  I think renting a Louis Vuitton for $500 is a steal considering buying them at cost would cost thousands.

Bag, Borrow, or Steal offers photos of the exact bag, blemishes, and all for just for your FYI. Some of the major brands include Chanel, Fendi, Gucci, and Hermès. Aside from renting designer handbags, the company also buys used designer bags, accessories, and shoes.

ArmGem

Location: Denver, CO USA
Rentals Type: Monthly
ArmGem.com

Currently, the site offers a monthly subscription plan, where you can rent your preferred handbag (also called ‘gems’). There is a limit of up to two handbags that can be rented at a given time but this option is only given to long-time customers who have developed a good borrowing history with the website.

Prices for the purses range from $60 up to $350 for the more high-end brands. Chanel purses, which are some of the most popular gems on the site, are priced at around $500 per month. Shipping is covered by ArmGem unless the rental is less than $100/mo.

While its inventory is small, the site carries a good variety of the major high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci as well as new brands such as Rebecca Minkoff, Tory Burch, and Tom Ford.

Bagtropolis

Location: USA
Rental Type: exclusive monthly subscription
Bagtropolis.com

Bagtropolis offers customers a way to buy, layaway, and rent pre-owned designer handbags. You can borrow directly from their catalog but you must sign up for their Exclusive Rental Club. 

With this membership, customers can enjoy renting a single designer bag each month. Their designer handbag inventory includes Chanel, Balenciaga, Celine, Chloe, Christian Dior, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Coach, Tods, and more. 

Bagtropolis monthly membership is $99 per month, with a one-time sign-up fee of $199 for new members.

Bag Romance

Location: Texas, USA
Rental Type: 7 days or 30 days
BagRomance.com

Bag Romance, formerly known as Supursestyle, is another popular website for designer handbag rental. The company was founded in 2015 but recently received a major update and brand makeover, hence the name change.

Bag lovers can rent a designer handbag for either 7 days or 30 days, for a fraction of their original retail price. Rental fees start at just $45 for the 7-day period and around $75 for the 30-day period. More high-end purses from labels like Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent are priced at $100 – $200 weekly.

Aside from the typical totes and purses, Bag Romance offers evening clutches from the likes of Jimmy Choo and Edie Parker, which are perfect for formal events.

Up to two handbags at a time can be borrowed but only if you have developed a good standing or reputable history with them. A secondary security deposit will also be required for the second handbag.  

Trunk Club Box from Nordstrom

www.trunkclub.com

Nordstrom has entered the space of rental luxury fashions with the Trunk Club. Trunk Club is a subscription clothing box that delivers all of the luxury brands of Nordstrom straight to your door. As far as we can tell, there are no hidden fees for this service and the prices are largely represented by the pieces your choose – which on a designer bag I would assume from $150 – $500 on the lower end for a Chanel bag, that nothing.

The Trunk Club Box from Nordstrom has since been discontinued.

Popular Designer Handbags Available to Rent

1. Chanel Classic Flap Bag: The Chanel Classic Flap Bag is a timeless piece that never goes out of style. It’s a must-have for any fashionista and is available for rent on several rental websites.
2. Gucci Marmont Bag: The Gucci Marmont Bag is a popular choice among celebrities and fashion bloggers. It’s available for rent on several rental websites and is perfect for adding a pop of color to any outfit.
3. Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag: The Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag is a classic bag that is both functional and stylish. It’s available for rent on several rental websites and is perfect for everyday use.

Other Ways to Rent Designer bags

This subscription box is different because you can answer their quiz for your merch to grab the help of one of their stylist. There is a $25 styling fee, however, but it is applied to any time you keep and you can pick up your items directly from your local Nordstrom.

The Trunk Club subscription box is a great option if you want quick luxury items to try new looks fast. There are others coming into the space like Express, American Eagle, etc. 

FAQs on Renting Luxury handbags

How much does it cost to rent a designer handbag?

A: The cost of renting a designer handbag varies depending on the brand, style, and rental period. Generally, rental prices range from $50 to $500 per week.

Are designer handbags in good condition when rented?

A: Yes, designer handbags that are rented are typically in good condition. Rental companies take great care to ensure that the bags are clean and well-maintained.

Can I rent a designer handbag for a special occasion?

A: Yes, renting a designer handbag for a special occasion is a great way to complete your outfit and look your best.

Final thoughts?

Be on the lookout for our upcoming review of the company and subscriptions. These are just a few companies, you can rent name-brand designer purses and handbags at any time. 

The next thing you should be asking yourself is, whether to rent a designer bag or now.