Rent the Runway vs. Nuuly: Which Maternity Rental Service is Actually Worth It?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of style and cost, let’s start with the fundamentals. Both services operate on a similar subscription model, but their plans and flexibility differ. Understanding these core mechanics is the first step in figuring out which platform aligns with your lifestyle.

Rent the Runway’s Model

Rent the Runway (RTR) is often seen as the pioneer of clothing rental, known for its vast designer inventory. Their model is built around flexibility, offering different plans to suit varying needs.

• How it works: You choose a plan that allows you to rent a certain number of items at a time. For maternity, you simply filter their extensive collection for ‘Maternity-Friendly’ styles.
• The Process: You select your items, they arrive clean and ready to wear, and you can keep them for as long as you want. When you’re ready for something new, you send back one or all of your items in the provided prepaid bag and select your next shipment.
• Key Feature: The ability to swap items as often as you like within a month (on their premium plans) is a huge plus, especially as your bump grows and your size needs change from week to week.

Nuuly’s Model

Nuuly, owned by the same parent company as Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters (URBN), has a more straightforward, one-size-fits-all approach.

• How it works: For one flat monthly fee, you get to choose any six items from their collection to rent for the month. Their maternity section is a curated part of their overall inventory.
• The Process: You select your six pieces at the beginning of your billing cycle. You wear them for the month, and at the end, you return them all together in the reusable shipping bag. You also have the option to purchase any items you’ve fallen in love with at a discounted price.
• Key Feature: The simplicity of the model—six items, one month, one price—makes it very easy to understand and budget for. The option to buy is also a great perk if you find a maternity staple you can’t live without.

Remember, the best service isn’t just about the clothes; it’s about how seamlessly it fits into your life during a time of immense change. Think about whether you prefer frequent swaps or a simple monthly box.

This is where your personal style really comes into play. While both services offer fantastic maternity options, their brand partnerships and overall aesthetic are distinctly different. One closet feels like a high-end boutique, while the other is like borrowing from your trendiest friend.

Rent the Runway: Designer, Professional, and Special Occasion

If you need to maintain a professional wardrobe for work, have multiple weddings to attend, or simply love high-end designer fashion, Rent the Runway is likely your go-to. Their maternity selection is curated for quality and occasion.

• Brands to Expect: You’ll find pieces from top-tier designers like Hatch, Seraphine, Isabella Oliver, Vince, and Jason Wu. These are brands known for their quality fabrics and sophisticated maternity cuts.
• Best For: Workwear (blazers, tailored dresses), baby showers, maternity photoshoots, weddings, and formal events. Their selection of black-tie-appropriate maternity gowns is unmatched.
• The Vibe: Polished, sophisticated, classic, and elevated.

Nuuly: Trendy, Casual, and Bohemian

Nuuly leverages its URBN ownership to offer a collection that is youthful, on-trend, and perfect for everyday life. If your maternity style leans more towards comfortable, expressive, and fun, Nuuly’s closet will feel like a playground.

• Brands to Expect: Look for maternity and bump-friendly styles from brands like Free People, Anthropologie, Madewell, HATCH, and other contemporary labels. They excel at offering non-maternity items that work perfectly for a growing bump, like smocked dresses and empire-waist tops.
• Best For: Everyday wear (jeans, sweaters, casual dresses), weekend outings, and showcasing a more fashion-forward, bohemian style.
• The Vibe: Trendy, eclectic, comfortable, and free-spirited.

Ultimately, the choice here depends on your lifestyle. Do you have more events that call for a designer dress, or do you need a steady rotation of comfortable, stylish pieces for your day-to-day life?

For most expecting families, budget is a top priority. Renting is already a cost-saver compared to buying, but the monthly fees, add-on options, and overall value proposition differ between Rent the Runway and Nuuly. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you see where your money goes.

Understanding the fine print—like shipping, insurance, and the cost of adding extra items—is crucial for avoiding surprise charges and maximizing the value of your subscription. We’ve compiled the key financial details into an easy-to-read table.

The biggest takeaway here is flexibility vs. simplicity. Rent the Runway’s tiered system allows you to scale your plan up or down, which can be great as your needs change throughout pregnancy and into postpartum. Nuuly’s single-plan model is incredibly straightforward—what you see is what you get, making it easy to budget without worrying about different plan levels.

Beyond the clothes and the cost, the day-to-day user experience is what makes or breaks a service. How easy is it to find the right size? What happens if something doesn’t fit? Let’s explore the practical side of using each platform.

Sizing and Fit Guidance

Dressing a growing bump is tricky, and sizing can feel like a moving target. Both platforms have tools to help you get it right.

• Rent the Runway: RTR has a massive advantage here due to its extensive user base. Most items have dozens, if not hundreds, of user reviews and photos. You can filter reviews by height, weight, body type, and even stage of pregnancy. This real-world feedback is invaluable for choosing the right size. They often recommend ordering a backup size for free for special event rentals, though this is less common on the subscription plans.
• Nuuly: Nuuly also has user reviews and photos, but the volume is generally lower than on RTR. Their fit descriptions are helpful, but you may have to rely more on the brand’s standard sizing. The risk of an item not fitting feels slightly higher, and since you only get one box per month, a poor fit means you have one less item to wear.

Ease of Use and Customer Support

From browsing the app to returning your items, the process should be stress-free.

• Rent the Runway: The app and website are sophisticated and allow for detailed filtering. The return process is simple with their reusable garment bag and prepaid label. Customer service is generally responsive and can help with fit issues or shipment problems.
• Nuuly: The platform is known for its clean, user-friendly interface. The reusable shipping bag is sturdy and easy to use. One of their standout features is their responsive and empathetic customer service team, which often gets rave reviews from users.

“I was so stressed about a last-minute work event, and my bump seemed to have doubled overnight. The reviews on RTR from other pregnant women were a lifesaver. I found a dress that fit perfectly, and I felt so confident. It took all the pressure off.”

This is where RTR’s vast community data really shines. However, the simplicity and supportive feel of Nuuly’s service can be incredibly comforting for new parents who already have enough to think about.

After breaking down the models, styles, costs, and user experience, it’s clear that there isn’t one ‘winner’ for everyone. The best service is the one that aligns with your specific needs during this unique chapter of your life. To make it even easier, we’ve created a quick-glance summary and final recommendations.

Rent the Runway: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Unmatched selection of high-end and designer brands.
• Excellent for professional workwear and special occasion dresses.
• Flexible plans with the ability to swap items frequently.
• Extensive user reviews with photos provide excellent sizing guidance.

• Cons:
• Higher price point for top-tier plans.
• The sheer volume of choice can sometimes be overwhelming.
• The style may be too formal for those with a very casual lifestyle.

Nuuly: Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Simple, easy-to-understand pricing model.
• Great selection of trendy, casual, and bohemian styles.
• Excellent for building an everyday maternity wardrobe.
• Strong sense of community and excellent customer service.
• Option to purchase items you love at a discount.

• Cons:
• Only one shipment per month (six items).
• Fewer formal or black-tie options.
• Sizing can be trickier with fewer user reviews compared to RTR.

Our Recommendation:

Choose Rent the Runway if:

1. You work in a corporate or professional environment and need a rotating closet of polished, office-appropriate maternity wear.
2. You have multiple formal events, like weddings or galas, on your calendar during your pregnancy.
3. You value access to high-end designer brands and prioritize quality and sophistication.
4. You want the flexibility to swap out clothes multiple times a month as your body changes.

Choose Nuuly if:

1. Your style is more casual, trendy, or bohemian, and you need clothes for everyday life.
2. You prefer a simple, predictable monthly subscription with no complex tiers.
3. You love brands like Anthropologie and Free People and want to wear them through your pregnancy.
4. You want a fun, low-pressure way to experiment with maternity style without a huge commitment.