What Nuuly is and how the rental model works
Nuuly is a clothing rental subscription service where you pay a monthly fee to borrow clothes, wear them, and return them. You don't own the items — you rent them for as long as you want to keep them, then send them back. The service is run by Anthropologie's parent company, Urth Apparel, and ships from warehouses across the United States.
Each month you pay one flat fee and can have up to six items out at a time. You keep those items as long as you want within the month, then return them in a prepaid shipping envelope. Once Nuuly receives your return, you can rent six more items. There's no limit to how many items you can cycle through in a month — only how many you hold at once.
The clothes come from Nuuly's own inventory, which includes pieces from brands like Anthropologie, Free People, and Urban Outfitters, plus some third-party designer and contemporary brands. The inventory changes regularly, and you browse and select items through the Nuuly app or website.
Key Takeaways
- Nuuly charges a flat monthly subscription fee and lets you rent up to six items at a time, with no limit on how many you can swap out during the month.
- You select items through the app, receive them by mail, and return them in a prepaid envelope whenever you're ready.
- Rental fees are built into your subscription — there are no additional charges per item, though damage or stains may result in a fee.
- You can keep an item longer than a month by paying a purchase price, which is typically lower than retail.
- Nuuly does not require a long-term contract and you can pause or cancel your subscription at any time.
How to sign up and place your first order
Start by downloading the Nuuly app or visiting the Nuuly website. Create an account with your email address and set up a password. You'll need to provide your shipping address and a payment method — Nuuly accepts major credit cards and PayPal.
Once your account is active, you can browse the available inventory by category, size, brand, or style. Select up to six items and add them to your "Bag." Nuuly will ship your first order within a few business days. You don't need to wait for all six items to be in stock — Nuuly will send what's available and add backorder items as they become available.
Your subscription begins on the date you place your first order, and you'll be charged your monthly fee on that same day each month going forward. If you want to pause your subscription before the next billing date, you can do that in your account settings.
Monthly costs and what's included
Nuuly offers two subscription tiers. The standard plan costs a set monthly amount and includes up to six items out at a time. A higher-tier plan costs more per month and includes additional perks like priority access to new inventory and a higher number of items you can hold at once — though the exact features and pricing can change.
Your monthly fee covers the rental of items, shipping to you, and return shipping. Nuuly provides a prepaid return label in every box, so you don't pay to send items back. There are no per-item rental fees, no late fees, and no minimum rental period — you can return an item after one day if you want.
If an item arrives damaged or stained, Nuuly may charge a damage fee, typically ranging from a small amount to the full replacement cost depending on the severity. Normal wear and tear — small pilling, fading, or light stains from regular use — is not charged. Nuuly inspects items when they arrive back and will notify you if they're assessing a damage fee.
Returning items and the rental cycle
When you're done with an item, place it in the prepaid return envelope that came with your shipment. You can drop it at any USPS location or schedule a pickup. Nuuly typically receives returns within five to seven business days, depending on your location and mail speed.
Once Nuuly receives and inspects your return, those items are removed from your active rentals and you can order new ones. You don't have to wait for all six items to be returned before ordering more — you can place a new order as soon as you've returned even one item, as long as you stay within your six-item limit.
If you want to keep an item permanently, you can purchase it at checkout instead of returning it. Nuuly will show you the purchase price, which is typically 40 to 60 percent less than the original retail price. Once you purchase an item, it's yours to keep and won't count toward your rental limit.
Pausing, canceling, or changing your plan
You can pause your Nuuly subscription at any time through your account settings. When you pause, you won't be charged for the next billing cycle, but you can still keep any items you currently have rented. You'll need to return them before you can reactivate your subscription, or purchase them if you want to keep them.
To cancel your subscription, go to your account settings and select the cancel option. You'll be asked why you're leaving, but you don't have to provide a reason. Once you cancel, you won't be charged again, but you'll need to return any items you have out. Nuuly will send you a return label if you don't have one.
If you want to switch to a different subscription tier, you can change your plan in your account settings. The change takes effect on your next billing date. If you're upgrading to a more expensive plan mid-month, Nuuly will typically prorate the difference.
What happens if you lose or damage an item
If you lose an item or damage it beyond repair, Nuuly will charge you a replacement fee. The amount depends on the item's original retail price and condition. You'll receive a notification about the fee before it's charged, and you can dispute it through the app if you believe the damage assessment is unfair.
Normal wear — small stains, pilling, fading, or loose seams — is covered by your rental and won't result in a fee. Nuuly's inspection process is designed to account for regular use. However, large stains, tears, broken zippers, or missing buttons may be charged as damage.
If you're unsure whether something qualifies as normal wear, you can contact Nuuly's customer service through the app before returning the item. They can advise you on whether a particular issue will result in a fee.
Sizing, fit, and exchanges
Nuuly carries sizes typically ranging from XS to 3X, though not every style is available in every size. You can filter by size when browsing inventory. If an item doesn't fit when it arrives, you can return it and order a different size or style at no extra cost — just use the same return envelope and place a new order.
There's no formal "exchange" process; you straightforward return the item and order something else. Since you can cycle through items as often as you want during your rental period, trying different sizes is part of how the service works. Keep in mind that popular items and smaller or larger sizes can have longer wait times.
If you're between sizes or unsure about fit, check the product description and photos carefully. Many items include customer reviews that mention fit and sizing. You can also contact Nuuly's support team through the app if you have specific questions about a particular piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep an item longer than one month?
Yes. You can keep renting an item month to month by not returning it. As long as you return it before the end of each billing cycle, you won't be charged extra. If you want to own it permanently, you can purchase it at any time for a discounted price.
What if I want to return an item but don't have the prepaid label?
Contact Nuuly through the app and they'll send you a new prepaid return label. You can also request a pickup from USPS if that's easier. Either way, you won't pay for return shipping — it's included in your subscription.
Do I have to return items in the original packaging?
No. You just need to return the items in clean, wearable condition. The original box and tissue aren't necessary. Nuuly provides a prepaid envelope designed to fit multiple items, so you can fold and pack them however you need to.
What if the item I want is out of stock?
You can add it to your waitlist or backorder through the app. Nuuly will notify you when it's available and can ship it to you. You don't have to do anything — just wait for the notification. If you don't want to wait, you can browse other available items instead.
Can I gift a Nuuly subscription to someone else?
Nuuly does offer gift subscriptions, though the exact options and process may vary. Check the Nuuly website for current gift subscription offerings, or contact their customer service team through the app for details on how to purchase a gift.