Here's the thing about that gorgeous ASOS Luxe dress you've been eyeing for your mate's wedding — you might not need to buy it to wear it. Before diving into the maths, check Groupon's ASOS discount codes for instant savings. ASOS teamed up with Hirestreet in 2023 to let you rent designer pieces from £20, but whether that's actually cheaper than buying depends on some pretty simple calculations we're about to walk through.

The rental game changes everything when you're facing wedding season or holiday parties. Let's figure out when renting beats buying — and when splurging on that perfect piece actually makes financial sense.

How ASOS Rental Works (And What It Costs)

ASOS x Hirestreet: The Basics

ASOS partnered with Hirestreet to offer over 180 pieces from ASOS DESIGN, ASOS EDITION, and ASOS LUXE collections. Think of it like Netflix for your wardrobe — you get access to designer pieces without the commitment of ownership. Hirestreet handles all the logistics: delivery, professional cleaning, and returns.

The process is refreshingly straightforward. You browse the rental collection on ASOS or directly on Hirestreet, pick your dates, and they'll send it to you. Returns are free, and you don't need to worry about dry cleaning — they sort all that out. 

Rental Pricing Breakdown

Rental prices start from £20 for a four-day hire, with options for 4, 10, or 30-day periods. The longer you rent, the better value you get per day. A £20 four-day rental works out to £5 per day. A 30-day rental might cost £40-60 for the same piece — suddenly you're looking at £1.30-2 per day.

For frequent renters, Hirestreet offers a subscription service at £75 monthly for five items. That's £15 per piece if you use your full allocation — brilliant value if you're constantly attending events or just love switching up your look.

What's Available to Rent

The ASOS rental collection focuses heavily on occasionwear — exactly what you'd want for weddings, parties, and work events. You'll find midi dresses, statement blazers, jumpsuits, and those show-stopping pieces that photograph beautifully but might gather dust in your wardrobe after one wear.

ASOS LUXE pieces feature prominently, which makes sense since these are the items where rental offers the biggest savings potential. We're talking about pieces that might retail for £80-200 but rent for £20-50.

The Cost-Per-Wear Calculator: Your New Best Friend

How to Calculate True Value

Cost-per-wear is the magic number that'll guide your rent-vs-buy decisions. Simply divide the total cost by how many times you'll realistically wear it. A £100 dress worn five times costs £20 per wear. The same dress rented once for £25 costs £25 per wear — so buying wins if you'll wear it twice or more.

But here's where it gets interesting: total cost includes more than the purchase price. Factor in dry cleaning (£8-15 per clean for delicate pieces), storage space, and the opportunity cost of that money sitting in your wardrobe. 

ASOS Luxe Examples: Rent vs Buy Numbers

Let's run some real scenarios. Say you're eyeing a statement blazer that retails for £120. Renting it for a work event costs £30 for four days. If you'll only wear it 2-3 times a year, renting can save you roughly £60 annually whilst keeping your wardrobe clutter-free.

Conversely, a classic black midi dress at £80 that you'll wear to multiple events becomes brilliant value when purchased. Wear it six times and you're down to £13 per wear — much better than the £25-30 rental cost each time.

When ASOS Rental Makes Perfect Sense

One-Off Events (Weddings, Galas, Holiday Parties)

Wedding guest dresses are rental gold. You need something special, you'll wear it once, and you probably don't want to repeat the exact look at the next wedding. Renting lets you wear something gorgeous without the guilt of a one-wear purchase.

Christmas parties fall into the same category. That sequined number or velvet blazer might feel essential in December but look ridiculous in your wardrobe come January. Rental keeps you stylish without the seasonal regret.

Trend-Led Pieces You'll Tire Of

Fashion moves fast, and what feels cutting-edge today might look dated next season. If you're drawn to very trendy pieces — think bold prints, statement sleeves, or this season's "it" colour — rental lets you experiment without committing.

This is especially smart for younger shoppers or anyone whose style is still evolving. You can try different looks and designers without filling your wardrobe with pieces you'll outgrow.

Size Uncertainty or Special Occasions

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Your body's changing, and buying expensive occasionwear in fluctuating sizes rarely makes sense. Rental gives you access to beautiful pieces that fit you right now, without the stress of whether they'll work in six months.

Similarly, if you're attending a black-tie event or formal work function — occasions where you need to dress up beyond your usual style — rental provides the perfect solution without forcing you to invest in clothes you'll rarely wear.

When Buying ASOS Luxe Is the Smarter Move

Versatile Pieces You'll Rewear

Some pieces earn their keep through sheer versatility. A well-cut blazer, classic wrap dress, or elegant jumpsuit can work for multiple occasions throughout the year. If you can see yourself reaching for it regularly, buying makes financial sense.

Look for pieces that transition between seasons and occasions. A midi dress that works for summer weddings and winter parties (with different styling) offers much better value than something strictly seasonal.

Classic Styles That Won't Date

Timeless pieces justify their purchase price through longevity. A simple black dress, tailored trousers, or classic coat will serve you for years if you choose well. These wardrobe staples improve your cost-per-wear dramatically over time.

ASOS LUXE often includes these investment-worthy pieces alongside trendier options. Focus on clean lines, quality fabrics, and classic cuts that'll look as good in three years as they do today.

Cost-Per-Wear Sweet Spots

Generally, if you'll wear something four or more times, buying beats renting. This threshold shifts based on the item's price and rental cost, but it's a useful rule of thumb for quick decisions.

Consider your lifestyle too. If you attend regular work events, social functions, or have an active social calendar, building a foundation of owned pieces makes sense. You can then rent statement pieces to refresh your look.

Wedding Season Strategy: Maximise Your Budget

Guest Dress Game Plan

Wedding season can devastate your budget if you're not strategic. Plan your approach: rent for weddings where you don't know many people (less chance of outfit repetition), and invest in pieces for weddings where you'll see the same crowd multiple times.

Consider the venue and season too. A beach wedding calls for something you might not wear elsewhere — perfect rental territory. A classic church ceremony might warrant investing in a versatile dress you'll wear to other formal events.

Bridesmaid Considerations

If you're a bridesmaid, check whether the bride's chosen dress is available to rent before buying. Many bridesmaid dresses are worn once and then relegated to wardrobe purgatory. Renting can help save you £50-150 whilst still fulfilling your duties perfectly.

Some brides are open to rental options, especially if it helps their wedding party manage costs. It's worth suggesting if you're facing an expensive bridesmaid dress you'll never wear again.

Multi-Event Planning

If you've got multiple weddings or events close together, plan your rental and purchase strategy across all of them. You might rent two statement pieces and buy one versatile dress that works for several occasions.

This approach gives you variety without breaking the bank. You'll avoid the dreaded outfit repetition that social media makes us all paranoid about.

Making the Most of Both Options

Building a Rental-Ready Wardrobe

Smart shoppers build a foundation of owned basics and rent the statement pieces. Invest in good undergarments, classic shoes, and simple accessories that work with multiple outfits. Then rent the dresses, blazers, or jumpsuits that make the look special.

This strategy maximises your style options whilst minimising costs and wardrobe clutter. You'll always have something appropriate to wear, with the flexibility to add rental pieces when you want something extra special.

Mixing Owned and Rented Pieces

Don't think of rental as all-or-nothing. You might own a classic dress but rent a statement blazer to transform it. Or rent a gorgeous dress but wear it with your own shoes and accessories. This mixing approach gives you maximum styling flexibility.

If you're making the most of ASOS's ecosystem, our ASOS Premier Delivery guide can help you understand whether the subscription service makes sense for your shopping habits — especially useful if you're combining purchases with rentals.