DressGang  facilitates the principles of circular economy and disrupts the current model of buy, wear and throw.

on a mission to take the fashion industry to a whole new level

How does this exciting new online service work?

DressGang’s mission is to make high end fashion accessible to everyone. We provide an online platform where women can rent the latest trends for a fraction of the retail price. Multiple items can be rented, from 5-10 days and are delivered direct to your door.

Unlike our competitors we don’t buy the outfits but source them from individuals who want to monetise their wardrobe. Through DressPark, which is the supply side website, individuals can safely park their fashion items and get paid while still owning them. We take care of the delivery and dry cleaning so it is completely hassle free.  

We are all familiar with the feeling of lusting after the latest ‘it’ dress, bag or jacket that will change our lives and give us the confidence to take on the world. At DressGang we understand the power of an outfit. We believe an outfit can have a positive ripple effect on our lives, making us feel stronger and take action.

What inspired you to create DressGang?

I have two older sisters and was forever sneaking into their wardrobes and “borrowing” their clothes, without permission. They had more disposable income therefore nicer, more expensive clothes. Like other women, I wanted a constant change of outfits and soon their wardrobes were not big enough. So I decided to extend the borrowing concept to friends and we soon formed a little gang. Those involved loved the concept and I decided to build a website to launch a business version.

To test the concept we held a pop-up event with a selection of outfits on display that women could rent straight away. We received extremely positive feedback and this gave us the confidence that the business idea works and the demand exists.

What does sustainable fashion mean to DressGang?

As much as we believe in the power of an outfit, we also aim to promote conscious consumption.
Each item of clothing made has a significant environmental and social impact. On average a piece of clothing is worn only six times before being discarded. Additionally, £140 million worth of used clothing (350,000 tonnes) goes to landfills in the UK every year (WRAP, 2011). Consequently, we provide the opportunity to reuse and extend the life of the garment.

However, for this business model to work it will require behaviour change. We hope to influence consumer behaviour and encourage more women to lend and rent instead of buying.