Budget-friendly Raya Outfit Rentals Gain Momentum

By Norhidayyu Zainal

KUALA LUMPUR, March 9 (Bernama) — Buying new Raya outfits ahead of Aidilfitri has long been a cherished tradition as families prepare to welcome Syawal. However, in recent years, some consumers have begun exploring a different approach; one that is kinder to their wallets.

Among the options gaining traction is the rental of festive attire, allowing wearers to showcase a variety of designs and brands without the need to spend heavily or crowd their wardrobes with seasonal clothing.

Clothing rental service provider Suraidah Pudelani said the trend of renting Raya outfits has grown significantly over the past three to four years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic when many consumers became more cautious about managing their finances.

She noted that the development reflects a broader shift in the way people approach fashion, with more individuals choosing to rent garments based on need rather than purchasing them outright.

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“We are witnessing a shift from a culture of ownership to a culture of access in the fashion industry. Several factors are driving this change, including the rising cost of living, the desire to experiment with different styles without buying new clothes every season, and increasing awareness about clothing waste,” she told Bernama.

 Suraidah, 43, who is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KITAR, said purchasing Raya outfits from local brands or designers can cost between RM300 and RM1,000 depending on the design.

“The highest demand usually comes from premium attire such as modern baju kurung, contemporary kebaya and exclusive designs by local designers.

“Rental fees are usually around 10 to 30 per cent of the original price. This offers significant savings, especially for clothing that may only be worn once or twice,” she said, adding that rental prices start from as low as RM45 for a three-day period.

Operating from Cyberjaya with more than three years of experience in the clothing rental and circular fashion industry, Suraidah said the concept not only helps reduce clothing purchases but also extends the life cycle of garments, as a single outfit can be worn by multiple individuals throughout the festive season.

“Every piece of clothing should have more than one life, and this approach supports the concept of circular fashion, where the value of garments is maximised before they are eventually discarded,” she said.

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She believes the rental concept is more than just a seasonal trend and could become part of a broader evolution within Malaysia’s local fashion industry.

However, Suraidah noted that running a clothing rental service comes with its own challenges, including managing inventory, handling delivery logistics, maintaining quality control and ensuring that each item remains in excellent condition before being passed on to the next customer.

Sharing a similar view, Nur Alyaniesya Pazimu ventured into the business about six months ago after noticing growing interest in clothing rental, particularly Raya outfits ahead of Aidilfitri.

“Now the trend of renting Raya outfits is increasing, especially among the younger generation. They prefer renting because it helps them save costs while giving them the opportunity to try various designs,” she said.

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Previously, most customers rented outfits for convocation ceremonies or weddings. However, demand for Raya outfit rentals has been rising steadily, prompting her to expand her services.

Operating the business from her home in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Nur Alyaniesya, 27, offers 12 Raya outfit designs in various sizes from local brands. Rental rates range from RM70 to RM110 for a three-day period, depending on the design and brand.

“For this purpose, I have invested about RM7,000 to acquire the clothing collection, and I plan to add six more new designs to meet customer demand ahead of Aidilfitri,” she said, noting that her services are available nationwide via postal delivery.

The private sector employee added that the potential for clothing rental businesses extends beyond the festive season, as customers also rent outfits for photography sessions, kenduri gatherings and open house events after Aidilfitri.

--BERNAMA