How to Cancel Rent the Runway (2026 Guide) — Stop Paying Up to $235/Month for Clothes You Don't Own

Updated 2026-02-28 · 5 min read

Rent the Runway memberships range from $89 to $235/month — that's up to $2,820/year on clothing rentals. The concept sounds great: access designer clothes without buying them. But the reality? Late fees, limited availability, shipping hassles, and the math rarely works out. Here's how to cancel and what to watch for.

👗 The Rental Math

At $235/month for the 10-item plan, you're spending $2,820/year. For that money, you could buy 20-30 quality pieces from brands like Everlane, & Other Stories, or Cos that you actually own forever. The rental model only makes financial sense if you need constant variety for work events or social media content.

How to Cancel Rent the Runway

  1. Return ALL items first — you cannot cancel with items checked out
  2. Log into renttherunway.com/account/membership
  3. Click Manage Membership
  4. Select Pause or Cancel Membership
  5. Choose Cancel (not Pause — pause still charges you after the pause period)
  6. Complete the cancellation survey
  7. Confirm
🚨 CRITICAL: Return Items FIRST

RTR will not process your cancellation until all rental items are returned and received at their warehouse. If items are in transit, wait for delivery confirmation before canceling. Unreturned items after cancellation will be charged at full retail price — sometimes $300-500+ per item.

Cancel by Phone

  1. Call 1-800-509-0842
  2. Say "Cancel my membership"
  3. Confirm all items are returned
  4. Ask for email confirmation

The "Pause" Trap

⚠️ Pause ≠ Cancel

RTR will aggressively push you to "pause" instead of cancel. A pause lasts 1-3 months, then automatically resumes billing. If you pause and forget, you'll start getting charged again. If you want to stop paying, cancel outright.

Hidden Fees to Know About

RTR Retention Offers

🎁 What They'll Offer to Keep You

Better Alternatives

Bank Statement Charges

RTR charges appear as "RENT THE RUNWAY", "RTR*MEMBERSHIP", or "RTR*RENTAL" on your statement. Multiple charges in one month could indicate your membership fee plus late return fees or damage charges.

🔍 How Much Are Fashion Subscriptions Costing You?

RTR, Stitch Fix, Fabletics, Nuuly — fashion subscriptions add up fast. Upload your bank statement and we'll show you every recurring fashion charge.

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Quick Cancel Guide: Rent The Runway

Direct cancel link + step-by-step instructions

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