Borrowing clothes from a clothing library, what is it really like? There is only one way to find out, and so Saskia visited LENA The Fashion Library. As it turned out, a clothing library is surprisingly fun and easy. It gives you a huge wardrobe in one go, without having to buy anything. And the best part: LENA is not only located in De Jordaan, but recently also in De Pijp - and you can also just borrow clothes online. So whether you live in Amsterdam or beyond, LENA is there for everyone.
Why LENA's clothing library is such a good idea
Did you know that an average Dutch person has about 173 items of clothing hanging in their closet? And that an average of 50 of those are never worn? That is not only a waste of your closet space, but especially of all the effort that went into making those unworn clothes and dragging them here. The clothing library is therefore the perfect solution! You satisfy your hunger for something new, without having to buy anything new. Have you run out of it, is it out of season or do you only need the item for a specific occasion? Then just return it and choose something else. This keeps your wardrobe organised and up-to-date. While visiting LENA, we noticed that many pregnant women were looking for belly proof outfits and there were also some ladies on the hunt for a party dress for a wedding. So not only for replenishing your daily wardrobe, the concept is perfect for special moments too!
LENA's clothing library in De Jordaan.
How does borrowing clothes from LENA work?
LENA is basically a shared wardrobe that everyone gets to shop from. Instead of buying, you borrow clothes: for a party, a photo shoot, a special occasion or just because you fancy something new. You pay with credits - 1 credit equals 25 cents per day. So a simple shirt will cost you less than a designer dress, and the more you borrow, the cheaper it gets. Do you fall head over heels in love with an item? Then you can buy it too, at a discount. In the shops in De Jordaan and De Pijp you can try on and browse around, but you'll also find an extensive collection online. Your chosen outfits will be sent to your home or you can pick them up yourself. And don't worry about accidents: most stains are easily removed and LENA does not charge extra for minor damage. Only in case of permanent damage or loss will a part (or the entire value) of the garment be charged.
Will you also come and browse at LENA The Fashion Library
Whether you're nearby or prefer to shop from home, LENA's online clothing library is open to you 24/7. Scroll through the digital racks, choose your favourites and have them delivered to your home or come and try them on yourself. It's definitely worth checking out both the De Jordaan and De Pijp locations, as the collection is unique in both shops! So alternate your loan moments nicely, is the tip. And psst... if you mention when registering or at the cash desk that you can borrow via thegreenlist.nl come, you won't pay a ten-euro registration fee. So stick that one in the pocket of your borrowed trousers.
Check out LENA's collection here and find out how it works.
Get started with a no buy clothing style
Borrowing clothes is great, but we have more tips for looking stylish without buying anything new. We get you started with the No Buy Fashion Guide. Over a hundred pages of cool ideas on how to look nice without even buying anything. Nothing. Nope. Nada. Not even second-hand! For 9.50 euros you will have it delivered straight to your inbox and thus on your tablet or mobile phone!
Will you also join this fun community? Read this guide too and discover lots of original ideas. Because so many cool clothes are already out there! Order the No Buy Fashion Guide from our webshop!
More green clothing tips from thegreenlist.nl
- Also see: Styling tips that will help you get more out of your (borrowed) wardrobe.
- Also see: Tips for a minimalist capsule wardrobe from expert Laura.
- Also see: nice list of sustainable fashion brands.
Sources: hva.nl, nos.nl, oneworld.nl. Photo credits thegreenlist.nl, motion picture: LENA The Fashion Library.
