Clothes rental app Style Theory abruptly closes, no refunds offered, customers asked to return rented bags

Style Theory, an online platform that rents out luxury clothes and accessories, has abruptly shut down.

It announced its closure in an Instagram post and website message uploaded on Oct. 1.

"With the heaviest of hearts, we are writing today to share news we never hoped to deliver: we have closed our subscription service as of Sep. 30, 2025," said the message by co-founder Raena Lim.

She explained that the sudden closure was due to rising costs and the withdrawal of key investors.

No refunds

The company said it would not be able to provide refunds.

While users could keep the pieces of apparel "until further notice", they were asked to return any bags that they'd rented.

These items are either "company-owned or consigned by individual owners", the company explained.

Similarly, consigners — the original owners of the luxury goods that had made their items available to the company for rental or for sale — would not be able to receive their payouts, the website said.

They would be treated as creditors of the company, and may file claims with the liquidators.

No notice

In the comments section, several subscribers criticised the company's handling of the situation.

One commenter said Style Theory had allowed her to renew her monthly subscription on Sep. 25, only to cease operations on Sep. 30.

It had also previously held a number of warehouse sales, announcing that it was planning to "move".

The most recent one took place from Sep. 19 to 21.

Another commenter shared that she had noticed that the subscription feature in the app had disappeared.

When she reported it, a customer service officer explained it was "temporary" due to the move to a new warehouse.

She was told that normal operations would resume in October.

Mothership has reached out to Style Theory for more information.

Top image from Style Theory/Instagram