Frequently Asked
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What is Something Borrowed?
Something Borrowed is an online dress rental platform where you can find a treasure trove of stylish and stunning outfits for any occasion. We're all about sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility, making it easy and affordable to dress up without breaking the bank.
Where is Something Borrowed?
Something Borrowed is based in Bryanston, Johannesburg, South Africa however, we do not take walk in bookings and our exact address is only given out after any bookings have been paid for. If you'd like to book a try on click here
Why choose Something Borrowed?
We provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fashion consumption, reducing textile waste and minimizing environmental impact. We believe in inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone can find something that makes them feel gorgeous. Our affordable rentals make fashion more accessible, allowing you to experiment without going broke.
How does the rental process work?
It's simple! Choose the dress you like, select the rental duration, and add it to your cart. The typical rental period is four or eight days, with the option to extend if needed. We offer a free pick up and drop off if you're based in Johannesburg as well as a paid courier service that ships nationwide. We'll deliver the dress to your designated address, and after the rental period is over, our couriers will collect it. We cover the cost of dry cleaning, so you don't have to worry about cleaning the dress yourself.
What sizes and styles are available?
We offer a diverse range of sizes and styles to cater to every body type and taste. We believe that looking and feeling fabulous should be accessible to everyone, and we strive to provide a wide selection that suits various preferences.
How can I contact customer support?
If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance, you can reach our friendly customer support team via email at support@somethingborrowed.com or +27 835707535 or leave us a message through our contact form. We're here to help!
Can I try on the dress before renting it?
Yes we do! Just head over to our Book & Borrow page and book a try-on appointment.
However, we provide detailed sizing information and strive to assist you in finding the perfect fit. If you encounter any issues with sizing or fit, please reach out to our customer support team, and we'll be happy to assist you.
What happens if the dress is damaged or stained?
We understand that accidents can happen but if damage occurs:
- Inspect the item upon delivery and report any pre-existing damage within 4 hours.
- Notify us immediately if accidental damage occurs during your rental period.
- Unauthorized alterations are strictly prohibited. This includes resizing, hemming, removing straps, or modifying any part of the garment.
- The rentability of a garment is at the sole discretion of Something Borrowed ZA and is not open for negotiation or deliberation. If an item is returned in a condition that does not meet our high standards for future rentals, we reserve the right to deem it unfit for hire. This decision is final.
If an item is damaged beyond repair, lost, or stolen, the full retail value will be charged to the customer/renter.
What is considered acceptable (normal wear & tear)
We understand that gentle use happens. The following are usually not charged extra unless excessive:
- Minimal makeup residue
- Light deodorant transfer
- Loose threads or beads that can be easily repaired (NB to keep anything that may come off of a garment such as beads/sequins)
- Faint marks removable through standard dry cleaning
- Light mud or general dirt at the bottom of a dress (e.g. from walking outdoors)
These are generally covered by your rental fee and will not incur charges.
What is considered unacceptable damage (you may be charged):
The following are considered beyond normal wear and may result in additional fees or full replacement value being charged:
- Large or set-in stains (red wine, oil, blood, food spills, fake tan, etc.)
- Rips, holes, torn seams, or shredded hems
- Burn marks or cigarette damage
- Missing or broken embellishments (zippers, beads, straps, buttons)
- Items returned with heavy odours (e.g. smoke, excessive body odour that cannot be removed after dry cleaning or treatment, or overwhelming perfume)
- Excessive mud, tar or grass stains on the hemline
- Damage from self-attempted cleaning or ironing
- Permanent damage caused by safety pins, tape, adhesives, or altering the garment in any way
- Returning a dupe, imitation, or replacement dress that is not the original garment
If we determine the dress is damaged beyond repair, you will be charged the full current retail value of the item.
What is DessCare Cover?
For a small extra fee at checkout, DressCare Cover offers an extra layer of protection. It helps cover the cost of extra cleaning and light mending that go beyond our standard cleaning service, but don't qualify as full damage.
DressCare Covers:
- Heavier tan or makeup transfer that requires spot treatment
- Additional dry cleaning for food or drink spills that are removable
- Loose buttons, beads or minor stitching that needs repair
- More extensive scuffing on hems or delicate fabrics
DressCare Does NOT Cover:
- Permanent stains that cannot be removed
- Rips, tears, or structural damage
- Any DIY alterations or repairs
- Strong, lingering odours (smoke, heavy perfume, excessive body odour)
- Lost, stolen, or unreturned garments
- Returning a fake, immitation or incorrect items
Please refer to our terms and conditions for more details.
Can I cancel or modify my rental order?
Clients are entitled to cancel a booking in terms of section 17 of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (“CPA”). However, due to the nature of our rental service and the limited opportunity to re-rent garments on short notice, a reasonable cancellation fee will apply as outlined below. Cancellations and rescheduling requests are calculated with reference to the first day of the rental period.
5 or more days before the first day of the rental period:
The client may elect to:
- Reschedule the rental to another available date (subject to dress availability); OR
- Receive a gift voucher for the full rental amount (valid for 24 months); OR
- Receive a full credit note (valid for 6 months); OR
- Receive a full refund.
2–4 days before the first day of the rental period:
The client may elect to:
- Reschedule the rental to another available date (subject to dress availability); OR
- Receive a gift voucher for the full rental amount (valid for 24 months).
- (No refund or credit note will be issued in this period, as the likelihood of re-rental is limited.)
Within 24 hours of the first day of the rental period or once the rental period has begun:
- No refund will be issued.
- At the company’s discretion, the client may be permitted to reschedule the rental to another available date, OR may be issued a gift voucher for the full rental amount (valid for 24 months).
Gift vouchers issued under this policy will be valid for a minimum of 36 months in accordance with the CPA; however, Something Borrowed ZA extends this validity period to 24 months for cancellations.
If you need to cancel your rental then please email us urgently on support@somethingborrowedza.com with your request.
Please note: If you attend a try-on, book a dress, and later cancel your rental, the R75 try-on fee will not be refunded. This covers the time, fitting service, and studio access provided during the appointment, which is considered a standalone service. The standard cancellation terms in Clause 9 will apply to the dress rental itself.
Where do you deliver to?
We deliver nationwide within South Africa! Whether you're in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or anywhere else in the country, we've got you covered. Wherever you are, we'll make sure your dream dress arrives at your doorstep, ready for you to slay your next event.
When will my rental arrive?
Your item will be delivered on or before the delivery date you selected when making your booking. This delivery date marks the first day of your 4-day or 8-day rental period. We recommend choosing a date that is 2 days prior to the date you intend to wear the item. This allows ample time for any adjustments, styling, or last-minute preparations, ensuring you look and feel your best for your special occasion.
Do you offer free pick ups & Drop offs?
Yes, we do! If you're based in Johannesburg, we offer free local pick-up and return from our Bryanston studio, no courier fees required.
You're welcome to:
- Collect your dress on the first day of your rental, and
- Drop it off on the final day (or let us know if you’d prefer to send it sooner and we will share relevant details).
Our collection hours are 10AM to 6PM, Monday to Saturday.
Please note: Uber collections are not allowed for bag rentals.
How do I track my rental?
As soon as your item is dispatched from our studio, you will receive an email from us. This email will contain a tracking number for the courier company handling your delivery. Simply enter the provided waybill number on the courier's website to track the status of your package.
If you haven't received the dispatch notification and tracking number 24 hours before your expected delivery date, please reach out to us as soon as possible. We're here to assist you every step of the way and ensure a smooth and seamless rental experience.
How are shipping costs calculated?
Shipping fees are calculated based on the rental period and location of each item in your cart. If multiple items are booked for the same rental period, one shipping fee applies. However, if items are rented for different periods, shipping fees will be charged per rental to cover separate courier trips. Please contact us or leave a special note on your order should you wish to rent for two different rental periods. We will send you a payment link via Payfast to settle the 2nd courier fee.
Do you have any pets at the studio?
Yes we do have our SB Baby - Maggie. She is an 8 Year old tabby who is typically sleeping 90% of the time. We get that pets aren't for everyone, so please let us know before your try on if you'd prefer for her to be put away in secure room.
Remember, if you have any other questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to make your dress rental experience amazing!

Browse our dresses online or book a try on appointment

Rent out a dress instantly online via our live availability calendars

Time to turn some heads at your event and leave the cleaning to us

Choose the free drop off option or return via our trusted paid courier on your last rental day