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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'd like to borrow, 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 option if you're based in Johannesburg as well as a paid courier service that ships nationwide. If you've chosen our delivery service, we'll deliver the dress to your designated address on the first day of your rental period, and on the 4th of 8th day (Excluding weekends) our couriers will collect it. If your last day falls on a Saturday on Sunday the collection date will roll over to the following Monday. 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 on each garments page 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?

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?

DressCare Cover is an optional add-on you can select at checkout for a small fee. It gives you extra peace of mind by covering minor accidents like heavier makeup or tan transfer, removable food or drink stains, and light repairs like loose stitching or missing beads. It helps us handle a little extra mess—without passing unexpected charges on to you.

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

It does not cover major damage like rips, permanent stains, strong unremovable odours, or returning a replacement/imitation/dupe instead of the original dress.

Can I cancel or modify my rental order?

We have a flexible cancellation policy. If you need to make changes to your rental order, please contact our customer support team as soon as possible, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.

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.

How do I track my rental?

As soon as your item is dispatched from our studio, you will receive an email or text from our courier. This 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 10 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!