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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. We do not take walk-in bookings and our exact address is only shared after a booking has 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 minimising 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?

Choose the garment you like, select your rental duration (4, 8, or 16 days), and add it to your cart. 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 us via email at support@somethingborrowedza.com or on +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! Head over to our Book a Try On page to book a try-on appointment. A R150 booking fee is required to secure your slot. If you go on to rent a dress, that R150 is deducted from your rental total. We provide detailed sizing information and are always happy to assist you find the perfect fit before you commit.

Who will assist me at my try-on appointment?

Your appointment will be hosted by a member of the Something Borrowed team. We want to make sure you feel comfortable and well looked after from the moment you arrive.

What happens if the dress doesn't fit when it arrives?

If an item does not fit on arrival, you must notify us within 4 hours of receiving it. The dress must be unworn, in the same condition as delivered, and all tags, bags, and hangers must be retained. Please note that a change of mind about the style, colour, cut, or overall look does not qualify as a fit issue. Where there is a genuine fit issue reported within the 4 hour window, we will do our best to offer an exchange or a gift card, subject to availability. Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for details.

What happens if the dress is damaged or stained?

We understand that accidents can happen. 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. Unauthorised alterations are strictly prohibited, including resizing, hemming, removing straps, or modifying any part of the garment. If an item is damaged beyond repair, lost, or stolen, the full retail value will be charged.

What is considered acceptable (normal wear and tear):

Minimal makeup residue, light deodorant transfer, loose threads or beads that can be easily repaired (please keep anything that comes off the garment such as beads or sequins), faint marks removable through standard dry cleaning, and light mud or general dirt at the bottom of a dress from walking outdoors. These are generally covered by your rental fee.

What is considered unacceptable damage (you may be charged):

Large or set-in stains (red wine, oil, blood, food spills, fake tan), 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 (smoke, excessive body odour, 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, or adhesives, and returning a dupe, imitation, or replacement dress that is not the original garment.

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 requiring spot treatment, additional dry cleaning for removable food or drink spills, loose buttons, beads or minor stitching repairs, and more extensive scuffing on hems or delicate fabrics.

DressCare does not cover: permanent stains, rips, tears or structural damage, DIY alterations or repairs, strong lingering odours, lost, stolen or unreturned garments, and returning a fake, imitation or incorrect item.

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. 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: You may reschedule to another available date, receive a gift voucher for the full rental amount (valid for 36 months), receive a full credit note (valid for 6 months), or receive a full refund.

2 to 4 days before the first day of the rental period: You may reschedule to another available date or receive a gift voucher for the full rental amount (valid for 36 months). No refund or credit note will be issued in this period.

Within 24 hours of the first day of the rental period or once the rental period has begun: No refund will be issued. At our discretion, you may be permitted to reschedule or receive a gift voucher for the full rental amount (valid for 36 months).

If you need to cancel please email us urgently at support@somethingborrowedza.com with your request.

Please note: if you attend a try-on, book a dress, and later cancel your rental, the R150 Booking Fee will not be refunded as it covers the time, fitting service, and studio access provided during the appointment. Standard cancellation terms will apply to the dress rental itself.

What happens if I return my dress late?

Late returns are charged at R200 per day. If your item has not been returned within 5 calendar days after the end of your rental period, it will be treated as a lost item and the full retail replacement value will become immediately payable. We take late returns seriously as delays directly affect the next client waiting for that dress. If you anticipate any difficulty returning on time, please contact us as soon as possible.

How must I package my dress for return?

If you are returning via courier, your dress must be packed in the original mailer bag provided. Please do not repack the item in boxes, large bags, or any oversized alternative packaging. If non-compliant packaging results in additional volumetric or oversized courier charges, those costs will be passed on to you and invoiced separately. Packaging instructions are included with every order, so please hold onto them for your return.

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.

When will my rental arrive?

Your item will be delivered on or before the delivery date you selected at checkout. This delivery date marks the first day of your rental period. We recommend choosing a date at least 2 days before your event to allow time for any adjustments or last-minute preparations.

Do you offer free pick ups & Drop offs?

Yes! 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. Our collection hours are 10AM to 6PM, Monday to Saturday. Please note that Uber collections are not permitted for bag rentals.

How do I track my rental?

As soon as your item is dispatched, you will receive an email containing a tracking number for the courier handling your delivery. Simply enter the waybill number on the courier's website to track your package. If you haven't received your tracking number 24 hours before your expected delivery date, please reach out to us as soon as possible.

How are shipping costs calculated?

Shipping fees are calculated based on your rental period and location. If multiple items are booked for the same rental period, one shipping fee applies. 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 note on your order if you'd like to rent for two different periods and we will send you a payment link for the additional courier fee.

Do you have any pets at the studio?

Yes! Meet Maggie, our chunky tabby and unofficial Something Borrowed mascot. She's typically asleep 90% of the time and very much minding her own business. That said, we completely understand that pets aren't for everyone, so please let us know before your try-on if you'd prefer for her to be in a separate room and we'll make sure of it.

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!

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Browse

Browse our dresses online or book a try on appointment

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Borrow

Rent out a dress instantly online via our live availability calendars

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Wear

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

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Return

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