Oxfam has revealed the launch of an online fashion rental service, with the aim of extending the life of donated clothing.

The charity said the pilot, which began on August 3, marked the first time a national UK charity had offered clothing rental alongside its retail shops.

Customers can hire selected items from Oxfam’s donated stock for 14 days, with prices starting at £22.

The launch range includes a blue and white Balenciaga dress, a yellow tailored jacket by Stella McCartney and a black Dolce & Gabbana dress.

Items selected for the service include vintage clothing, one-off garments and pieces considered too distinctive for Oxfam’s standard shop ranges.

The clothing is cleaned and prepared before being sent to customers, who return it at the end of the rental period for reuse.

Oxfam head of ecommerce and retail sustainability Julie Tyrell said: “We see pieces come through our shops that you simply won’t find anywhere else, and until now the only way to own one was to buy it outright.

“Rental means people can access that wardrobe for the moment they need it and then not let it sit in a cupboard afterwards.”

The service was developed with fashion rental and fulfilment business ACS, which is providing its operational infrastructure.

ACS chief operating officer Anthony Burns said the partnership showed how circular retail models could deliver environmental and social benefits.

Income generated by the service will support Oxfam’s charitable work.

The pilot launched ahead of Oxfam’s annual Second-Hand September campaign, which encourages consumers to buy pre-owned clothing rather than new items.

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