India’s fashion industry, valued at roughly $110 billion in FY25, is poised for dramatic transformation as innovators redefine how consumers access apparel and accessories. CRED founder Kunal Shah recently stirred debate by suggesting that the future of fashion in India may hinge on a showdown between quick rent and quick commerce models — two emerging paradigms reshaping consumer behaviour and business strategy.
Quick Rent vs Quick Commerce: What’s the Difference?
Shah’s comment highlights two distinct pathways for fashion distribution in India:
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Quick commerce delivers fashion items within minutes of ordering, catering to consumers who prioritise immediacy and convenience. Platforms like Myntra’s M-Now, Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart are expanding fashion offerings as part of rapid delivery services.
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Quick rent lets users borrow outfits for special occasions or short-term use — a model emphasising affordability, variety and sustainability. Startups like Flyrobe are experimenting with lightning-fast rental fulfillment, even testing 4-hour delivery in metro cities.
Both approaches mark a shift away from traditional multi-day e-commerce to on-demand fashion experiences, albeit with different consumer trade-offs.
The Rise of Quick Commerce in Fashion
Quick commerce in India has expanded rapidly, with the sector estimated at $3.34 billion in FY25 and projected to nearly triple by 2029. While quick commerce initially focused on groceries and essentials, fashion is now carving out its own niche, accounting for roughly 8-10 % of orders on these platforms.
Myntra’s own M-Now service promises 30-minute delivery of fashion, beauty and lifestyle products, initially in Bengaluru and now scaling across major cities. The strategy aligns with evolving shopper expectations for speed and convenience, especially among Gen Z and younger urban consumers who see instant delivery as part of the modern shopping experience.
Fashion Rentals: Sustainable and Occasion-Driven
In contrast, the fashion rental market, though smaller, is growing quickly — valued at around $2.1 billion in 2025 and expected to hit $6.7 billion by 2031. Rentals are particularly appealing for:
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Special occasions like weddings, festivals and events, where users want standout looks without long-term wardrobe commitments.
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Affordability, with rental prices often just a fraction of purchase costs.
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Eco-friendly consumption, reducing waste associated with one-time wears.
This model resonates especially with urban women and sustainability-conscious consumers, offering an alternative to fast fashion’s traditional cycle.
Consumer Dynamics:
Emerging data suggests distinct preferences among Indian shoppers:
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Trend-seeking Gen Z buyers are gravitating toward quick commerce for low-cost, fast-fashion purchases.
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Occasion wear and sustainability enthusiasts lean toward rental platforms that balance cost and environmental impact.
These divergent behaviours underscore a broader tension in the market: instant gratification versus mindful consumption.
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