In 2025, the clothing rental market is booming, and one influencer has tapped into its potential with a unique side hustle on Pickle, a platform revolutionizing how people access fashion. Known for her vibrant style, influencer Sarah Kline has built a six-figure income renting out her wardrobe, offering a blueprint for others to follow.
The Rise of Pickle’s Rental Economy
Pickle, a peer-to-peer clothing rental app, has surged in popularity since its launch, capitalizing on the demand for sustainable fashion. With 80% of U.S. consumers open to renting clothes (per a 2024 Statista report), the platform connects renters with owners of designer dresses, streetwear, and everyday outfits. Kline, a 28-year-old content creator, joined Pickle in 2023 and now earns $10,000-$15,000 monthly by renting out her curated closet of 200+ items.
How It Works
Kline lists items like a $500 Reformation dress or $200 Nike sneakers on Pickle, setting rental prices (typically 10-20% of retail value for a 3-day rental) and availability. Renters browse her virtual closet, book items, and receive them via prepaid shipping. Kline handles cleaning and maintenance, though Pickle’s insurance covers damages. Her most popular items—vintage jackets and party dresses—rent out 10-15 times monthly, generating $50-$200 per piece.
From Hobby to Hustle
Initially, Kline used Pickle to declutter her closet, renting out pieces she rarely wore. Positive renter feedback and growing demand led her to invest in high-demand items like limited-edition sneakers and designer bags. She now spends 10 hours a week managing listings, shipping, and customer inquiries, leveraging her 50,000 Instagram followers to promote her Pickle closet.
The Numbers
Kline’s top-earning month hit $18,000, with an average of $12,000 after Pickle’s 20% commission and cleaning costs. She reinvests 30% of profits into new inventory, ensuring her closet stays fresh. The global clothing rental market, valued at $1.8 billion in 2024 (per Allied Market Research), is projected to grow 10% annually, signaling room for more side hustlers.
Tips for Success
Kline advises aspiring Pickle entrepreneurs to start small, listing 10-20 high-quality items, and focus on trends like athleisure or sustainable brands. Clear photos, detailed descriptions, and prompt communication boost renter trust. She also recommends analyzing Pickle’s data insights to identify in-demand styles.
Challenges and Future Plans
Managing logistics and handling occasional renter disputes can be time-consuming, but Kline finds the flexibility and income outweigh the challenges. She plans to scale by hiring a part-time assistant and expanding into event-specific rentals, like festival outfits.
Pickle’s model empowers anyone with a stylish wardrobe to monetize it, blending sustainability with entrepreneurship. As Kline proves, a side hustle on the platform can turn a closet into a cash machine.