Earn Up to 2,000 Dollars Just by Opening Your Closet... Side Hustle Trend Among Young People [World is Z Gold]

Side Hustle of Clothing Rental Spreads in the U.S.
Earning Income by Lending Out High-End Fashion Items
Users Reduce Costs by Renting Instead of Buying

Editor's NoteGeneration Z (those born in the late 1990s to the early 2010s) is gaining attention as a generation that leads culture and trends in a rapidly changing era, setting new standards across society. In [The World Through Z], we shed light on the lives and values of Generation Z around the world and explore how they are transforming society.

Among Generation Z in the United States, "clothing rental" side jobs-where individuals rent out clothes and bags for profit-are spreading. Providers can cover rent and living expenses with items they no longer use, while users can reduce costs by renting instead of purchasing expensive items, creating a win-win structure for both sides.

"You Can Earn Up to $2,000 by Renting Out Clothes"

The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Getty Images Bank

Recently, CNN in the United States published an article titled "A Stylish Side Hustle Is Gaining Attention: Renting Out Clothes," introducing the growing trend of clothing rental side jobs among young people.

Emily Nase, 30, who lives in Manhattan, New York, earns between $500 (about 740,000 won) and $2,000 (about 2.96 million won) per month by renting out her clothes and accessories. She registers apparel and fashion goods on the fashion sharing platform "Pickle" to generate income. The Chanel mini wallet, in particular, was so popular that it was rented out nearly every week for a year.

Nase said, "I'm satisfied that others can use my wardrobe," adding, "It's also meaningful to provide opportunities for people to experience luxury that is otherwise hard to access." She also mentioned, "Since I'm utilizing items I don't use, it's mutually beneficial." She revealed that most of the income from rentals goes toward rent and living expenses. While some people use their side hustle earnings to buy more clothes, Nase said, "I don't have the financial leeway for that."

Chanel Mini Classic Bag. Chanel Official Website

This service is also gaining attention as an attractive alternative for users. Samantha Mason, 31, who lives in Los Angeles, said she often rents clothing as well. She explained, "On Pickle, you can rent clothing the same day and find most fashion items," adding, "You can use high-end products like Chanel or Miu Miu without paying full price."

"Compromising With Reality by Renting Clothes Instead of Buying Luxury Goods"

Pixabay

The popularity of clothing rental services is rooted in the younger generation's emphasis on practicality and rationality. Thomai Serdari, a marketing professor at New York University, explained that as the costs of various gatherings and events are considerable, some young people are compromising by renting clothes instead of purchasing high-priced luxury goods.

Professor Serdari told CNN, "If Millennials spread awareness of the sharing economy, Generation Z is taking it a step further. Generation Z is not financially affluent but has a strong desire for luxury consumption and is constantly striving for success."

This consumption pattern is also linked to employment instability among young people. Last month, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.6%, up from the 54-year low of 3.4% recorded in April 2023. The burden of living expenses is also significant. As housing and food costs rise rapidly, affordable living costs have emerged as a major issue in political circles.

As a result, more people are choosing side jobs. According to a survey on side jobs released last July by Bankrate, a U.S. personal finance consulting firm, one in four American adults has a side job. Notably, more than one-third (34%) of Generation Z have a side job in addition to their full-time employment, a higher rate than Millennials (31%), Generation X (23%), or Baby Boomers (22%).

Side Job Participation Also Increasing Among 2030 Generation in Korea

Meanwhile, the side job trend is similarly evident in Korea. According to a survey on "side job participation" conducted last month by New Worker, a gig worker (short-term job) platform operated by the job portal Incruit, 49.5% of 728 adult respondents said they have a side job, a figure similar to the 50.5% who said they do not. Among office workers, 48.4% reported having a side job.

By age group, participation in side jobs was highest among those in their 30s (57.0%) and 20s (55.2%), followed by those in their 40s (50.4%) and those aged 50 and above (30.7%). The most common reason for choosing a side job was "to secure additional income" (82.5%). Other reasons included "lack of self-fulfillment in their main job" (6.9%), "having spare time" (5%), and "exploring new careers" (5%).