Spending hundreds of dollars on a designer dress or luxury outfit is out of the budget for many people, but a trend has emerged across the country: to hire instead.

While suit hire has been around for decades, designer-dress hire businesses are popping up around Australia, including here in Newcastle, and they're busier than ever. 

So, what's the appeal?

Consumers say it's a cheaper, more sustainable option to continual buying. Credits: Presented and produced by Keely JohnsonSupervising producer - Grant Wolter. Executive producers Lucia Hill and Blake Doyle.