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Cost Per Wear: Maximizing Value from Your Wardrobe

Unlocking the Secret to Smart Shopping: Understanding Cost Per Wear (CPW)

When we purchase clothes, we often focus on the price tag without considering the long-term value of the item. However, a savvy shopper knows that the real measure of value isn’t just the initial cost but how much use you get out of it. This is where the concept of “Cost Per Wear” (CPW) becomes a game-changer.

What is Cost Per Wear?

Understanding Cost Per Wear and How to Use it When You Shop

Cost Per Wear is a simple yet powerful calculation that helps you determine the true value of your clothing based on how often you wear it. The formula is straightforward:

Cost Per Wear = Total Cost of the Item / Number of Times Worn

For example, if you buy a jacket for $200 and wear it 50 times, the CPW is $4. On the other hand, a $50 dress worn only twice has a CPW of $25. Clearly, the jacket provides more value for money.

To get a more precise calculation, you can even factor in maintenance costs like alterations, dry cleaning, or repairs. This deeper understanding allows you to evaluate your wardrobe choices more thoughtfully.

Why Cost Per Wear Matters

Financial Efficiency

Focusing on CPW helps you make smarter purchasing decisions. Investing in a high-quality, versatile piece that you’ll wear frequently is often more economical than buying several cheaper items that rarely see the light of day.

Sustainable Fashion

Fast fashion contributes significantly to environmental degradation. The fashion industry accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and is a major source of water pollution. By buying less but wearing more, you help reduce waste and curb the demand for disposable clothing.

Wardrobe Satisfaction

A curated wardrobe filled with items you love and regularly wear reduces decision fatigue and the frustration of having “nothing to wear” despite a full closet. Each piece becomes a purposeful addition, not a fleeting purchase.

How to Calculate and Reduce Cost Per Wear

Evaluate Potential Purchases

Before buying, ask yourself:

  • How often will I realistically wear this item?
  • Is it versatile?
  • Does it fit my lifestyle and existing wardrobe?

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

High-quality items tend to last longer and look better over time. While they might be more expensive upfront, their durability and timeless appeal can significantly lower their CPW.

Maintain Your Clothing

Proper care is essential for longevity. Follow washing instructions, store items appropriately, and repair garments as needed to keep them in excellent condition.

Document Your Usage

Tracking how often you wear each item can provide valuable insights into your clothing habits. Apps like Stylebook or simple spreadsheets can help you monitor and optimize your wardrobe.

Real-Life Examples of CPW

The Classic Jean

Imagine you purchase a pair of premium $300 jeans. If you wear them twice a week for three years (approximately 300 wears), the CPW is just $1. These jeans are a clear example of high value.

The Trendy Designer Top

Now consider a $300 blouse. Realistically, you might wear it twice a year for three years (six wears total). In this case, the CPW is $50. Despite the same initial cost as the jeans, the blouse offers far less value.

Thoughts on Special Occasion Purchases

For significant life events like being the Mother of the Bride or Groom, it’s perfectly reasonable to splurge on a stunning, unforgettable outfit. You’ll likely only wear it once, but the memories it accompanies make it worth the investment.

For other formal occasions, like weddings or galas, consider more cost-effective options. Brands at Nordstrom offer elegant dresses under $300, and discount retailers like Saks Off 5th frequently have fabulous finds. While rental services like Rent the Runway were once a go-to, their declining inventory and inconsistent sizing make them less appealing today.

Conclusion

Understanding and utilizing Cost Per Wear can revolutionize the way you shop and manage your wardrobe. It encourages thoughtful consumption, promotes sustainability, and ensures you get the most value from your clothing investments.

Next time you’re tempted by a sale or a trendy piece, pause to calculate the CPW. Is it truly worth it? By focusing on long-term value rather than short-term allure, you can build a wardrobe that’s not only stylish but also financially and environmentally sustainable.

Embrace CPW as your guide to smarter, more intentional shopping. Your closet—and the planet—will thank you.

Cost Per Wear: Maximizing Value from Your Wardrobe
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MEET THE AUTHOR

Megan Kristel

Megan Kristel is an entrepreneur, working mom, and former personal stylist. Tired of the one-dimensional portrayal of women online, she founded The Well Dressed Life as a resource for other professional women.

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Cindy

Wednesday 24th of July 2024

A co-worker introduced me to this concept back in 2008, although she called it “CPU”, for cost per use. For her, if the CPU was $5 or less - the dollar amount she was willing to spend without a second thought, and based on her regular (and frequent!) Starbucks order, she would buy it. My husband and I apply this to food. If a 16 ounce steak, at $22, results in 4 meals, that’s $5.25/meal. A local Italian restaurant where we order takeout on the regular has yummy GF pasta. At first, my husband balked at the $27 cost, but I weighed it once, and it was over 2 lbs of cooked deliciousness - enough for 4-6 meals for me. That’s a bargain in my book!

Louise

Wednesday 24th of July 2024

Do you have any suggestions or ideas on how you might keep track of how often you wear an item?

Karole Sherlock

Thursday 20th of July 2023

I read your coat per wear article several months ago and set up a tracking process. Tracking is fun especially for those who are OCD’ish. I have 18 tops and 18 bottoms (pants, skirts, etc) plus a few dresses. The goal is to wear one item twice a month if possible. Of course this doesn’t always work but it forces me to be more creative and wear everything in my closet. While the pieces change from winter to summer most can be worn year round which decreases cost per wear. For me tracking is fun although for other it would probably be a nightmare (lol)

Janice

Monday 16th of January 2023

A few seasons using the Stylebook app was eye opening for cost per wear as it tracks it for you. My best items are consistently jeans, shoes, bags and jackets. Which are actually some of the more expensive items to purchase.

Occasion dresses are my worst purchase, but I’ve got better at ensuring I accessorise with more wearable shoes, bag etc rather than the really impractical items that will only ever go with that outfit.

Adding in the cost of tailoring and dry cleaning is interesting. I do most of my own alterations but dry cleaning often puts me off a purchase.

Karole Sherlock

Monday 16th of January 2023

After reading your "cost to wear" post months ago, I decided to track my somewhat capsule closet. We live in a moderate PNW climate, so we really have only two seasons -- cold months and warm months.

Currently I have a carefully curated wardrobe of 17 tops and 17 bottoms most of which work together for various outfits and occasions. The goal is to wear each item twice per month, although it's a loose goal and the number 17 does not actually divide by 2 (Nana numbers, LOL). Anyhow, this method is working because it controls new purchases and ensures everything I have currently is used and enjoyed. LOVE the cost to wear concept and LOVE your posts.

Tere F.

Monday 16th of January 2023

Thanks for the excellent explanation, Megan. As a math-challenged retired teacher, I found this easy to follow and apply! Whodda thunk it?! 😉

Wendy Bennett

Monday 16th of January 2023

Hi Megan! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!🤗 Todays info on cost per wear just “blew my mind”!!! I am a new member & am absolutely LOVING all your info/posts/emails, loving the wardrobe challenge(& understand I will be repeating this many times 😁)…todays’ info is a total game changer for me that has me very excited to get back to the editing in my closet and an entire new clarity on the big “why” and how to make permanent changes in my buying patterns!!! Breaking my life-long pattern of sale purchases followed by the “nothing to wear” syndrome has been a very real challenge…this morning reading (& Re-reading) your cost per wear process just totally provided the break through I desperately needed!!!! And given me much needed permission to let those (newly understood most expensive items) that I thought were a great deal a toss to the donate pile!!! A sincere THANK YOU for all you are doing & providing to this fabulous community you are growing…your impact and life-changing work is deeply appreciated !!!!!!!!!!!!

Linda E

Monday 16th of January 2023

GREAT INFO!!! I think they should teach this in school.

Tracy Gray

Saturday 2nd of July 2022

This was a great article! I never really considered the cost per wear. As I read the article I realized that I have made purchases that basically were one and done pieces which of course at the time I didn’t think about. Being able to not only have great outfits ensuring that you will literally get your moneys worth is important. Thank you and happy holiday!!

Marlene Baldwin

Thursday 30th of June 2022

My mother taught me this concept 50 years ago, and i use it to this day. I always think of the sale dress you buy because it’s on sale and never wear….still a high cost per wear….. as opposed to the white blazer you speak of that you wear and wear…..