Understanding Cost Per Wear and How to Make the Most of Your Wardrobe
We live in a consumer-driven society where fashion trends change rapidly, and it's easy to fall into the trap of constantly buying new clothes. However, one way to make more sustainable and cost-effective choices is to consider the cost per wear (CPW) of the items in your wardrobe and how it will help you to stop wasting money.
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What is Cost Per Wear?
CPW is a simple formula that divides the price of an item by the number of times you expect to wear it. The idea is that you will invest in key pieces that will last a long time, be worn frequently and not go out of style.
By taking into account the longevity and versatility of a piece, you can determine its true value over time. This method helps you assess whether an item is worth the investment or simply an impulse purchase.
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2. Calculating Cost Per Wear
To calculate the cost per wear, divide the total cost of an item by the number of times you think you’ll wear it - honestly. For instance, a pair of jeans costing £100 that you expect to wear at least 100 times would have a CPW of £1. This method helps you understand the true value of each item in your wardrobe as CPW will be very low if the number of times an item will be worn is high.
It’s a guideline not an exact science, and you can only know the true CPW when you’ve had something for ages and it’s past it’s best and needs to go. So, it’s more of a mindset shift to start thinking about clothes as an ‘investment’ rather than an upfront cost. Reviewing your existing wardrobe is a great start for spotting patterns and identifying the best type of investment for your wardrobe. As a rule of thumb, anticipating wearing an item at least 100 times is good CPW.
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3. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
When it comes to cost per wear, quality is crucial. Investing in well-made, durable pieces may seem more expensive initially, but their longer lifespan will lower the cost per wear over time. Consider the fabric, construction, and brand reputation before making a purchase as a cheaply made fast fashion item won’t last long and will need replacing quickly.
The more you wear an item, the more sustainable it becomes. If you wear an item only once, another garment will replace it. That’s double the environmental impact and cost. Classic, timeless styles are also more likely to have a lower cost per wear compared to on-trend, fast-fashion items that date quickly.
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4. Minimising Cost Per Wear
To bring down the cost of your wardrobe, bear these points in mind -
1. Versatility - Choose items that can be mixed and matched with different pieces to create multiple outfits. A versatile wardrobe allows you to get more wear out of each item, making the cost per wear more affordable.
2. Classic Basics - Invest in timeless essentials like a well-fitting blazer or a good pair of jeans. These pieces serve as building blocks for various outfits and are less likely to go out of style.
3. Maintenance - Take care of your clothes by following the care instructions, repairing any damage hen it happens, and storing them properly. This will help them last longer and lower the cost per wear.
4. Swapping and Reselling - Consider clothing swaps or reselling platforms to refresh your wardrobe without spending a fortune. You can give your rarely worn items a second life while acquiring new pieces that fit with your style. I have found some great pieces on resale sites that cost me very little and I have worn a lot, so the CPW is negative!
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5. Special Occasion Purchases
For a special event or a big moment in your life, like a visit to the palace or being the Mother of the Bride or Groom, so CPW doesn’t apply in the same way. Set a budget you are comfortable with, shop at sale time, consider resale sites or renting an outfit.
You may only wear it once, but how you feel is the most important thing here so go for it!
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summary
Understanding the cost per wear of your wardrobe is an effective way to make more conscious and cost-effective purchasing decisions. By prioritising quality, versatility, and longevity, you can build a wardrobe that reflects your personal style and is good value over time.
If you’re ready to start investing in a curated collection of clothing, I will use the CPW principle to work with you to make choices that will benefit both your purse and the planet in the long run. The money you’ll save (by avoiding costly mistakes) is well worth it.
Get in touch to find out more!