How to Apply the Cost per Wear Formula

We finally have some grade-school math you SHOULD keep in your back pocket: the Cost per Wear formula! When deciding what clothing items to invest in, the number-one thing to consider is the cost per wear.

In 1982, Jane Fonda workouts were a household name, complete with head-to-toe spandex leotards & legwarmers Photo: Getty Images

Cost per Wear Formula

garment cost
÷
approx. of times you will wear an item over time

For example, if you are looking to buy a pair of jeans for $100 that you will wear 50 times that year, by the end of the year, your cost per wear on those jeans is $2. In contrast, there may be a super trendy blouse for $20 but you are only going to wear it twice, while the item’s total cost was much lower than your jeans, your cost per wear is at $10.

Given that, the recommendation for spend versus save is to consider how much use you will get out of a garment. Generally, pieces with a low cost per wear—and those we recommend spending more on—are your classic closet staples, like handbags, shoes, denim, suits or blazers. You want these pieces to be . . .

  • well-made: quality fabrics and craftsmanship

  • versatile: can be mixed and matched with a variety of items in your closet

  • long-lasting styles: avoid super trendy items

In other words, increase your ROI by lowering your CPW. So before you charge your card, open your calculator app and plug in that cost per wear formula and make sure you are investing in your wardrobe wisely!

INSIGHTSNatalie Tincher