What is this?
A cost per wear calculator helps you determine the true value of clothing and accessories by dividing the total cost (including maintenance) by the number of times you'll wear it. This reveals whether an expensive item is actually more economical than cheap fast fashion.How to use
Enter the item price and realistically estimate how often you'll wear it. Set the expected lifespan (fast fashion: 6-12 months, quality basics: 24-60 months). Add maintenance costs if applicable (dry cleaning, repairs). Review the cost per wear - under $1 is excellent, under $3 is good value.Tips
- **The $1 Per Wear Rule**: If you can get an item under $1 per wear, it's excellent value regardless of initial price.
- **Be Honest About Frequency**: That special occasion dress you'll "totally wear again" might realistically get 2-3 wears, not 20.
- **Quality Basics Win**: A $200 leather jacket worn 200 times ($1/wear) beats a $50 jacket worn 10 times ($5/wear).
- **Fast Fashion Math**: $30 shirt worn 10 times = $3/wear. $100 shirt worn 50 times = $2/wear. Quality often wins.
- **Consider Maintenance**: Dry clean only items add $5-15 per cleaning. Hand wash or machine washable saves money.
- **Classic > Trendy**: Timeless pieces last longer because they don't go out of style as fast.
- **Capsule Wardrobe**: 30-40 versatile pieces you love beats 100 items you rarely wear.
- **Wait 48 Hours**: If considering a purchase, wait 2 days. Impulse buys often become closet clutter.
- **Cost Per Wear Ranges**: Under $1 = excellent, $1-3 = good, $3-5 = fair, $5+ = reconsider unless special
