We often talk about “cost per wear” with our customers in store, so we thought we’d share the concept and why we use it with our online customers.
Cost per wear is a term used in the fashion world to figure out the real value and affordability of a piece of clothing.
Calculating the cost per wear is pretty straightforward. You consider how much you paid for the garment initially and any extra expenses like alterations or repairs, and then you divide that by the estimated number of times you'll wear it. This gives you the actual cost per wear, which helps you see if the item is worth the investment.
For example, a pair of Joseph Ribkoff Classic Tailored Slim Fit Pants are $185. These pants are extremely versatile, can be dressed up or down and are made from high grade fabrics in Montreal. They are built to last and will be a cornerstone in your wardrobe. Lets say you wear them once a week for a year. In this example the cost per wear over the year is $3.55. But - these pants will very likely spend more than one year in your wardrobe so the cost per wear will decrease further over time.
The cool thing about cost per wear is that it's especially handy for evaluating high-quality clothes that are built to last. You might see a more expensive coat, for example, but if it's made well and can be worn for multiple seasons, its cost per wear will likely be lower than a cheaper coat that won't last as long.
Thinking about cost per wear also helps to guide a more sustainable approach to fashion. Instead of buying cheap, disposable clothes, you start to focus on investing in pieces that will get a lot of use. This reduces waste and the negative impact on the environment.
Another benefit is that considering the cost per wear helps you think about the versatility and functionality of a garment. If something can be worn in different ways or for various occasions, it'll likely have a lower cost per wear than a super specialised item that you rarely have a chance to wear.
We dress a lot of ladies for special events like weddings and significant birthdays, functions etc. and work with them to choose versatile pieces that will stay in their wardrobe to give them a far greater cost per wear than they would get if they simply purchased a “mother of the bride” dress to wear one time for a wedding.
To sum it up, cost per wear is a useful tool for figuring out the real value of your clothes. It helps you make smarter choices, be more sustainable, and build a wardrobe of quality pieces that will last.
The next time you're shopping, remember to think beyond the price tag and consider the cost per wear!