Cost Per Wear Calculator
Shift your mindset from 'price' to 'value.' Calculate how much each wear of your favorite (or least favorite) garment actually costs you.
Initial cost of the clothing item
Dry cleaning, tailoring, or repair costs
Total number of times you have worn the item
What is "Cost Per Wear" (CPW) and why does it matter?
Cost Per Wear is a financial metric used in "slow fashion" to determine the true value of a clothing item. Instead of looking at the initial price, CPW divides the cost by the number of times you actually wear the item. This helps you realize that a $200 pair of high-quality boots worn 100 times ($2/wear) is "cheaper" than a $30 fast-fashion shirt worn twice ($15/wear).
How can I track how many times I have worn an item?
Many minimalist fashion enthusiasts use a "wear log" or a simple habit-tracking app. You can also use a physical tally system in your closet. The goal is to be honest about usage—if you bought a dress for a specific event and never wore it again, its CPW remains high regardless of the initial price.
Does CPW include maintenance costs?
For a truly accurate calculation, yes. If a high-end garment requires professional dry cleaning or expensive leather conditioning, those costs should be added to the initial purchase price. This gives you a complete picture of the item's lifetime cost.
How does CPW help with sustainable shopping?
CPW encourages a shift from "quantity" to "quality." By calculating the CPW of past purchases, you can identify which brands and materials last longer and provide more value. This leads to buying fewer, better-made items, which reduces textile waste and saves money in the long run.