Conscious fashion
Cost Per Wear: How to Calculate It and When It Matters
Cost per wear explained: the formula, worked examples with care costs and resale value, how to estimate wears honestly and where the idea falls short.
The AtelierNo. 03
Cost Per Wear Calculator
See what a garment really costs each time you wear it, and compare two options.
Currency
EUREuro
USDUS dollar
GBPBritish pound
Merino sweater costs $0.10 less per wear.
Budget sweater needs about 58 wears to match the cost per wear of Merino sweater.
Runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent to a server.
How it works
- Choose your currency.
- For each item, enter the price, how often you would wear it per month and for how many years.
- Add yearly care costs (cleaning, repairs) and a realistic resale value, if any.
- Compare the cost per wear; the summary shows which item is cheaper per wear and the break-even point.
FAQ
How do you calculate cost per wear?
Divide the total cost of owning a garment by the number of times you wear it. Here, total cost is the price plus care costs minus any resale value.
What is a good cost per wear?
There is no universal benchmark. It is most useful as a comparison between two options you are considering, or between an item and what similar pieces in your wardrobe cost per wear.
Does a higher price always mean a lower cost per wear?
No. An expensive piece only wins if you actually wear it often and it lasts. A well-chosen affordable item worn constantly can beat a costly one that stays in the closet.
Should I include dry cleaning and repairs?
Yes, if they apply. Regular dry cleaning, tailoring or re-soling can change the result noticeably, especially for suits, coats and leather shoes.