The Cost per Wear Principle Part 1: Your New Shopping Strategy

In our world of mass produced, fast fashion, it is easy to get caught up in the latest trends and hype. Every week there is a new “must have” item, and when we can be a part of the wave for $20 or less thanks to the H&M’s of the world, many of us get swept away. On top of that, shopping has become a major past time in North America. A free afternoon in the past might have meant a few hours at the museum or strolling through a park – nowadays it means strolling through a mall. All of the above results in many, many needless additions to our wardrobes. We spend because we are bored, we spend because we think we need those "must have" short-alls and we spend mostly, because, hey, this top only cost $8!!

As life gets busier and more complicated, I have started to put more emphasis on the value of my time and the objects I bring into my life.  This has led me to become a big believer in the Cost per Wear (CPW) principle.

If you have heard this before, please hold while I explain. The CPW principleis based on the following simple equation:

CPW = Price of your Clothing Purchase ÷ Number of times you have worn the item OR, if the item is new, the Number of times you expect to wear that item of clothing

For example, if you spent $150 on those designer jeans last year, but wear them twice a week, the cost per wear is:

CPW = $150 ÷ 100 = $1.50

A potential LOW CPW item: Marc by Marc Jacobs Soft Poppy Tote

It is likely that you at least considered making this purchase before you slapped down your credit card, but when it comes down to it, the jeans have so far cost you $1.50 for every time you wore them, and as you wear them more, the cost is further reduced. What a great deal!

In comparison, if you bought a $10 shirt that you loved but turns out doesn`t look great on you, the cost per wear is:

CPW = $10 ÷ 1= $10

A potential HIGH CPW item: Military Inspired T by TopShop

Now I ask you, if you had a friend that said, "You can borrow this blouse, but it will cost you $10 to wear it once", would you do it? I think not. Next time you are out shopping, use your CPW calculation to guide you. It may be better to spend $200 on those great heels that go with everything in your closet and are perfect for work, than to drop $15 on another tank top to join the thirty others in your closet. Here are some more reasons to buy into the Cost per Wear principle:

1. It will force you to consider how often you will really wear something and whether it complements other items in your wardrobe BEFORE you buy it
2. You will build a wardrobe filled with pieces you truly love
3. You will collect pieces that you value and will define your style for years to come

Next time you go out shopping, take your mental CPW calculator with you. Let me know how it goes!

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