Sustainable clothes often cost more at the till, which puts many people off. Cost per wear is a simple way to check whether the higher price is actually good value. It takes one sum and a bit of honesty about how often you really wear things.
The cost per wear formula
Divide the price by the number of times you expect to wear the item. A £20 top worn 10 times costs £2 per wear. A £60 top worn 100 times costs 60p per wear. The cheaper top is the more expensive one to own.
The numbers above are illustrative, not a promise. Your own wear count is what matters, so be realistic. Think about how many times a month you reach for similar pieces.
Where cost per wear works best
- Everyday basics such as jeans, plain tees, socks, underwear and knitwear, which you wear weekly.
- Coats and boots, which take hard use through a whole season.
- Anything you already own a similar version of and know you wear often.
Where it works less well
- Occasion wear, which is worn a handful of times whichever way you buy it.
- Trend pieces you may tire of quickly.
- Items that do not fit properly, because a bargain you never wear costs the full price per wear.
How to push the number down
- Check fabric and construction before you buy, not just the label. Our guides on sustainable jeans and hoodies and jumpers list what to look for.
- Follow the care label. Washing cooler and less often usually extends life.
- Repair small problems early: a loose button or a small hole costs very little to fix.
- Buy fewer pieces that work together, as in a capsule wardrobe.
It still has to fit your budget
A higher price is only worth it if you can afford it without stress. If not, buying second hand or waiting for a sale on a durable piece can get you much of the same benefit. See sustainable fashion on a budget for practical ways to do that.
The short version
Price divided by wears. Buy the pieces you will wear most, make them last, and ignore the rest. That alone can cut both your spending and your waste.