It’s not a new concept. Fashion-loving folks have been using this formula for years, but it seems as though new life has been breathed into the theory of “cost per wear” on social media. And with the TikTokers spreading it like wildfire, it seemed like a good time to revisit the topic. But I must admit, that as once hard and fast devotees to this consumerist calculus, we at Valet. are now a little torn.
In case you need a refresher, the equation is simple. Take the total cost of the item, divided by the number of times it’s worn. The lower the CPW, the better the investment. It looks like this: You’re staring at a particularly nice pair of pants. They’re unique, well-made and versatile. The price tag says $460. But, because you love them, you plan on wearing said pants three times a week for the next year. This means your CPW comes out to a very reasonable $2.94. That’s less than a coffee, right!? Compare that to some lesser pants you’d pick up at a fast fashion brand for $65—a pair you wouldn’t be able to wear as often, that wouldn’t stand up to months and months of constant washings and that eventually would have to be tossed. Those three-buck-a-day pants start to seem like a bargain.
In this way, the concept of CPW is less of a mathematical calculation and more of a philosophy. At first glance, a quality piece might seem expensive, but if it can last for years and be worn in multiple ways, then the overall cost comes down, allowing you to really get your money’s worth. And that’s more economical in the long run.
This maybe isn’t for the guy trying to flex a new fit on social media. But savvy, stylish guys these days tend to value quality over quantity. You’ve heard the phrase, buy less, but buy better. This is that in action. The mindset frees you from impulse purchases that you often regret and a closet full of clothes you hardly ever wear.